Braid found its way over the bumps, hills and obstructions to deliver two Heat Recovery Steam Generators to a leading oil refinery.
The first module was 16’7” tall with a gross vehicle weight of 499,000 pounds and the second module 15’3” tall, 513,000lbs gross vehicle weight. The overall length of each load was 248’ (about 76 meters).
The difference in height required 2 different routes. While a regular load would travel the distance from shipper to receiver within 39 minutes, it took over 7 hours for the heaviest unit to complete a 117-mile journey.
Moves were performed during nighttime hours and in rainy conditions. Despite the weather challenges, Braid safely manoeuvred through 20 turns, 1 roundabout and lowered the trailers to clear a bridge.
Loads moved in slow motion and constant communication was required between push and pull tractor drivers to operate these specialised rigs at an optimal speed. At the job site, the modules were transferred onto a 12-line Goldhoffer SPMT and taken to their final laydown areas. With the help of the state patrols, field supervisor and route surveyor, the critical loads were delivered to their final destination without incident.
“After months of preparations, we are proud and happy to see that the operations turned out to be a great success” said Mr. Gus Chalos, President of Braid Projects.
