Built Temperzone Tough

Temperzone’s reputation for building quality equipment that can withstand highly corrosive environments is continually being put to the test. Recently 4 Temperzone package units were installed on a power generation barge that supplies power to a gold mine, in an old volcano. Did we mention that the units on the barge are on racks that are open to all the elements?

Jackson and Jackson Refrigeration Pty Ltd in Cairns have a reputation for meeting the challenges posed by large, complex projects. And while this was, according to Installation Supervisor Dan Bradford, “just an air conditioning replacement job”, it was certainly in a unique situation.

The Newcrest Mine on Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea is on an extinct volcanic crater that is geothermally active, and is one of the largest known gold deposits in the world.

As Dan explained, they first had to remove 2 x 55kW and 2 x 45kW units which were rusted after just 5 years on the job. They then used a 200 tonne crane at full stretch to get the new units into position. The replacement units are 4 x 55 kW Temperzone package units with custom built Stainless Steel panels to withstand the elements.

As you can imagine, this is an incredibly corrosive environment. The units are mounted on racks on the barge and open to the full brunt of the salty sea air. Add to that the corrosive nature of gold mining and the sulfur gases leaking out of the volcano when they dig.

The units installed also have a very high level of anti-corrosive treatment including the epoxy coated evaporator and condenser coils.

According to Dan, “Temperzone’s Salt Spray Test results were sent to mine for approval before the deal was finalized. Those results combined with the stainless steel panels sold the client on the Temperzone units.

The power generation barge is permanently docked on the wharf next to the mine site. The barge provides power for 70% of the mine and township. The Temperzone units are responsible for the HV and LV control Switchrooms as well as the offices on the barge.

The barge was built in Singapore and sailed to PNG which at the time was a more efficient way to do it than building a power station on the island.