Mipac is assisting with the commissioning of Xstrata Zinc’s plant upgrade in Mount Isa.
Integrated Project Solutions (IPS) had been contracted to deliver the plant upgrade, comprised of a new filter press and associated new plant equipment (storage tanks, pumps and process lines, conveyors and galleries).
On Xstrata Zinc’s recommendation, IPS engaged Mipac to assist with the completion of automation design work for integration of the press and associated equipment functionality into the existing plant control and monitoring system.
“Initially Mipac was engaged to carry out an audit of the electrical and instrumentation systems supplied as part of the new filter press vendor package,” Mipac Project Manager John Gowlett says.
“The Mipac audit report was delivered in early October 2012.
“Our role was subsequently expanded to include finalising the functional description, reviewing and modifying electrical designs previously carried out by others, designing and generating field cable block and termination drawings, equipment cabinets and associated electrical schematics, as well as programming the plant PLC and HMI.”
Mipac’s familiarity with site standards and procedures and its established links with relevant suppliers were also instrumental in Mipac being chosen to procure much of the field instrumentation required for plant automation.
Investigations were carried out in relation to the electrical design which included cable sizing calculations, fault level, touch potential and earthing studies. Mipac was also asked by Xstrata Zinc to carry out a lightning protection study and to review the protection settings on the existing motor control centre.
Mipac’s remit has now been expanded to include the electrical design, integration and commissioning of a new train wash system.
“Senior engineers Ashish Mahajan and Dave Wilson helped to commission the plant upgrade to stage one last month [May] and we expect it will be fully commissioned in July,” John says.
