July 2009
OBA strikes TWO for ONE
by Geoff Bishop, OBA WA Manager
As I landed in Karratha at 10.00am to collect my waiting limousine (not!), I was thinking
about all the opportunities the next 3 days might have in store for OBA. At the request
of our customer, I had travelled to Port Hedland to enquire about the future requirements and viability of a Dow Corning product called "Sylgard HVIC+".
Sylgard HVIC+ (High Voltage Insulator Coating) is a one-part silicone coating designed for high-voltage insulators where surface contamination causes insulation problems. It protects power distribution lines against flashover from industrial pollutants and other harmful substances such as desert sand and salt spray.
Flashovers have occurred on some of the electric power transmission lines, most of which are in close proximity to the ocean as well as their stockpiles of iron ore. The flashovers not only threaten the customers operations, but also the power and water supply capabilities to the communities of Wickham & Roeborne. Further to this, we were told that there were plans to increase the iron ore stockpiles which will all run parallel to the main transmission line.
The first time I saw Sylgard HVIC+ in situ was where I was shown through a switchyard at the rear of the customer's operational buildings. The transmission line runs along the main street in Port Hedland, which runs parallel to some iron ore stockpiles and within 1km of the ocean - therefore regularly becomes covered in a mixture of salt and iron ore dust. In previous times, energy providers have had to wash the transmission line 3 - 4 times a year. Since the Sylgard HVIC+ was applied to the transmission line, approximately 6 years ago, the line has not been washed once.
If witnessing the effectiveness and quality of the product did not spur my confidence on, then the positive feedback from the customers did. During an online conference meeting with international based technical representatives from Dow Corning, the local Dow Corning representative and I, we presented the Sylgard HVIC+ product to a team of 18 engineers. There was a great deal of interest in the product as a means to a solution to their power transmission problems.
We are confident that the Sylgard HVIC+ product will continue to protect the transmission lines in the North Western Australian region.
In closing I must say that I took the time to have a look at the Burrup Peninsular, where there was a constant stream of semi-trailers with exorbitant loads - and believe me, you keep well out of their way! There was also a most impressive area directly opposite the visitor's centre that is the 'construction area' of the Pluto Gas Project - there appears to be more activity there than a disturbed ants' nest. I also had the good fortune of being able to marvel at the beauty of looking out over the Dampier Archipelago, which is stunning (in a rugged way) - the colour of the water would make a Queenslander weep...