Introduction
R-KAE Maintenance Solutions is a mechanical maintenance services company specialising in the commercial and industrial sectors throughout Queensland. From our humble beginnings in 2016 servicing farming contractors in North Queensland, we have expanded our horizons to who we are today. From power generation facilities in Western Queensland to preventative maintenance works locally, we consider every job as important and give it our 100% to ensure customer satisfaction.
Background
R-KAE Maintenance Solutions were contacted to assist in the relocation of a used cooking oil refinery; the business was moving locations due to the 2022 Queensland floods, which caused a lot of damage to their previous facility and reaching their end of term lease. This relocation was in a limited budget and timeframe. R-KAE’s client had continued servicing their clients in the wake of this natural disaster, so static storage was required while the build was being completed. The available storage was about 8 weeks of non-production.
Solution & Results:
On a previous project, R-KAE Maintenance Solutions engaged Ibex Australia to assist with a remote oil storage tank on a power generation site. They knew that welding their pipe to create lines was labour intensive and would blow out the project timeline. This project was also restricted by a small area and the machinery being LNG powered, so to perform hot works like welding would have required an extra spotter/firewatcher and most hot works to be performed remotely off-site. The press fit technology removed the requirement for hot works and extra labour and allowed the project to save approximately 40% overall in duration. It also allowed flexibility with the final fit-up as it could be pressed in-situ, saving on having to accurately calculate angles and flange orientation.
That’s why R-KAE Maintenance Solutions opted to used Ibex Australia’s Express 304L Stainless Steel Press Fit System for oil lines, waste lines and condensate return lines from in-tank heat exchangers. The 462m of pipework within this facility (250m of that being time-critical oil lines) was completed by a team of 2 installers – which allowed the boilermaker to focus on the steam lines and tank modification works. The critical pipework delivered by Ibex Australia was completed in just over 6 weeks, allowing the new facility to receive and store product while the old site was disassembled and moved.
Testimonial:
“Colin & the Brisbane team are always super helpful and respond fast. The Express pipe system is easy to use & has a vast range of capabilities. Price is competitive and the range is high quality”
– Robert Simmonds, Managing Director, R-KAE Maintenance Solutions
