ExxonMobil Aromatics 2400 Volt Substation Replacement Project

In September 2003, ExxonMobil Chemical requested lump sum bids through ExxonMobil Chemical for electrical and instrumentation work to upgrade an aging substation serving the critical aromatics unit at its Baton Rouge facility. The bid package specified that a new 2400-volt substation was to be installed in the same location - an extremely congested area containing numerous high-voltage feeders.

ExxonMobil Chemical awarded Industrial Specialty Contractors LLC a lump-sum contract valued at $275,000 for all labor, supervision, equipment and materials. The project scope included all electrical and civil work necessary to replace the substation, modify the foundation and feeders, install power control systems and then test and cut over the new system with minimal interruptions in plant operations.

ISC was also responsible for scheduling, pre-check and review of the testing and commissioning procedures.

The project was organized in five phases. The first phase involved installation of temporary power for two 480-volt switch racks and two 2,400-volt motor starters. Pre-substation electrical and civil work was completed in phase two, which included disconnection and removal of power and control wiring. Also in phase two, two 3,750 KVA transformers with neutral ground resisters and foundations were removed and the existing foundation was modified to accept the new substation.

The old substation was demolished and removed in phase three. During phase four, ISC associates installed the new substation and two 2,400-volt transformers, two 5,000 KVA transformers, new HVAC/pressurization equipment and three new air conditioning units. Terminations, final power and control connections were completed in phase five, along with testing, commissioning and substation start-up.