Asset Type
Solar Tower & Heliostat Field
Location
Primm, Nevada, USA
Project Scale
3 solar towers, 3 heliostat fields, 392 MW total capacity
Project Value
$2.2 billion USD
Project Duration
13 months (field machining operations)
Service Application
Field Machining – High Energy Piping and Valves
Pipework
4” x 0.280” wall to 74” x 4” wall, including high-grade chrome and P91 materials
Equipment Used
Hydratight NB Series Clamshell Lathes
Constructing the Ivanpah Solar Farm involved three 130 MW solar boilers and 173,500 heliostats across 3,500 acres. The prime contractor faced multiple challenges:
Pipework installed in extremely tight “fire box” locations, 380’ above ground.
Large variation in pipe diameters and wall thicknesses (4” x 0.280” to 74” x 4”), often made from high-grade, heavy-wall P91 steel to withstand high temperatures and pressures.
Pipe spools fabricated by multiple low-bid contractors, creating potential for misalignment or inconsistency.
Harsh environmental conditions with temperatures ranging from 30°F at night to 90°F during the day, causing expansion and contraction issues.
The project site was home to the endangered desert tortoise, requiring careful environmental stewardship.
Hydratight deployed our NB Series Clamshell Lathes, which were uniquely suited to the challenges of the Ivanpah project:
Compact, maneuverable design
Allowed precise operation within the tight confines of the solar boiler.
Lightweight & versatile
Reduced rigging requirements and allowed interchangeable parts for diameters from 4” to 36”.
Minimal training requirements
Support craft labor could quickly adapt, accelerating productivity.
Experienced project management
Hydratight’s team leveraged vast technical knowledge to prevent delays or operational issues.
Field machining operations completed on time and within budget
High-quality alignment and machining of large-diameter, heavy-wall piping in a challenging environment.
Zero operational issues due to Hydratight’s experienced project management and adaptable equipment.
Environmentally sensitive approach maintained compliance with HSE requirements, safeguarding the desert tortoise habitat.
Ready to tackle your most challenging piping and valve projects with precision and confidence? Contact Hydratight today to see how our field machining solutions can keep your operations safe, reliable, and on schedule.
