Global supplier of energy processing systems, Enerflex Process, has set an impressive industry standard, completing its Snowy Mountain project five weeks before the scheduled deadline.

Standard completion time for a project of this scope is typically 18 months. Enerflex took on the work under a 14-month agreement, and successfully finished it five weeks early.

The Mila project involved the installation of a mid-line compressor station at Bombala to boost the capacity of the Eastern Gas Pipeline in an effort to meet increasing demand for gas in New South Wales.

Enerflex Project Manager Alex Fox said that streamlining design and early purchasing of equipment were two key factors in the efficient completion of the project. “With Enerflex co-ordinating the design and engineering effort, we were able to better control this aspect of the project,” he said.

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The design phase was completed in Enerflex’s Western Australian office, with sub-contract design consultants based in the same office as the Enerflex project team.

“This was a novel approach for us, but it helped streamline the process, especially as we were required by the very tight schedule to progress engineering and long lead procurement in parallel.

“We focussed on critical design deliverables to allow purchase of key equipment such as actuated valves, inlet filters and power generation plant early in the design process, so that the project wouldn’t be held up by a delay in materials and equipment supply,” said Mr Fox.

The solar turbine and compressor were also shipped from the United States at commencement of construction, having been ordered well in advance by Jemena.

Enerflex reported zero lost time injuries and zero industrial relations issues during the construction of the compressor station.

The project also posed unique technical challenges for Enerflex. The Bombala site is located in a snow zone and at an elevation of 860 m above sea level, creating engineering challenges with regard to low ambient temperature.

On its part, Jemena conducted consultation with key stakeholders, obtained approvals and established alliance contracts for power supply, communications, SCADA control and security.

The Mila compressor station is the first of a number of proposed compressors that may be installed along the Eastern Gas Pipeline, to deliver greater gas capacity from the Bass Strait gas fields in eastern Victoria to New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

As a result of successful performance on the Mila project, Enerflex has been awarded two more contracts with Jemena on the Queensland Gas Pipeline.

Enerflex is an international company, offering fully integrated products and services delivery from concept to commissioning of engineered turnkey systems for natural gas compression and production facilities.