Global energy processing systems supplier Enerflex Process has completed its Snowy Mountain project five weeks before the scheduled deadline of a 14 month agreement.

The Mila project installed a midline compressor station at Bombala to boost the capacity of the Eastern Gas Pipeline in an effort to meet increasing demand for gas in New South Wales.

Enerflex Project Manager Alex Fox said that streamlining design and early purchasing of equipment were two key factors in the efficient completion of the project. The design phase was completed in Enerflex’s Western Australia office, with subcontract design consultants based in the same office as the project team.

Mr Fox said “This was a novel approach for us, but it helped streamline the process, especially as we were required by the very tight schedule to progress engineering and long lead procurement in parallel.

“We focussed on critical design deliverables to allow purchase of key equipment, including actuated valves, inlet filters and power generation plant early in the design process, so that the project wouldn’t be held up by a delay in materials and equipment supply.”

The solar turbine and compressor were also shipped from the USA at commencement of construction, having been ordered in advance by Jemena. Enerflex reported zero lost time injuries and zero industrial relations issues during the construction of the compressor station.

The project posed unique technical challenges. The Bombala site is located in a snow zone and at an elevation of 860 metres above sea level and the low ambient temperature provided a demanding environment for engineers.

Jemena conducted consultation with key stakeholders, obtained approvals and established alliance contracts for power supply, communications, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) control and security.

The Mila Compressor Station is the first of a number of proposed compressors that may be installed along the Eastern Gas Pipeline, to deliver greater gas capacity from the Bass Strait gas fields in eastern Victoria to New South Wales and the ACT.

Following the completion of the Mila project, Jemena East has awarded Enerflex two more contracts on the Queensland Gas Pipeline.