Year In Infrastructure 2005

NEW TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION

Glass Condenser
Replacement
Projen

Projen’s GlaxoSmithKline condenser project involved the replacement of forty 12-year-old glass condensers tightly housed in nine chemistry pilot plant (CPP) modules at the R&D center in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The replacements are made of a safer, more robust metal design to ensure the continued production of new chemicals. The CPP modules represent more than half of the worldwide pilot plant capacity used to supply drugs for clinical trials.

The existing piping and layout arrangement in the modules is complex, space is at a premium, and a lot of equipment and piping had to be temporarily moved. Critical success factors included:

• Minimal interruption of operations • Implementation in 2005

• Delivery within the budget
A photogrammetric approach was employed
to develop 3D models of the modules using
dedicated software and AutoPLANT. This
aided visualization of the phased demolition
and construction, and assisted stakeholder
communication. The software has also been
used to generate detailed isometric drawings
of the pipe routes. The model has been
shown to be accurate to within a few mil-
limeters, minimizing rework of pipe spools
and components.

Suppliers and construction management were involved in the front-end development and model reviews, which shortened the design phase, minimized risk, and maximized opportunities. ;