Customised Solution for Fortescue, Port Hedland Site, WA

Background:

Fortescue has iron ore operations in the Pilbara, Western Australia which are connected by 760 kilometres of rail to Port Hedland. At Fortescue’s Port Hedland site, APAC and Fortescue collaborated to install a customised stainless steel 150kW APAC P150AHR3SA Packaged Unit. This tailored unit ensures efficient climate control for Fortescue’s Sample Processing Facility (SPF), which plays a critical role in testing ore prior to shipment at Port Hedland’s port facility.

Challenge:

Port Hedland, located on the northwestern coast of Western Australia, is one of the world’s busiest iron ore export hubs. However, it is also characterised by an arid climate with challenging environmental conditions, including warm temperatures, salty air, and pervasive dust.
These factors present significant challenges for HVAC systems:

• Dust Accumulation: Clogged filters and dirty coils reduce airflow and heat exchange efficiency, increasing energy consumption and system wear.
• High Temperatures: Strain on HVAC systems leading to increased maintenance needs and potential breakdowns while impacting thermostat accuracy and refrigerant performance.
• Salty Air: Coastal conditions accelerate corrosion, reducing system reliability and lifespan.

Given these conditions, a standard HVAC solution was not viable. Fortescue required a customised system designed to withstand these harsh environments while ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and long-term operational efficiency.

Solution:

APAC’s extensive range of factory-fitted options makes it the ideal partner for projects requiring bespoke HVAC solutions. For Fortescue’s Port Hedland site, APAC delivered a customised stainless steel P150 Packaged Unit designed to meet the site’s unique demands.

Key customisations included:

• Stainless Steel Casing: Provides superior corrosion resistance, heat tolerance, and durability in dusty, coastal environments.
• Enhanced Coil Protection: Blygold coating ensures coils resist corrosion and maintain optimal heat exchange efficiency over time.
• Electrical Panel Modifications: Touch protection and external phase indicators enable real-time monitoring and preventive maintenance.
• Access and Maintenance Features: Isolation valves, cam locks for access panels, and coil guards simplify maintenance and enhance operational safety.

Collaboration was central to the project’s success. Working closely with Fortescue and Coldpoint Refrigeration, APAC facilitated seamless communication between the manufacturer, client, and contractor. This teamwork ensured a smooth project delivery and resulted in a durable, efficient HVAC solution tailored to Fortescue’s requirements.

The Outcome:

APAC’s customised solution has equipped Fortescue’s Sample Processing Facility with reliable and efficient climate control. Designed to withstand Port Hedland’s extreme conditions, the system delivers long-term durability and cost savings through reduced operational expenses and maintenance needs. This project underscores APAC’s expertise in providing tailored HVAC solutions that meet the highest standards for performance and reliability.