Consolidated Crane & Rigging was contracted to provide turnkey heavy lift and transport services for the installation of two high-value reactor vessels at the Deer Park facility. Each reactor weighed 80,000 pounds and measured approximately 35 feet in length and 12 feet in diameter. Given the sensitive nature and value of the equipment—each unit exceeding $1 million—a comprehensive lift plan was developed in collaboration with the client’s engineering team, with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and schedule adherence.
The operation began at a nearby lay-down yard where the reactors were received and temporarily staged. Using hydraulic platform trailers equipped with self-leveling suspension systems, our crew safely transported the vessels from the storage area to the installation site. Prior to transport, detailed route planning and ground bearing calculations were performed to ensure the site could support the load weight. At the pad site, a tandem lift was performed using two cranes: a 250-ton hydraulic truck crane as the primary lift crane and a 100-ton assist crane for tailing. Each lift utilized custom-fabricated rigging assemblies that included 30-ton synthetic round slings, 50-ton wire rope chokers, and modular spreader beams to maintain proper sling angles and load distribution.
During the critical “upending” phase, the reactors were rotated from horizontal to vertical in a controlled dual-crane pick, with both cranes operating under a synchronized lift plan reviewed and approved by a certified lift director. All rigging hardware was inspected to ASME B30.9 and B30.26 standards, and a designated signal person maintained constant radio communication to coordinate crane movements. The final lift to set each vessel on its foundation was executed using the 250-ton crane configured with a full counterweight package and a 49-foot main boom extension. Load charts were strictly adhered to, and ground bearing pressures were monitored in real time using outrigger load sensors. Through thorough planning, experienced personnel, and adherence to best-in-class safety practices, both reactors were installed precisely, without incident, and ahead of schedule.
Our Cranes.
Our Crew.
Our Equipment.
We’ve been working hard on heavy commercial lifts in Southeast Texas and East Texas.
CRANES & RIGGING BACKED BY EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE & SUPPORT
We know how to safely and efficiently manage heavy lifts from start to finish.
We work closely with contractors or commercial construction clients to review lift variables, weather, and logistics to build a lift plan. When deadlines are tight, our experience and know-how allows us to provide clear timelines and contingencies to avoid unexpected delays.