CASE STUDY: Specialized Equipment Handling for Oil & Gas Infrastructure

IDI Services Provides Precision Movement of Critical Wellhead Equipment for Proserve

Client Profile

Proserve, a specialist provider of engineering services and equipment to the energy sector based in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, required expert assistance with the handling and transport of sophisticated wellhead equipment. With a reputation for delivering high-quality services and products to the oil and gas industry, Proserve relies on partners who understand the critical nature of their specialized equipment and the care required in its handling.

The Challenge

This project involved the movement of subsea Christmas trees (complex valve assemblies used on oil wells) from Proserve's workshop to their holding yard, presenting several specific challenges:

  • The Christmas trees contained sensitive pressure control components and precision-engineered valve systems
  • The substantial weight and awkward dimensions of the equipment required specialized handling methods
  • The complex structure of the Christmas trees included multiple delicate connection points and instrumentation
  • Standard forklift handling presented risks of damage to critical components
  • The equipment represented significant value, with each Christmas tree unit worth hundreds of thousands of pounds
  • Access pathways between the workshop and holding yard presented maneuverability constraints
  • The project required careful coordination to minimize disruption to Proserve's ongoing operations

The Solution

IDI Services designed a specialized approach leveraging our equipment handling expertise:

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning
Our technical team conducted a detailed assessment of the Christmas tree units, identifying optimal lift points, weight distribution, and handling requirements. Working alongside Proserve's engineering specialists, we developed a comprehensive movement plan that prioritized the protection of sensitive components while ensuring efficient transport.

Phase 2: Equipment Selection
Based on our assessment, we deployed our specialized jacking equipment and skate system, allowing for precise control during the movement process. This approach eliminated the risks associated with standard fork truck handling, providing a stable, controlled method of movement that distributed the load evenly and avoided stress on critical components.

Phase 3: Execution
Our skilled operators implemented the jacking and skating process with meticulous attention to detail:

  • Initially jacking the Christmas trees to the precise height required for skate insertion
  • Carefully positioning the skates to ensure optimal weight distribution
  • Executing a controlled movement from the workshop to the holding yard, navigating all path constraints
  • Constantly monitoring stability and alignment throughout the process
  • Precise positioning at the destination point in the holding yard

Throughout the operation, our team maintained close communication with Proserve personnel, ensuring alignment with their operational requirements and quality standards.

The Results

The project was completed with excellent outcomes:

  • Zero damage to any components of the valuable Christmas tree assemblies
  • Efficient movement completed within the allocated timeframe
  • Minimal disruption to Proserve's ongoing operations
  • Elimination of handling risks associated with conventional transport methods
  • Precise positioning at the holding yard, facilitating subsequent logistics
  • Complete satisfaction with all handling protocols and equipment care

Client Testimonial

"IDI Services demonstrated exceptional care and expertise in handling our specialized wellhead equipment. Their jacking and skating approach provided exactly the level of protection we needed for these high-value assets. The team's understanding of oil and gas equipment handling requirements was evident throughout, and their ability to work seamlessly within our facility while respecting our operational needs was particularly valuable."

  • Operations Manager, Proserve

The IDI Advantage

This project highlights IDI Services' specialized capabilities in handling complex and valuable oil and gas equipment. By applying our jacking and skating expertise to these critical assets, we provided Proserve with a handling solution that prioritized equipment protection while meeting all operational requirements.

Our understanding of the specific needs associated with subsea equipment, combined with our specialized handling capabilities, demonstrates why energy sector specialists like Proserve trust IDI Services with their most valuable assets.

For precision equipment handling that protects your investment while maintaining operational efficiency, contact IDI Services today.