The Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter in Western Australia successfully completed a project to ensure compliance with Australian standards and codes for storage tanks. The project involved comprehensive documentation, on-site surveys, and testing to verify tank structural integrity, venting capacity, and diesel dispensing systems. CDMS’s systematic approach ensured safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance, demonstrating their commitment to delivering high-quality engineering services.
For further details on Storage Tanks services provided please contact the CDMS team on (+61 8) 9421 9060 or email us at info@cdmsengineering.com.
Project Brief
Outcome
The outcomes of the project included comprehensive documentation of each tank’s compliance status with relevant standards and codes. CDMS’s assessments provided assurance that the tanks were constructed and maintained in accordance with approved codes and industry best practices. Recommendations for any necessary corrective actions were provided to address identified non-compliance issues, ensuring ongoing safety and regulatory compliance at the KNS site. Overall, the project’s successful completion demonstrated CDMS’s commitment to delivering high-quality engineering services and ensuring the integrity of storage tank infrastructure.
Background
The Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter, located in Western Australia, was a key player in the region’s mining sector, focusing on nickel ore smelting and refining. It operated with a strong emphasis on safety and environmental compliance. Recent efforts included a project to assess the venting capacity of storage tanks, ensuring adherence to regulations for handling hazardous materials. This initiative reflected the smelter’s proactive approach to safety and regulatory compliance, essential for its role in both local employment and global nickel supply.
Project Objectives
The main objective of the project was to confirm that all storage tanks at the KNS site met the requirements specified in relevant Australian standards and codes. This included ensuring structural integrity, venting capacity, compliance with diesel dispensing systems, filling rates, and foundation design. By achieving these objectives, the project aimed to enhance safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in the storage and handling of diesel and ferric sulphate at the KNS site.
Challenges
The primary challenge was to ensure that each tank met the specific requirements outlined in the relevant standards and codes. This involved meticulous documentation review, on-site surveys, and testing to confirm compliance with structural integrity, venting capacity, diesel dispensing systems, filling rates, and foundation requirements. Coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including BHP archives, site personnel, and regulatory authorities, posed logistical challenges and required efficient communication and coordination.
Our Approach
CDMS adopted a systematic approach to address the complex requirements of the project. Our team conducted thorough reviews of BHP archives to gather original tank design information, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each tank’s specifications. On-site surveys were conducted to assess structural integrity, venting capacity, dispensing systems, filling rates, and foundation conditions. We employed specialized equipment and testing procedures to gather accurate data and conducted detailed analyses to verify compliance with relevant standards and codes.
