Sulphuric Acid Unload Point Upgrade – SMP Works

This schedule-driven brownfield upgrade within an operating acid plant required a highly coordinated planning and prefabrication strategy. Early works focused on constructability reviews, verification of tie-in locations, and alignment with BHP standards and battery limits to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

Piping systems were developed to transition from existing Class 66 to higher-specification Class 77 sulphuric acid service, with all materials, welding and fabrication aligned to stringent corrosion and integrity requirements. Prefabrication of pipe spools, supports and secondary steelwork was prioritised to minimise site exposure, reduce shutdown durations and ensure installation efficiency.

Detailed planning also addressed SIMOPS constraints, material staging, and sequencing of demolition and installation works, enabling parallel execution across duty and standby systems while maintaining plant operability throughout.