Dragline Power Control & Compressor Rooms.

Dragline power control rooms and compressor rooms house the critical electrical, control and pneumatic equipment required for the safe and reliable operation of the machine. Power control rooms protect high-voltage distribution, drive-control and automation systems, while compressor rooms supply compressed air for braking, control and auxiliary systems.

The rooms must provide secure equipment support, effective ventilation and cooling, dust and moisture protection, fire separation, safe maintenance access and enough structural capacity to withstand continuous vibration and harsh mining conditions.

In collaboration with BMA's engineering teams, MEA was engaged to undertake the complete design and manufacture of new power control rooms and compressor rooms for BMA's operating dragline fleet. With BMA operating multiple Marion and Bucyrus dragline models, each room required a purpose-built design to suit the specific machine configuration, installation envelope, access requirements and existing electrical and mechanical interfaces.

MEA designed and manufactured the rooms over an eight-year program, aligning delivery with BMA's planned dragline major shutdowns. The scope covered fabrication of the main structural frames, floors, wall and roof sections, equipment support structures, external access platforms, stairs, handrails and associated lifting and transport provisions.

Due to the overall size and complexity of the assemblies, temporary scaffolding, elevated work platforms and man boxes were used within MEA's Gladstone fabrication workshop to provide safe access to high-level welds and structural connections. Complete room assemblies, including their external access and support structures, weighed up to approximately 20 tonnes, so detailed lifting, handling and transportation plans carried each assembly safely through fabrication, surface treatment, transport and site installation.

Following fabrication, the completed rooms were abrasive grit blasted and coated within MEA's dedicated blasting and painting facilities, with final inspections and quality documentation completed prior to delivery for installation during the scheduled dragline shutdown.