NQGP Alliance member Thiess-Nacap JV had purchased four MISU screening units – two for Australia and two for Thailand. R&J Lord Excavations were subcontracted to Thiess-Nacap JV and approached MISU through them.
MISU knew they could set up a screen sufficient for gas pipeline use based on their experience in the USA and were confident that replicating this for the Australian pipeline industry would prove successful.
Richard Lord, of R&J Lord Excavations sought the same specifications for the units as those provided to Thiess-Nacap JV due to Richard’s close relationship with Thiess-Nacap JV on the project.
Fabrication and assembly of the unit took around three weeks with MISU’s normal Heavy Duty frame and components considered suitable for the task ahead. The unit was custom fitted to Richard’s Komatsu PC200-7.
The biggest challenge was ensuring that the unit was strong and reliable enough for the tough terrain and changing environmental conditions that were to be encountered on the NQGP project.
These harsh conditions, with many variable materials being screened, required heavy duty cleaning combs which were attached at the bottom of the unit (fines exit point), with the fingers of the combs between each rotor blade. The unit’s material engaging parts are constructed from Hardox 500, ensuring their longevity.
Speaking about the use of the MISU screening unit on the project, Richard said that it was important to note that the MISU bucket was a screening bucket rather than a crushing bucket as a crushing system could put hard splinters on the gas pipeline leading to potential coating damage.
He said that he had found the MISU bucket very good during his role backfilling tie-ins and bell holes behind the Ozzie’s padder. After recently completing the job, plans were made to return the machine to Hervey Bay.
“The MISU bucket had no trouble keeping up during the job. If a screening unit is too slow then you are always racing to catch up, this wasn’t the case with the MISU unit,” Richard said.
“Over the course of the pipeline we encountered various soil conditions from red clay to black clay to rock to sandy soil.
“The conditions changed rapidly and the MISU unit handled that well. There was a lot of black soil and the MISU bucket loved that. There were no problems with the bucket as long as you maintain it properly, which is going to be the case with any piece of machinery.
“Importantly, I found it a good product and easy to use. MISU provide an excellent back-up service and were there to give any advice when needed and overall, were great to buy from,” Richard concluded.
The team are MISU were excited to be involved in another successful Australian pipeline project following the utilisation of the MISU screening unit on the SEA Gas pipeline project last year.