Offshore Flare Tip Replacement – OFON2 Platform, Total Nigeria

Flare tip handling 

Conbit’s flare tip handling method is characteristic of all its special lifting concepts. With different components, the team assembled a lifting configuration on-site to perform a challenging lift. Often the solutions offer an alternative to crane barges. However, with flare tip replacements, Conbit’s solution is an alternative to helicopters. 

The different aluminum components which form the lifting configuration were brought to the flare tip access platform. Conbit’s technicians then assembled the lifting system. They reefed the winch wire through the lifting system and performed the load test. The team incorporated the actual lift in the lift boom. This lift boom they chose had the capacity to rotate. 

No structural reinforcements or modifications were necessary for the entire project.

The solution 

The Conbit team linked the flare platform to the production platform with a bridge. The old and new platforms had to be transported over the bridge. Since the bridge could only be accessed during the shutdown period, the handling over the bridge had to be minimized. It was important to use a specially designed cradle to transport the new flare tip from the production platform to the flare tower. 

The team assembled the lift configuration on the flare tip access platform, integrating the lift winch into the lift boom. The lift frame was a single boom lift structure. They assembled the system from lightweight aluminum components, which have been used on many special lifting projects.

Conbit thanked the client and the platform operator for their great support and trust in its competence during the project.

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