Energy Partners (EP), the principal contractor for Clover Queensburgh’s compressor room upgrade, approached Reef Rigging on recommendation from Clover for specialist cranage, rigging, and installation services. This article tells the story of how the project was planned, what equipment was deployed, and why the collaboration between EP, Clover, and Reef Rigging delivered a successful outcome in one of the most space-constrained environments Reef Rigging has worked in.
The Challenge: Extreme Space Constraints in Clover’s Compressor Room
The compressor room at Clover Queensburgh presented riggers with an almost impossible working environment for heavy equipment installation. Space inside the room was minimal — insufficient for standard crane or forklift operations — while the equipment to be installed was substantial: multiple large screw rotary compressors, pressure storage tanks on elevated stands, and new evaporative condensers on the external rooftop. Every piece of plant had to be moved into position using specialist equipment selected specifically for its ability to operate in confined spaces.
How the Project Was Planned
Reef Rigging conducted a detailed mechanical survey before producing the installation plan. This covered the weight of each piece of new equipment, the rated capacity of all lifting gear available for use in the confined space, and a structural assessment of the building’s load-bearing capacity to confirm that the crawl beam and crane loads could be safely managed. The result was a documented installation plan that Energy Partners and Clover reviewed and approved before mobilisation.
Equipment Used for the Installation
The project required a tailored combination of equipment to address the different installation requirements within the project scope. A 100-tonne mobile crane handled the external work — removing old evaporative condensers from the rooftop and installing their replacements at height. Inside the compressor room, 7-tonne and 4.5-tonne low-mast forklifts handled horizontal equipment movement within the limited headroom. A crawl beam system installed within the building structure provided vertical lifting capability for the compressors and pressure vessels. Five-tonne chain blocks with 8-metre chain drops were used for controlled lowering and positioning. Together, this combination of tools made every aspect of the installation feasible within the space available.
Project Outcome
Nine 88-kilogram screw rotary compressors were installed on their plinths. Nine-tonne and 10-tonne pressure storage tanks were placed on their two-metre-high galvanised stands. New evaporative condensers were installed in their rooftop positions. The project was completed successfully, with Energy Partners confirming that Reef Rigging’s expertise and problem-solving approach delivered an outcome that met the programme requirements. Clover’s Queensburgh facility was returned to operation with upgraded, higher-capacity refrigeration and compressed air plant.
For complex equipment installations requiring specialist cranage and rigging in constrained industrial environments, contact Reef Rigging or explore our machinery installation services.
Frequently Asked Questions: Specialist Cranage and Confined-Space Rigging
What makes Reef Rigging suitable for confined-space industrial installations?
Reef Rigging’s suitability for confined-space installations comes from a combination of factors: a comprehensive inventory of specialist equipment (low-mast forklifts, chain blocks, crawl beams, hydraulic jacking systems) that can be configured for any space constraint; experienced rigging engineers who can develop an installation plan that works within the physical limitations of the site; and a track record of completed projects in some of South Africa’s most constrained industrial environments — including long-term partnerships with clients like Clover and Dunlop who operate technically demanding facilities.
How does Reef Rigging work with principal contractors?
Reef Rigging works collaboratively with principal contractors as a specialist subcontractor. This includes submitting all required health and safety documentation (method statements, risk assessments, COID registration, insurance certificates), attending project coordination meetings, integrating its work schedule with the broader project programme, and maintaining clear communication with the principal contractor’s site management throughout the project. Reef Rigging’s professional approach to contractor documentation and communication makes it a straightforward specialist to work with on complex projects.