Vacuworx and Qube again proving vacuum lifting technology is superior for the APA NGI Northern Gas Interconnect Project
The construction of the new Northern Goldfields Interconnect will benefit from the safety and efficiency of Vacuworx technology.To ensure maximum efficiency and safety during this process, APA and Qube (contracted to handle pipe logistics) will be utilising the Vacuworx lifters to unload incoming ships at Port Geraldton and then unloading the trucks transporting the pipes from the holding yard to the five different lay down yards along the ROW.
General Manager for Vacuworx Australia, Lou Guevara, says;
“This is an exciting project to be working on as it is the first long-distance gas pipeline being built in Australia for some time. We love working with the Qube team as they are prepared to look at ways to improve their service to their customers. Vacuworx lifters have proven they can help Qube exceed their customers’ expectations in terms of safety and zero pipe damage targets.”
No stranger to the Vacuworx lifters, Anthony Wells, Project Manager for Qube, says:
“We know the lifters, and we trust them. This unit (the CC-MP) minimises the risks associated with handling pipes from the boat during unloading and in the storage yards.”
“Using vacuum technology protects not only the pipes but also our people; removing the requirement for hands-on loads.”
As an industry leader in pipe handling, Vacuworx is committed to continuous innovation and this project benefits from new improvements to the CC-MP.
“Our new guidance system, being trialled on the Qube Multi Lifters (CC-MP), has improved efficiencies and further reduced the need to have people inside the exclusion zones while lifting seven pipes at a time.”
On a project on this scale, every efficiency helps. These lifters are projected to perform over 100,000 lifts throughout the project, handing 33,000 pipes over the nine months project. Vacuworx vacuum lifting technology enables fast lift cycles and minimal downtime.
Qube is also utilising an MC 5 to unload the truck in the five laydown yards.
“The MC 5 enables us to unload and stockpile the pipe efficiently. It’s a great machine that is reliable and makes our job safer and easier. We can meet the requirements of our customer quickly”, says Wells.
“Our job is to continue to offer the most efficient pipe handling methods for our customers, and Vacuworx systems provide that. They (Vacuworx) go over and above to see the project succeed, and the support throughout the entire project is outstanding!”
On working with Qube, Lou Guevara says;
“We enjoy working with the Qube team! They set big challenges, and so far, we have been able to deliver. We continue to look for ways to improve our lifters, and more upgrades are planned for the future that will continue to raise the bar on how pipes are handled during ship offloads.”
Project Lifters
CC- MP
The CC-MP system is engineered to work or coincide with standard industry equipment such as shipping container dimensions, crane attachments and trailer sizes.
- Designed to lift up to 9 pipes at a time
- Consists of 18 vacuum pads with individual controls
- Computor controlled withtouch screen display and control commands
MC 5
The MC vacuum lifting system is lightweight and designed for use with compact host vehicles. They are ideal for handling pipeline projects such as this and have lift capacities ranging from 3-5 tonnes. The MC 5 operates using a high capacity diesel engine. It utilises wireless remote operation meaning there is no need for dangerous hooks, slings or chains. Its 360o rotation provides precise placement of materials without damaging bonded coatings.
Vacuworx Australia manufactures, sells, leases, rents and services vacuum lifting systems for the energy, construction, infrastructure and utility industries. Their vacuum lifting systems handle all forms of pipe, plate and slabs, including steel, plastic, concrete and cast-iron pipe, steel plate, steel piling, pre-cast slabs and concrete road barriers. Lifters can be attached to excavators, wheel or track loaders, cranes, pipelayers and forklifts, and can be customised to accommodate various applications and lifting needs.
For information, email sales@vacuworx.com.au or visit the Vacuworx website.
