Bluefield was recently engaged by a global coal mining company to produce a Scope of Work for their very large mobile equipment assets. The fleet required upgrading due to aging components.
During a review with stakeholders regarding the replacement of all high voltage switch boards, I drew their attention to the fact that their existing switchboards equipment and, in fact, most of their electrical infrastructure, utilised SF6 gas type circuit breakers. This is currently common across the global market.
SF6 gas is a toxic synthetic gas which is damaging to the environment and extremely hazardous to employees.
I advised the stakeholders that the European Union had declared that the use of SF6 gas type equipment utilised in the electrical transmission industry was to be phased out by 2025 as it is the greenhouse gas with the largest global warming potential.
Bluefield was consequently commissioned to investigate further, find an alternative, and alter the SOW accordingly to align with the Miner’s continual evaluation of operations, equipment and processes, respond to environmental concerns faced by climate change, and mitigate any hazards where employees were exposed.
Mitigating Climate Change.
Mitigation of exposure
Conclusion
The installation of Vacuum Circuit breakers or G3 (a relatively new technology 2012) gas type circuit breakers is a viable alternative to mitigate the GWP and the ongoing costs associated with maintenance and disposal of SF6 circuit breakers and the mitigation of exposure to employees.
Bluefield, in collaboration with the switchboard manufacturer and suppliers of switchgear, found the best possible solution was to change to vacuum type circuit breakers as the G3 gas type would not be available in the immediate to short term. As a direct result of Bluefield’s report, the client reviewed all future works regarding their electrical transmission and the subsequent switchgear types being utilised. The SOW was changed accordingly, and a remote switching unit was also added to protect employees and further mitigate any arc flash hazard.
Most of Bluefield’s specialists have spent many years working in a variety of industries, so we understand what’s truly important in an operational business. In addition to our technical expertise, we’re experienced in facilitating workshops and conferences with asset management teams, as well as communicating and implementing the final products. Bluefield’s IT and communications technology allows our team to work from anywhere in the world without the need to be in the same location. We collaborate and communicate with our clients and with each other via Microsoft Teams and can provide the full range of asset management services remotely.
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