The Objective
To complete the restoration and tank lining, TRL provided a team of specialised personnel to work in collaboration with the crew at Tango. Here’s a snapshot of our tasks:
- Provide continuous ventilation of the tanks utilising a portable ventilation system
- Complete a comprehensive preparation of the tanks including removal of the previous failed coating
- Handover tanks to Tango to complete any necessary welding of the steel tank shell
- Perform a comprehensive sandblasting of the tank interior
- Mechanically remove any excess rust and coating residue from hard-to-reach areas such as behind pipework
- Paint all interior surfaces with a two component, chemically resistant, high solids, high build epoxy phenolic tank lining coating
The Challenge
TRL’s project in Chinchilla was hampered by extreme weather conditions, which required strategic and proactive management. The harsh weather included intense heat and high humidity which resulted in the issues outlined below:
- The tanks were situation in an open site, exposed to full sun. During the day this created intense heat inside the steel tanks.
- The large fluctuations in heat and humidity made it problematic to apply the lining coating according to the production specifications.
The Solution
- A flexible operational schedule was adopted by the team on site at Chinchilla. On hot and sunny days during the preparation phase of the project, the team worked through the night instead.
- Nightshift was not always suitable for the lining application phase of the project as the high humidity during the night tended to exceed acceptable limits for the application of the lining product. The team therefore had to structure the process to ensure painting was completed at suitable times (typically from 5am – 11am).
Takeaways
The project at Chinchilla was completed successfully by adhering to several key objectives:
- Project Delivery
TRL ensured that each stage of the project was delivered on time, with effective communication to all stakeholders provided throughout the duration - Quality assurance
The tanks were regularly inspected during each phase of the operation, and the overall refurbishment was completed to a specific production standard. - Safety
TRL performed all works in accordance with established Safe Work Procedures and a specific WHS&R Plan. Our team have up to date first-aid training. - Minimising Risk
Our technicians and Engineering team at Chinchilla were comprehensively trained in Confined-Space Entry and Rescue, Gas Testing, and Operation of a Breathing Apparatus.
Conclusion
Through reactive planning and strategic management, the team were able to find workarounds for the extreme weather conditions.
