www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I September 2023 37
Project
The Gara site .
with a period of political instability as a coup and subsequent sanctions in the ECOWAS ( Economic Community of West African States ) region disrupted the logistics chain . The construction of the refrigeration plant also came with a unique set of challenges such as changing the shipping route from Dakar port to Guinea port midway through the project and sourcing new quotations became necessary . A major supplier also went into liquidation ( fortunately only near the end of the manufacturing process ). The project team also collaborated with the mine to secure alternative clearing agents and transportation routes from Guinea to Mali . Despite the unforeseen challenges , the team persevered to ensure the project ' s success .”
Andhee points out that logistics played a crucial role in the project ' s execution . The team encountered obstacles not only in the region but also faced delays at the port in Durban following the historic floods in KwaZulu Natal . However , by adapting to the circumstances and exploring alternative solutions such as changing shipping ports , the team managed to overcome these logistical hurdles .
“ Health and safety considerations were paramount throughout the project . While Mali is known as a malaria region , the team took appropriate precautions to minimise health risks , and the quality of food was to a high standard ,” he adds .
BBE ' s expertise in multiple disciplines enabled them to adopt a holistic design approach , covering civil , structural , mechanical , piping , and electrical control and instrumentation aspects . The project ' s design phase took into account lessons learned from previous projects , addressing past challenges and incorporating innovative solutions . For instance , previous issues with blasting necessitated a shift from insulated panel structures to robust
Inside the plant room showing the respray pumps and refrigeration machine .
steel ducting , improving ventilation effectiveness and worker safety . Additionally , prefabricated components , such as an operator cabin with excellent thermal properties , were utilised to streamline on-site construction and enhance energy efficiency .
When it came to the design specifications and client brief for the project , the main emphasis was on incorporating lessons learned from previous endeavours . The team addressed issues encountered in the past , such as blasting problems , by opting for a more robust solution . The use of steel ducting , resembling a hammerhead , was a significant departure from the previous insulated panel structure . The steel ducting provided enhanced durability and improved performance .
“ To optimise construction efficiency , the components were meticulously designed and fabricated in South Africa . The steel sections were cut into sizes that could be easily transported in containers , while the panels were assembled on-site based on detailed drawings provided to the contractor .”
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I September 2023 37