Howden Compressors, Renfrew - Manoon and Air Liquide Screw Package Builds

Project review

Project overview

Client: Howden Compressors Ltd
Project delivery partner: Global Fluid Controls Ltd
Location: Howden Compressor Plant, Renfrew, Scotland
Scope: Manoon and Air Liquide screw compressor package builds

Executive summary

Global Fluid Controls Ltd was contracted to undertake all small bore tubing installation activities associated with the construction of the Manoon and Air Liquide screw compressor packages at the Howden Compressor Plant in Renfrew.

The projects required the installation of high-quality instrumentation and pneumatic tubing systems to support the operation, monitoring and control of packaged screw compressor units destined for industrial applications. We provided the skilled workforce, technical expertise and quality assurance necessary to deliver the tubing installations in accordance with Howden's engineering standards and project specifications.

Through effective planning, skilled workmanship and close collaboration with Howden's engineering and production teams, all small bore tubing duties were completed while supporting production schedules and maintaining exceptional quality and safety standards.

Project background

The Manoon and Air Liquide projects formed part of Howden's compressor package manufacturing programme at its Renfrew facility. Both projects involved the assembly of complex screw compressor packages incorporating instrumentation, control systems, pneumatic circuits and auxiliary process equipment.

A critical element of each package build was the installation of small bore tubing systems used to connect instrumentation, control devices, pressure transmitters, regulators, gauges and pneumatic actuators throughout the package. Given the importance of these systems to compressor performance and reliability, Global Fluid Controls Ltd was engaged to provide specialist tubing installation services throughout the build process.

Scope of works

Tubing fabrication and installation

Measurement and fabrication of tubing assemblies.
Precision tube bending and forming.
Installation of stainless steel instrumentation tubing.
Pneumatic control tubing installation.
Process impulse tubing installation.

Fittings and connections

Installation of instrumentation fittings and connectors.
Assembly of compression fittings.
Installation of valves, regulators and manifolds.
Connection of pressure and control instruments.

Tubing support systems

Installation of tube supports and clamps.
Routing and securing of tubing systems.
Segregation of tubing from mechanical and electrical services.
Protection of tubing against vibration and mechanical damage.

Inspection and testing support

Visual quality inspections.
Leak testing support.
Punch list resolution.
Final package quality checks.

Our contribution

Skilled craftsmanship

Experienced tubing technicians were assigned to the projects, bringing extensive knowledge of compressor packages, instrumentation systems and small bore tubing best practice. Their expertise ensured that all tubing installations were completed to a consistently high standard, meeting both client specifications and industry expectations.

Quality-focused delivery

Each tubing run was carefully planned and installed to achieve:

Professional presentation.
Correct tube support spacing.
Accurate alignment.
Vibration resistance.
Ease of maintenance.
Long-term operational reliability.

Production support

We worked closely with Howden production personnel to ensure tubing activities aligned with the overall package assembly programme. Regular communication and coordination enabled installation work to progress efficiently alongside mechanical, electrical and instrumentation activities without adversely affecting production schedules.

Health, safety and quality performance

Global Fluid Controls Ltd operated in accordance with Howden's site procedures and internal safety requirements, including:

Risk assessment compliance.
Safe use of tooling and equipment.
Housekeeping management.
Manual handling controls.
Quality inspection processes.
Continuous supervision of installation activities.

The projects were completed without significant safety incidents while maintaining high standards of workmanship and quality control.

Technical achievements

High-quality tube routing - tubing systems routed to maximise accessibility and maintainability while maintaining a clean and organised appearance throughout the packages.
Reliability and integrity - correct installation techniques and fitting assembly procedures ensured leak-free systems capable of supporting long-term operational performance.
Vibration mitigation - particular attention was given to tubing support and routing arrangements to minimise the effects of vibration generated during compressor operation.
Package presentation - the finished installations reflected the high manufacturing standards associated with Howden compressor packages.

Challenges and solutions

Multiple concurrent build activities

The packages were assembled through coordinated mechanical, electrical and instrumentation activities, creating potential workface constraints. We maintained close communication with production teams and supervisors to ensure tubing installations were completed efficiently while avoiding conflicts with other disciplines.

Maintaining consistent quality standards

The projects required a high degree of precision and consistency across all instrumentation tubing installations. Experienced technicians were used throughout, with continuous inspection and quality verification carried out during the installation process.

Tight manufacturing schedules

As with many package-build projects, delivery programme milestones required efficient execution of tubing works. Careful planning, skilled resource allocation and proactive coordination allowed installations to be completed in line with production requirements while maintaining quality standards.

Project outcome

The company delivered:

Complete small bore tubing installation services.
High-quality workmanship.
Reliable and fully integrated instrumentation tubing systems.
Strong safety performance.
Effective collaboration with Howden production teams.
On-schedule support to package build activities.

Conclusion

The Manoon and Air Liquide compressor package projects demonstrated Global Fluid Controls Ltd's ability to deliver specialist small bore tubing services within a complex manufacturing environment. Through skilled workmanship, effective coordination and a commitment to quality, we supported Howden Compressors in the completion of two important screw package builds at its Renfrew facility - reinforcing our reputation as a trusted provider of instrumentation tubing installation services for compressor, process and industrial packaged equipment applications.