The big crane lifts get the attention, but much of the rigging on mechanical installation happens on a smaller scale: moving a pump into a congested bay, lowering a motor onto its baseplate, rolling a vessel section into position on skates, lifting an exchanger channel with chain blocks under a pipe rack. These lifts are frequent, often awkward, and easy to under-plan. Rigging support for mechanical installation makes sure they are done safely and without holding up the mechanical crews.
What does rigging support for mechanical installation involve?
It involves planning and carrying out the lifts, moves and positioning operations needed to install mechanical equipment, using cranes where possible and chain blocks, lever hoists, jacks, skates and other techniques where crane access is limited.
Typical rigging tasks during installation
| Task | Typical methods |
|---|---|
| Setting pumps and motors on baseplates | Mobile crane where access allows, otherwise chain blocks from lifting beams |
| Moving equipment into congested areas | Skates, rollers, jacks and winches |
| Positioning vessels and drums | Crane lifts with tailing for vertical items |
| Handling exchanger components | Chain blocks, beam trolleys, bundle extractors |
| Precision positioning during alignment | Jacking screws, small hoists, careful nudging |
| Removing and refitting parts during maintenance | Davits, lifting lugs, temporary beams |
Planning rigging support
- Identify lifting points from vendor drawings and confirm they are certified.
- Check the route from laydown to final position, including obstacles, floor loading and overhead clearance.
- Select the method based on weight, access and available equipment.
- Confirm anchor points for chain blocks and hoists; structural steel used as an anchor should be checked by an engineer if loads are significant.
- Prepare a lift plan proportionate to the lift, from a simple checklist for routine moves to an engineered plan for critical ones.
- Brief the crew on roles, signals and exclusion zones.
Lifting in congested and indoor areas
Compressor houses, pump bays and substations often have limited headroom and crowded floors. Permanent overhead cranes or monorails may be available but must be inspected and released for construction use. Where they are not, temporary beams and chain blocks are common, and each anchor needs checking.
Working with mechanical fitters
Rigging and installation crews must agree who controls the load at each moment. Riggers lift and position; fitters guide the final placement and alignment. Once equipment is set, fitters take over for leveling, shimming and alignment, using the skills described in skills for mechanical equipment installation. The overall installation process is covered in mechanical equipment installation planning and alignment.
Daily coordination between rigging and mechanical crews
The simplest way to avoid fitters waiting for riggers, or riggers waiting for equipment to be ready, is a short daily coordination between the mechanical and rigging supervisors. Agree which items will be moved, in what order, with which equipment and in which area, and confirm that foundations, access and permits are ready. Lifts that slip should be rescheduled the same day rather than left to compete with the next day’s work.
Protecting equipment during rigging
Precision equipment can be damaged by careless rigging. Slings should bear on designated lifting points, not on shafts, nozzles or instrument connections. Spreader beams keep slings from crushing delicate parts. Protective padding prevents coating damage.
Rigging resources for installation
Installation rigging needs its own crews, separate from the heavy-lift team, with enough chain blocks, skates, jacks and certified anchor points. Rigging team structure and competency are covered in rigging teams for industrial plant construction, and engineered lifts in heavy lifting and rigging coordination for plant erection.
Common rigging problems during installation
- Lifting on unrated points such as nozzles or motor eyebolts not designed for the combined load
- Unchecked anchor points on structural steel
- No route survey, leading to equipment stuck midway
- Rigging crews pulled away to other areas, leaving fitters waiting
Rigging support from Apex Core Engineering
Apex Core Engineering supplies riggers and rigging supervisors to support mechanical installation and maintenance through its skilled manpower supply service, alongside mechanical technicians and construction management for installation oversight.
Frequently asked questions
What is skidding or skating in rigging?
Moving heavy equipment horizontally on rollers or low-friction skates, often pulled with winches, where cranes cannot reach.
Can motor eyebolts be used to lift a complete pump set?
Usually not. Motor eyebolts are typically designed to lift the motor alone. Use the lifting points specified by the vendor for the assembly.
Who checks temporary anchor points?
A competent person, and an engineer where loads are significant or the structure’s capacity is uncertain.
Arrange installation rigging support with Apex Core Engineering.