14 JULY 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Keller Cuts Project Carbon Emissions by More than 90% Adapted from Information by Keller Keller, the world’s largest geotechnical company, is leading the sector in offering products and solutions contributing toward a more sustainable future. One example of this is in Singapore, where Keller has worked with ExxonMobil to construct more environmentally friendly foundations for a major refinery expansion project. Jurong Island is the heart of Singapore’s chemicals industry, home to more than a hundred oil, petrochemical, and manufacturing companies. Over the last 20 years, Keller built a strong, trusted relationship with ExxonMobil, delivering solid foundations for their developments in Singapore, with more than three decades of experience working on the development of Jurong Island. ExxonMobil is expanding its operations with the construction of a major new refinery - the Chemical and Refining Integrated Singapore Project (CRISP) - which will increase production of cleaner fuels with lower sulphate content. The company asked if Keller could find a better, more innovative way to do the job. Deepak Raj, managing director for Keller’s ASEAN Business Unit said, “The project had tanks and process plant structures such as pipe racks spread over an area of [more than 33 acres], and precast concrete spun piling would traditionally have been the choice for the foundations to satisfy the performance criteria.” Based on the engineering requirements for the structures and the soil conditions, Keller proposed an alternative hybrid foundation solution of deep vibro compaction to densify the top sandy layers, along with vibro stone columns to reinforce the soft clayey strata underneath. These methods together are around 35-40% faster and more cost-effective than traditional piling solutions, as well as much more environmentally friendly. “Piling contains rebar and concrete, so you need a lot of steel and cement materials, which use a lot of energy and produce high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to manufacture,” said Deepak. Keller’s engineers used a universal carbon calculator devised by industry bodies of the European Federation of Foundation Contractors and the Deep Foundations Institute to compare the piling proposal with Keller’s vibro solutions. A stark difference resulted, including everything from the diesel used to power machines and material production, right through to worker transportation and waste disposal. Keller’s vibro methods for the pilings were 92% lower in carbon dioxide generation, saving the equivalent of driving the average car around the earth 2000 times. Materials consumption accounted for only a small portion of the vibro carbon emissions total. Natural crushed stone used in the vibro method is far less carbon intensive than manufactured materials, produces no waste, and is lighter, reducing the number of trips needed to bring it to the site. Most of the emissions came from the diesel used to power Keller’s machines. But even there, Keller minimized its impact. The stone columns were installed with in-house designed and manufactured vibrocats, which are increasingly efficient and have lower fuel emissions compared to crane-hung rigs. Deepak said, “So if we can show how techniques are not only quicker and more cost-effective, but also much more environmentally friendly, that’s great for them, for us, and for the planet.” Editor’s Note: In between our print issues, the WWDRTeam prepares an electronic newsletter called E-News Flash. This newsletter is filled with articles not included in our print issue. Based on readership, this was the most popular article of the month. Get in on the action and subscribe today at: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com C&G Congratulations to: Kar la Smoot Preferred Pump Spr ingf ie ld, MO Winner for June! Time for a Little Fun! June Puzzle Solution: Unscramble the blocks of letters into two, related five-letter words. Win a prize! Send completed puzzle to: WWDRPO Box 660 Bonifay, FL 32425 fax: 850-547-0329 or e-mail: michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com HORSE BLOOD TOAST GROOM BUGGY SEVER BREAD BRIDE
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