For many years Austral-Powerflo Solutions has offered infield servicing capabilities through the utilisation of modified sea containers, which have been extensively outfitted with features such as lathes, valve testing and sand blasting equipment.

The company was recently approached by a key provider in the coal seam gas industry to submit a proposal to perform infield servicing of large numbers of valves – of all makes, shapes and sizes – at various locations in midwest Queensland.

While the company would ordinarily have offered a customised container for such applications, this would not have been feasible due to the logistics of transporting the container across outback terrain. A site survey was conducted and the resulting field report included recommendations to Austral-Powerflo. The final result was a successful submission to complete the three-year project, which will commence in early June 2010.

Under the terms of the contract, Austral-Powerflo will be responsible for the inspection and overhaul of a variety of equipment, including control valves, pressure relief valves, and instrumentation. Much of this equipment may also require in situ testing with the latest portable valve testing equipment, to ensure that it meets the specifications of its original manufacturer.

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Becoming mobile

Due to the outback conditions and uneven terrain in which Austral-Powerflo’s staff would be working, the initial consideration while preparing for this project was mobilisation.

First, the company purchased a four wheel drive truck. This new asset then needed to be equipped in order to create a functional mobile workshop with all the essential valve servicing equipment.

The company resolved issues associated with the total weight of the truck and equipment required; the mobility and stability of the test gauges; designing a workable layout for the operations crew; and occupational health and safety. Careful consideration was also given to the extras that would be needed on board. In the end, the company purchased mounted air compressors, generators, and large testing equipment.

Challenges

A crucial part in the design of the vehicle was the generator. The company required an alternate power supply, which would generate sufficient electricity while still being compact enough to be positioned next to the air compressors. This was achieved through the use of a diesel-powered regulated output unit, which was selected based on its ease of storage during transportation, set-up and pack-up on sites.

Austral-Powerflo also experienced some challenges when it came to utilising space for storage, while still maintaining accessibility to the unit. Consequently, the overall weight and dimensions of the test rig are being reduced and the refit is on track for the commencement of the project.

Communication is key

With the aim of continuously improving operations, Austral-Powerflo encourages its technicians to provide input on the working environments of the truck and containers, to ensure these units are as user friendly as possible.

Austral-Powerflo also strives to accommodate customers’ unique site intricacies and will customise mobile workshops accordingly.