CarterHolt Harvey pipe bridge

Project Spotlight: Pipe Bridge Installation for Carter Holt Harvey Kiln Upgrade

As part of a major site upgrade at Carter Holt Harvey, a new continuous drying kiln was installed to increase efficiency and output. To support its operation, the kiln required a steady supply of hot oil from the existing plant infrastructure—presenting a logistical and structural challenge across a large area of the site.

The Challenge: Heat Transfer Over Distance

The process called for two large-diameter pipelines—one inlet and one outlet—to carry hot oil between the existing system and the new kiln. Given the distance between the two, Kernohan was tasked with designing, fabricating, and installing a pipe bridge over 72 metres long and approximately 7 metres above ground level.

The solution needed to account not only for the length and height of the structure, but also the significant weight of the hot oil pipework, particularly the 200NB Schedule 40 pipe carrying the oil at high temperatures.

The Kernohan Solution: Heavy-Duty Engineering, Precision Installation

To meet the structural demands, the bridge was fabricated from two 610 x 101 universal beams, braced together to create a rigid, load-bearing frame. The system was engineered in three large sections, each measuring approximately 24 metres in length and weighing around 5 tonnes.

These massive bridge sections were installed using a combination of twin Hiab trucks and a 60-tonne crane, depending on the position and access constraints for each lift.

A Safe, Sturdy Connection from Plant to Kiln

The final result is a robust and reliable pipe bridge that ensures consistent heat delivery to the new drying kiln—supporting performance while maintaining site safety and structural integrity.

This project is a strong example of Kernohan’s ability to engineer heavy-duty infrastructure solutions for industrial clients, combining thoughtful design with precise onsite execution.