When a South Australian manufacturer of valves, hydrants and fittings expanded its facility with a new shed, it needed to ensure its compressed air infrastructure could keep pace.
The project required more than simply extending existing pipework. The new facility needed a compressed air ring main capable of supporting the required air demand, while existing machinery and air receivers also needed to be integrated into the updated system.
Mobile Compressed Air was engaged to deliver the compressed air infrastructure required to connect the new and existing areas of the site.
The Challenge: Extending Compressed Air to a New Facility
The manufacturer’s expansion involved the construction of a new shed alongside its existing operations. To make the new space operational, compressed air needed to be distributed throughout the facility while maintaining connections to equipment in the existing shed.
The scope included a new ring main installation, additional ring main works within the existing shed and the installation and connection of air receivers.
With compressed air supporting machinery across the site, the pipework also needed to accommodate the required air demand at the points of use.
Project timing was another important consideration. The compressed air installation needed to align with the wider facility expansion and be completed within the customer’s required timeframe.
The Solution: A 63mm Compressed Air Ring Main
Mobile Compressed Air recommended and installed a 63mm compressed air ring main, with the pipework selected to accommodate the site’s air demand at the point of use. The proposed solution also provided the customer with a competitive approach to completing the required infrastructure works.
The project brought the site’s compressed air infrastructure together by connecting the new shed, existing machinery and air receivers into the ring main network.
By looking at the compressed air system as a whole rather than treating the new shed as an isolated installation, MCA could provide the infrastructure required to distribute compressed air across the expanded facility.
Keeping the Project Moving
The installation initially encountered some challenges while the project was being managed through a third-party contractor.
The customer subsequently chose to work directly with Mobile Compressed Air, supported by MCA’s existing relationship with the business and its proven history of completing work for the customer. This helped simplify the process and move the project through to completion.
Importantly, MCA was able to work within the customer’s required timeframe, helping ensure the compressed air component of the facility expansion could be completed alongside the wider project.
The Outcome: Compressed Air Across the Expanded Site
With the installation complete, the new shed is now serviced by the compressed air ring main, with the site’s air receivers and existing machinery connected into the system.
The result is an integrated compressed air network designed to provide uninterrupted compressed air supply across the site, supporting both the manufacturer’s existing operations and its expanded facility.
The project demonstrates the value of involving an experienced compressed air specialist when expanding industrial facilities. From sizing and installing ring mains to connecting receivers and existing machinery, Mobile Compressed Air can support the compressed air infrastructure behind growing South Australian operations.
Planning a Facility Expansion?
Whether you’re adding new machinery, extending a production area or building an entirely new facility, the compressed air system needs to be designed around how air will actually be used across the site.
Mobile Compressed Air provides compressed air system design, installation, equipment, servicing and ongoing technical support, giving South Australian businesses one local partner for their compressed air requirements.