14
Dec

Power station commissioning completed

Final commissioning work is completed at the APA Group-owned Diamantina Power Station.

Ferm Engineering’s team has developed water mist deluge, gas suppression and aspirating smoke detector system upgrades for the station, which is the primary power supplier for the Mt Isa region, in far north Queensland.

Covid-19 travel restrictions meant Ferm’s onsite work was expanded because NSW-based contractors could not travel to Queensland.

Ferm worked with mechanical engineering firm HAALD Engineering and engineering consultant QGE Pty Ltd on the project.

Ferm CEO Steve Burton said the work was hazardous because the power station was live throughout the implementation and commissioning.

The project demonstrated Ferm’s fire engineering design and supervision capabilities that enable it to provide cost-effective, creative designs for construction of pumping and piping systems, and ensure completed documentation meets all legislative requirements.

“We can deliver fire services design, supply, and certification from concept to completion, encompassing wet, dry, special hazards and passive fire protection systems to satisfy market demands in all Australian states and territories,” Steve said.

The project was particularly challenging because of strict protocols to prevent Covid-19 infecting Mt Isa and because Covid-19-related transport difficulties created parts shortages.

Ferm Engineering has since been awarded a similar project for the Stanwell Power Station, near Rockhampton, for turbine hall fire suppression upgrades.