Industrial, Process & Energy

Etileno XXI Petrochemical Complex

Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico

Project overview

Etileno XXI was one of the largest petrochemical developments constructed in Latin America, built at Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz, Mexico, to produce ethylene and polyethylene at world scale. The complex comprises a cracker together with polyethylene lines, utilities, storage and supporting infrastructure across a very large site.

The structural steelwork scope on a project of this magnitude covers process unit structures, pipe racks, access platforms, stairs and ladders, and associated industrial buildings. Structures are dimensioned around the process equipment they carry, with loads from vessels, exchangers and pipework, thermal effects, and seismic actions appropriate to the region. Because material was fabricated remotely from the site, dimensional accuracy, marking, packing and shipping sequence were as important to delivery as the analysis itself, and interface control with the process and piping disciplines was continuous throughout.

Carl contributed to the structural steelwork engineering and delivery of the project while employed at William Hare Group.

Project highlights

  • World-scale ethylene and polyethylene complex
  • Structural steel process unit structures
  • Pipe racks and access structures
  • Remote fabrication and shipping sequence
  • Multidisciplinary interface control

Project snapshot

Sector
Industrial, Process & Energy
Location
Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico
Employer at the time
William Hare Group
Carl's role
Structural Design Engineer
Structural form
Structural steel process plant, pipe racks, access structures and industrial buildings.
Engineering services / scope
Structural steelwork engineering, connection design and fabrication support.

Engineering challenge

World-scale process plant fabricated in the UK for construction overseas, demanding rigorous interface control with process and piping disciplines and exacting dimensional accuracy before shipping.

Prior professional experience

Experience gained while employed at William Hare Group, prior to the formation of Bebbington Engineering Studio Ltd.

Gallery

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