When a fire broke out in the carbonate regeneration column in a major facility of Sasol, a leading South African coal, chemical, and crude$-$oil company, it was crucial to get it fixed immediately. It was determined that the damaged portion of the $19$foot$-$wide, $231-$foot$-$long column would have to be cut out and replaced before the facility could operate again. Time was of the essence, and only $40$ days were allowed for the repair project.

To achieve this unheard$-$of schedule, a number of special ground rules were established: