Project news

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Development of Mitchell Drilling Corporation Rod Loader

Practical Engineering was commissioned by Mitchell Drilling Corporation to advance the development of their rod loader concept. Increased safety, through a reduction in the manual handling of drilling pipes and collars, was seen as the major advantage of the rod loader’s technological development. The primary difference of this rod loader (when compared with industry ‘off-the-shelf’ products) was the ability to manipulate both drill pipe and collars. In order to work effectively with the rig and in drilling applications the rod loader needed to have: 140 degree rotation (standard rotation is 90 degree) Weight limitations Improved safety scheme AS4024 Mast mounted, but with capability to withdraw from the front of the mast when necessary. Improved maintenance accessibility. The Practical Engineering team of engineers and drafters produced a design and drawings for a rod loader that has proven very successful, and is currently in production for a number of Mitchell Drilling Corporation rigs.

Leighton Contractors and Wivenhoe Dam Spillway

Leighton Contractors engaged Practical Engineering to design, construct and install a platform to allow examination of post-tensioning anchors on the Wivenhoe Dam spillway. In the event of a spillway flood, the platform needed to be self-sacrificing without causing any damage to the wall. Practical Engineering provided: A platform with a shear pin failure for non-damage of the spillway during flood For installation, the platform performed as a manbox. The manbox was lowered (with personnel on board) into position where it was secured to the wall. All work plans for OH&S requirements Environmental plans, as dealing with water supply. The platform was successfully installed on time and on budget.

Water Treatment Plant

Brisbane Water Alliance required a continuous process vessel to allow a reaction of chemicals with a waste water stream. Practical Engineering was commissioned to design the process equipment, which included: 90 tonne silo with fluidization pads and rotary valve – batch preparation vessel Inventory control – load cells Reaction vessel Platforms for maintenance access to instruments and valving and inspection of piping Practical Engineering delivered the project on time and on budget.

Hanson Block Plant, Cairns

Practical Engineering was engaged by Hanson, Cairns to provide an upgrade to their besser block manufacturing plant. This included: The design of a ground bin, conveyor, overhead bin batching system for aggregate materials An upgrade of electrical installation to a PLC control system Project Management of installation and commissioning. Practical Engineering’s Project management and design team delivered the project on time and on budget.