Simec Mining is an Australian Iron Ore mining owns and operates a 10 million tonne per annum iron ore mine in the Middleback Ranges in South Australia, approximately 60 kilometres from the town of Whyalla. These operations incorporate the Iron Baron, Iron Knob, and South Middleback Ranges mine sites..
The Brief
Simec’s positive displacement concentrate pumps were causing a number of failures in flange connections due to the dynamic forces created during the pumping process.
The Project
Ammjohn Solutions were asked to provide additional pipe braces to reduce the number and frequency of fatigue failures.
Our Scope
Ammjohn Solutions was effectively the Principal Contractor responsible for:
- Complete appropriate vibration modelling to inform the design of the braces
- Complete appropriate 3D laser scan of the areas to identify appropriate locations for the braces to be installed without impacting on the braces functionality
- Engaging an international pipe brace specialist to design and supply the braces based on the 3D vibration and 3D laser modelling
- Import the braces into Australia and get them delivered to Australia
- Complete proof of concept 3D vibration modelling of the installed supports/stiffeners
- Outcomes Delivered
Ammjohn Solutions were able to take a concept-level thought in a very challenging brown-fields environment and provide a solution to the problem presented. Additionally, the project achieved:
- A high standard of collaboration with the operations team at Simec Mining
- Engagement and collaboration with an international supplier previously unknown to Ammjohn Solutions
- A fully integrated collaborative project delivery team & high degree of stakeholder engagement
- A project delivered on time and within budget
- Key Attributes Demonstrated
Competency
Ammjohn Solutions acted as the PC managing the design development and material delivery to site. The outcome of the works was a success by achieving the desired outcomes.
Managing a challenging regulatory environment
Ammjohn Solutions worked closely with the client to navigate a protracted Simec Mining procurement process, including satisfactory payment terms for the international supplier.
Collaboration
Ammjohn worked closely with Simec Mining operations team, subcontractors and suppliers. This was an exercise in collaboration and negotiation by Ammjohn Solutions.
