Australian Dual-Fuel Project Nears Completion

MAN Diesel & Turbo Australia’s 33-MW Owen Springs Project, featuring the new 51/60DF dual-fuel engine, has taken a significant step with the arrival of the first of three generator sets at the new power plant. MAN Diesel & Turbo is constructing the Owen Springs plant, located near Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory, for Power and Water Corporation (PWC), a major Australian public utility, with commissioning of the first engine expected in July 2010.

The current project phase, covering the construction of the power house, control room, switch room, administration centre, tank farm, pump house and maintenance workshop buildings, is set for completion on schedule in May 2010.

Power-house construction commenced in October 2009 utilizing an innovative concrete-panel design to form the exterior and interior walls. These panels were formed onsite and are characterized by their excellent sound attenuation properties, low construction costs and fast installation. Once installed, a supporting steel framework was then erected and fastened, and the exterior painted to complete the building. The installation of mechanical and electrical systems is also currently underway. Piping is already largely complete while the installation of lube-oil and fuel-oil modules has started.

The entire project has been modelled using 3D CAD software which in turn generated the isometric drawings necessary for pipework construction. “Not only does this approach allow for a greater degree of accuracy and product control, but also results in improved site productivity,” said Paul Howarth, Engineering Manager at MAN Diesel & Turbo Australia.