HiLight H5+ light towers illuminate the way for AVAX SA and the construction of the Greece-Bulgaria gas pipeline

Construction Group AVAX SA has selected HiLight H5+ light towers from Atlas Copco for use on the prestigious gas interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (ICGB) construction project. These low-fuel consumption light towers are providing excellent luminosity, which is essential to ensuring workers have good visibility and can continue their operations efficiently both day and night.

The ICGB natural gas pipeline spans 182 kms and when completed will connect the Greek national gas systems in Komotini, Greece, with the Bulgarian national gas system in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. The project is part of the final Ten Years Development Plan (TYNDP) devised by the European Network Transportation System Operators of Gas (ENTSOG), which aims to establish a single market in Europe for gas.

The two-directional pipeline is expected to open at the end of 2020, with an initial capacity of three billion cubic meters of gas per year. Gas generated from Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz 2 gas and condensate field is set to be supplied to Bulgaria via the pipeline.

Delivering reliability and fuel-efficiency
To ensure construction operations can be carried out regardless of natural light levels, Avax SA needed reliable and robust lighting equipment that was fit for purpose and easy to operate. The lighting equipment also needed to be fuel-efficient so Avax SA could operate effectively.

The light towers were required to run for at least eight hours daily, but also continuously for up to four days when constructing in a tunnel for example. After careful consideration, Avax SA chose 10 HiLight H5+ towers for this vast construction project. The light towers were delivered at the beginning of February 2020 and put into immediate use.

“Completing this project efficiently is a top priority for Avax SA,” says Kostas Bakas, Sales Engineer at Atlas Copco’s Power & Flow Division. “A key factor in selection was the light tower’s low fuel consumption. The HiLight H5+ LED light tower can offer a run time between refuelling of 260 hours and consumes less than 0.5 litres of fuel per hour.”

A shining example
The HiLight H5+ design includes directional optic lenses that maximise practical light coverage while minimising dark spots. A single light tower has four LED floodlights each projecting 350W of light and the HiLight H5+ can illuminate an area of up to 5,000 m2; providing an average brightness of 20 lux. The LED lamps offer users higher durability without any deterioration in lux level and have a life expectancy of more than 50,000 hours.

“We ordered the HiLight H5+ light towers because we have used them before and know that they are easy to use and provide excellent light coverage. First and foremost, their low fuel consumption and maintenance allow us to save on fuel and increase our productivity, thanks to reduced downtime” explains John Joannou, Senior Procurement Manager, Plant Department at Avax SA. “Secondly, the HiLight H5+ towers have a great and clear luminosity during night operation compared to other manufacturer’s products.”

In addition, the light towers are mobile and easy to transport. The model’s compact size means 10 units can be moved on a standard 13-metre truck, and they can be easily set up wherever required on site.

There are 10 light tower models in the HiLight range which have been designed to offer the widest choice when it comes to finding the light tower that is right for an application.

“At Atlas Copco we provide a flexible and dynamic set of lighting options, while addressing all aspects of efficiency and safety,” continues Kostas Bakas. “By choosing the HiLight H5+ tower, Avax SA doesn’t need to compromise by settling on a one-size-fits-all solution. The construction company can also be assured of the robust build quality and compact size for which Atlas Copco is globally recognized.”