The apparatus for manufacturing a tubular, sheet metal heat-insulating element (1) from a sheet metal blank (9) successively comprises, in a direction of travel perpendicular to the axis of the heat-insulating element to be produced, a drive unit (5) for conveying the blank (9) flat in the direction of travel (F), a set of shaping rolls (61, 62) comprising shaping rollers (65, 66) for forming a relief on the edge of the blank, and a roll-bending unit (7), situated immediately downstream of the set of shaping rolls, for roll-bending the blank comprising said relief. Firstly, reliefs are shaped on the edges of the blank by means of shaping rolls, then roll-bending is performed, preferably immediately thereafter and in the same operation, the edge-forming and roll-bending being carried out in a single pass.

A method for moving a packed column section about a remote manufacturing yard is provided. In one embodiment, the packed column section can include a first course, a second course, packing disposed within the first course and second course, and a plurality of distributors. The method can include the steps of placing the packed column section on top of a movable platform, the movable platform configured to support and distribute the weight of the packed column section; and moving the packed column section from a first point to a second point, the second point being in an open area adapted for stacking a plurality of packed column sections on top of each other to form a column.

A scaffolding assembly configured for use with an assembly table is provided. In one embodiment, the scaffolding assembly can include an inner scaffolding and an outer scaffolding, wherein the inner scaffolding and the outer scaffolding each include: a plurality of main posts having a lower end and an upper end; an extendible arm connected to each of the main posts, wherein the extendible arm is configured to extend substantially perpendicular from the main post; and a tertiary scaffolding support connected to the extendible arm and the main post, the tertiary support configured to transfer at least some of the force from the extendible arm to the main post, wherein the scaffolding assembly is configured to attach to the assembly table, such that the scaffolding assembly receives support from the assembly table.