The Moomba Carbon Capture and Storage (Moomba CCS) project is Australia’s first large-scale onshore carbon capture and storage project, safely storing up to 1.7 million tonnes of CO2 per year in the same geological reservoirs that have held oil and gas in place for tens of millions of years and thereby helping to reduce emissions.
The project uses a compressor shelter as part of its carbon capture and storage process, but it had become significantly damaged by a huge storm, so Williams Metal Fabrications was selected to repair the 20.8m x 13m x 20m structure.
Our tasks included:
- Removing all damaged cladding and re-cladding the structure
- Hiring a sheet lifter from Cladboy Australia to lift the 14m long wall sheets into place
- Engineering a roof work platform to allow for safe work on the roof sheets (at 20m high)
Challenges
The biggest challenge on this project was the heat. During the first week, the team worked 11-hour days in 45-degree temperatures, and the compressor ran extremely hot. Power tools frequently shut down due to the heat, prompting a switch to night shifts – when it was only (!) 38 degrees.
Communication was another hurdle, with the compressor operating at 120 decibels. Workers had to wear double hearing protection, along with hard hats, sun protection, two radios, and a gas monitor. The team quickly became experts in sign language!
Client
Downer
Location
Moomba Gas Plant, Cooper Basin, SA
