As part of Orica’s operations is scheduled maintenance, accommodated by temporary shutdowns. Of course, time and money come into play while the plant is not producing, so a company like this takes advantage of it, replacing studbolts at connection points in the pipelines, such as at flanges.

The Challenge

To make sure that connections are always completely secure, previously-installed fasteners are replaced, in case of possible compromise to thread via movement of the Earth or cross-threading upon reinstall. And drainage of tanks gives maintenance workers a temporary chance to gain access for maintenance.

Orica needed B16 and B8M bolts in metric — a rarity amongst Australian suppliers — within a matter of days, not weeks.

The Solution

They approached Australian heavy fastener specialists AF Industrial for an answer. AF Industrial have their own fabrication facility for the more customised jobs, but for the good of the client’s project will also utilise their network of external suppliers as an agent for sourcing if that’s what needs to happen.

In the case of Orica and their Yarwun project, that’s what they did. AF Industrial were able to scope the job, find and fabricate the studbolts required and have them delivered to site before the deadline stated, allowing Orica to go back to production ahead of time.

Since this project, AF Industrial have been re-commissioned to carry out supply of similar products to several other petrochemical and chemical producers.