CSR Bulk Loadout Facility
Project Description
Ethanol was historically transported by rail from the Sarina Distillery to the Mackay Harbour tank farm where it is transferred by wharf line to ships for export. The intent of this project was to reduce costs by installing a road tanker loadout at Sarina and unloading facilities at Mackay Harbour to replace rail transport.
The installed system is a driver operated highly automated bottom loading system configured for four dedicated grades of ethanol. Electronic metering, overfill protection, magnetic cards and automated tank valves ensure the correct grade is loaded into the vehicle. The Bailey DCS control system manages the grade of product in each tank, records loads and prints transport documents.
A complete switchboard replacement was performed at the Mackay Harbour tank farm including PLC control of the new road tanker unloading system and remote linking to the Sarina Bailey DCS. Automated valves, high level alarms and magnetic cards combined with PLC control automatically direct unloaded product to the correct tank for storage prior to export. Total project value was $1.5 million.
Timing
Construction was completed over a 6 month period whilst the Sarina distillation plant and Mackay Harbour tank farm remained fully operational. Commissioning was completed in February 2005.
TfA Contribution
TfA’s role including mechanical, structural and electrical detailed design, HAZOP co-ordination, procurement support, construction site inspections and commissioning.
