Projects
After running around the clock for 18 years, it was finally time to
refurbish the base and equipment in South Africa’s SANAE IV base
in Antarctica — no easy task considering the remote location and
extreme weather conditions.
1
S
outh Africa has a long and successful history in Antarctica;
contributing significantly in the scientific field to the
international and local communities. When the South African
National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) III base reached the
end of its lifespan, a new base was planned by the Department
of Public Works (DPW). The planning as well as architectural
and electrical design of SANAE IV was done by DPW, with the
structural design by Endecon and the design of the mechanical
systems by GH Marais and Partners (merged with Royal
HaskoningDHV).
DPW teams started the construction of the SANAE IV
base during the 1995/1996 Antarctic summer season, and
construction and commissioning were completed during the
1996/1997 season.
SANAE IV has been constructed on a rocky outcrop,
Vesles Karvet (Norwegian), and consists of Blocks A, B, and
1.
2.
Heat exchangers and circulation pumps nestled between
the FCU and domestic hot water tanks. Note the
ventilation duct.
Diesel bunkers – view from the north-west.
2
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RACA Journal I January 2019
www.hvacronline.co.za