Underwater Pelletizing System

This is just one of the many underwater pelletizing system projects we have successfully performed. If you would like more information on our full breadth of experience and expertise, please reach out to our team today.

Key Insights

  • The EPC package included detailed designs for piping/mechanical, civil/structural, and E&I construction. 
  • Other deliverables included 3D modeling, fabrication, and procurement of equipment/materials.

INTRODUCTION

The project in La Porte, Texas aimed to improve the client's facility process by installing an advanced underwater pelletizing system. H+M Industrial EPC assumed full project responsibility, including engineering across all disciplines, equipment procurement, fabrication, and construction.

The Problem

Integrating advanced pelletizer technology into the existing facility process while ensuring smooth operations during the installation of new technology.
Managing this material transformation process required comprehensive evaluations, design expertise, meticulous oversight, and cross-team collaboration throughout the project.

Challenges

  • Process verification: Due to the process-driven nature of the underwater pelletizing system, the H+M team needed to verify the original process plans to ensure the new design was successful. The initial evaluation involved critical components such as head tank and paste pumps, underwater cutters (pelletizers), static mixing heat exchangers, and cooling tower water manufacturing lines, among other elements.
  • Fabrication and stress analysis: A more involved fabrication and welding process, as well as additional stress analysis, were necessary for the successful inclusion of jacketed pipe because of its more intricate design.
  • Adapting to travel limitations: Travel limitations imposed challenges during the project, which H+M teams mitigated through alternative methods such as virtual factory acceptance tests. These measures ensured the acceptance of equipment.
  • Overcoming procurement delays: Procurement delays caused by market disruptions in 2020 made meeting the project deadline challenging. These challenges required proper project planning, effective communication, team agility, and a solid working relationship with the client to overcome.

Outcomes

The outcome of the underwater pelletizing system in La Porte, TX included the following:

  • Continuing operations at the facility: H+M ensured the construction schedule did not interfere with the facility's ongoing operations by maintaining open lines of communication and closely collaborating with the client.
  • Timely project completion and client satisfaction: The project was completed within the estimated 14-month time frame and by the targeted completion date. The adherence to the schedule, effective project management and communication, and a strong partnership with the client all contributed to their satisfaction with the H+M team and the project's outcome.

Project Comments

“H+M provided a wide range of services, including comprehensive evaluations, design expertise, meticulous oversight, and cross-team collaboration throughout the project. Despite material challenges, our project team delivered on-time completion without disrupting operations.”
David Bull
Sr. Project Manager C

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“For more than 35 years, we have provided leading capital project execution services to the energy, chemical, and terminal and logistics industries. We would love to sit down with you and discuss your design-build, engineering, and construction needs.”
Robyn Hall
Marketing Director
832-558-6212
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