Case Study: Ashburn, Virginia 500,000 Gallon Thermal Energy Storage Tank (Contractor: Natgun Corporation & Engineer: CCG Facilities Integration Inc., Owner: Dupont Fabros, Parkersburg, WV)
The Challenge
A Cohen Industrial Supply Company client needed a large bill of material of 36-in. steel pipe, fabricated and delivered to a jobsite in Virginia on very short notice. The client had a firm deadline just two weeks from the date of the call and would incur significant additional costs for per diem crane rental if this deadline was missed.
The Solution
Cohen quickly gained an understanding of the client's needs and reviewed the time sensitive nature of the project. Mobilizing its supply chain partners, Cohen was able to immediately source the materials from its vendors and arrange logistics for delivery. Simultaneously, Cohen called upon its in-house fabrication operations to work through a holiday to meet the client's deadline. As fabricated pieces were completed, they were loaded onto sequentially scheduled waiting trucks to ensure rapid delivery to Virginia.
The Results
The client received all needed materials a day prior to the deadline. Cohen's quick, comprehensive and accurate response saved the client time and money by assuring their crane was not idle and crews were not waiting for material to arrive. The client continues to rely on Cohen over local area vendors for projects across the county because of this proven ability to execute.
Case Study: Turkey Creek WWTP City of Houston, Houston, Texas 2008
(Contractor: Industrial TX Corp. & Engineer: Binkley and Barfield)
The Challenge
A Cohen Industrial Supply Company client was hired by the City of Houston to complete a broad scope of work on a large waste-water treatment plant. The project comprised installing new blower and air piping to supply four aeration basins, as well as piping to refurbish three clarifiers and supply piping for one new clarifier Additionally, the project required upgrades to airlift pumps and replacement of leaking joints at existing underground ductile iron air lines.
The Solution
While broad in scope, what was truly unique about this project was the need to do shop drawings and to supply ductile iron pipe for a system that had to remain in operation while tie-ins were done throughout the project. Challenges included approximately 400 pipe taps that required precise positioning to ensure they mated with the installation of the new aeration diffuser system. Pipe supports and wall braces also had to be designed and fabricated to strict standards to allow proper fitting to existing structures and allow for proper positioning.
Cohen was able to provide its client with a complete, turn-key materials package, from the intricacies of complex engineering drawings to final fabrication services. Cohen's full range of in-house capabilities assured the presence of necessary coordination to achieve the precise tolerances required by the project. Moreover, Cohen worked closely with its client to develop and implement the fastest and safest method of installation. This was achieved by pre-assembling and bolting entire pipe runs on the ground and then lifting them into place. Underground repairs to the air system were also completed while the plant remained in operation through bypassing the existing air system. At the same time the leaking pipe joints were excavated and repaired.
The Results
Ultimately this complex project was completed on time, within budget, and with no fabrication errors. The client also saved a significant, but unspecified, dollar amount by avoiding waste and interruptive shutdowns.
