In this exclusive case study, Fortescue works with Rinnai to install a new customised stainless steel 150kW APAC P150AHR3SA Horizontal Packaged Unit.
Background:
With a legacy spanning over 45 years and the support of Rinnai, APAC provides tailored commercial HVAC solutions, engineered with consultants, building owners, facilities managers and installers in mind.
Australian designed and built, APAC’s expertly crafted systems have one of the lowest costs of ownership in their class supporting both new developments and the replacement market.
Established in 2003, Fortescue is the technology, energy and metals group accelerating the commercial decarbonisation of industry rapidly, profitably and globally. Now shipping at an annual rate of over 190 million tonnes, Fortescue has iron ore operations in the Pilbara, Western Australia which are connected by 760 kilometres of rail to Port Hedland.
Given the environmental factors experienced at the Fortescue Port Hedland Site, APAC and Fortescue collaborated on installing a new customised stainless steel 150kW APAC P150AHR3SA Horizontal Packaged Unit. This unit provides efficient climate control for Fortescue’s Sample Processing Facility (SPF) which plays a crucial role in loading ore onto ships at Port Hedland’s port facility.
Challenge:
Port Hedland, located on the northwestern coast of Western Australia, is known as one of the largest and busiest iron ore export ports in Australia. It is also recognised for its arid climate and challenging environmental factors such as warm temperatures and salty air.
These conditions can compromise the efficiency, reliability and longevity of mechanical equipment, particularly HVAC systems.
Dust accumulation can lead to clogged filters and dirty coils, which hinder airflow and heat exchange, forcing systems to work harder and consume more energy.
High temperatures can strain the systems, resulting in increased wear and potential breakdowns, while also affecting thermostat accuracy and refrigerant performance. In coastal areas like Port Hedland, salty air can cause corrosion of metal components, further decreasing efficiency and requiring more frequent maintenance.
These unique environmental conditions meant that Fortescue could not simply select an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution. The project called for a customised solution robust enough to withstand harsh environments, provide optimised performance and deliver long-term cost savings through lower operational expenses and enhanced energy efficiency.
Solution:
APAC offers a vast range of factory-fitted options to provide customised solutions for almost any commercial or industrial project. This meant that APAC was the ideal partner to meet Fortescue’s high standards and overcome the site’s challenging environmental factors.
A key customisation to APAC’s SS150 packaged unit was the stainless steel casing which offers corrosion resistance, heat tolerance, dust resistance and high mechanical strength.
Other tailored modifications included touch protection on the electrical panel, isolation valves and cam locks for access panels and coil guards. Blygold coil coating was utilised to enhance protection against corrosion and environmental damage, prolonging the life of the coils and maintaining optimal heat exchange efficiency.
External phase indicators were added to provide crucial real-time monitoring of the system’s electrical health, allowing for early detection of phase issues and facilitating preventive maintenance.
Collaboration was a key factor in the successful delivery of the project. With Coldpoint Refrigeration, being a supporter of APAC, the collaboration between the manufacturer, client and contractor fostered effective communication and cooperation.
This synergy contributed to a smooth and professional solution that will deliver reliable operations, durability and efficiency for Fortescue for years to come.