Tesoro is an independent refiner and marketer of petroleum products in the United States. The Salt Lake City Refinery began operations in 1908 and now operates as the largest refinery in Utah with a total crude-oil capacity of 58,000 barrels per day. The Tesoro Tail Gas Unit project was the installation of a new modular Tail Gas Unit (TGU) at the Tesoro refinery located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Tail Gas Unit project consisted of the installation of three 95’ process towers and ten pre-fabricated 120,000 lb. modules. We installed the towers, modules, equipment, piping, piping tie-ins, instrumentation, electrical and structural steel for the unit. Mechanical, electrical, and civil construction were ongoing simultaneously causing the TGU area to be extremely congested. Brahma’s experienced project management team provided precise planning and coordination between crafts to ensure an efficient and safe work environment.

Along with ensuring safety through planning and coordination in a congested environment, Brahma took safety on the TGU project beyond industry standard safety procedures. We implemented a mentor program that teamed less seasoned workers with more experienced Brahma personnel to ensure our culture of safety trickled down the line. We also utilized a personal mounted helmet camera to provide a live video feed and record events as internal components of the process towers were removed, inspected and installed. Utilizing the helmet camera increased safety by reducing the number of confined space entries and individuals that were required to enter the tower simultaneously ensuring real time quality control.  In addition to the helmet camera, we saved thousands of dollars and reduced on the job risk by quickly procuring a specialized bore scope which allowed the demister pads of the towers to be inspected without having to disassemble the towers or perform a confined space entry.

Quality and craftsmanship on this project were second to none. Brahma ironworkers, pipefitters and electricians stepped up to overcome a very congested work site and exhibit quality craftsmanship. The Tail Gas Unit will serve to further scrub gases from the refining process to ensure the emissions from the refinery are reduced and less waste is produced by the process.