Method for moving and aligning heavy device

A method for laterally replacing a heavy component of a plant assembly, the method comprising:

• disconnecting the heavy component from other components of the plant assembly and from a base plate to which the heavy component is fixed;
• lifting the heavy component above the base plate with a lifting system provided within the base plate;
• connecting at least a pair of removable rails to the base plate, under the lifted heavy component, such that the at least a pair of removable rails extends at substantially a right angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the heavy component;
• connecting the at least a pair of removable rails to a trolley disposed next to the base plate such that the at least a pair of removable rails spans between the base plate and the trolley;
• displacing the heavy component until the heavy component is above the trolley;
• lowering the heavy component on to at least a pair of pads coupled to a crawling mechanism disposed on the at least a pair of removable rails;
• and
• laterally moving the heavy component from the base plate and the other components of the plant assembly by actuating the crawling mechanism, wherein the at least a pair of pads is in direct contact with the removable rails, and are configured to slide directly on the at least a pair of removable rails.