Four, 40-person ChemSAFE Standard Design safe havens were installed and commissioned at Yara Pilbara Fertilisers, located at the Burrup Peninsula near Karratha in Western Australia.
The AUD$700 million Pilbara operation is one of the world’s largest liquid ammonia facilities, with a production capacity of approximately 850,000 metric tons annually. Liquid ammonia is a raw material utilised in the manufacture of fertilisers; with the output from the plant being sold in the Australian domestic market as well as exported into Korea, Indonesia and other SE Asian markets.
Custom Engineering a Chemical Shelter
MineARC worked closely with the project contractor, Timik Developments, to engineer and manufacture a technologically advanced ChemSAFE Safe Haven solution that met all of their requirements.
By request, the custom chambers are equipped with fixed gas monitoring, capable of testing for ammonia both internally and externally. They also feature MineARC’s unique Automated Oxygen Delivery System (AODS), designed to maintain a safe, breathable atmosphere within the safe haven. Once activated, the AODS disperses measured amounts of oxygen into the refuge, maintaining levels between 18.5% and 23%.
Anhydrous Ammonia Protection
Yara’s custom ChemSAFEs are engineered to withstand the harsh outdoor environment of the Pilbara, with 50mm insulated walls & flooring and protective paint. In addition, each ChemSAFE features a custom six-person, push-button internal vestibule, allowing site personnel to move safely between outside elements and the safe haven during an emergency by eliminating the chance of contaminated air entering the main chamber.
The ChemSAFEs are equipped with the following additional features:
- Series IV Scrubbing System with pre-packaged CO2 chemicals
- 5psi blast rating
- 5mm (1/4”) steel plate construction with external steel support wraps and skid base
- Air conditioning and dehumidifying
- Internal lighting / external warning lights and siren
- Custom-engineered mount for site’s antenna installation
- 12 hr minimum backup power supply (UPS)
MineARC remains at the forefront of the latest safe haven technology, providing sites with optimal safety features, functionality and performance to meet individual customer requirements.