Engineered packaging
PSM Upstream solutions
Engineered packaging
Western Australia has a hostile environment for storage of assets with high humidity, extreme heat and copious amounts of sand and dirt. Our packaging is designed to mitigate against these challenges by combining vapour barrier and desiccants in our packaging we can ensure that the assets are protected from the harsh Western Australian climate both in storage and in transit.
In-house Research and Development
PSM’s extensive in-house testing over several years allowed empirical derivation of the various parameters required to utilise Australian standard AS2400.18 to calculate the desiccant dosage required for any storage location within Australia. This formed the basis of our strict packaging standards.
Packaging for Structural Integrity
Equipment faces the risk of damage during handling and transport. Packaging stands as the primary safeguard for equipment, ensuring its resilience during transportation and warehousing. PSM’s structural design criteria for transport vessels must meet the following three design cases as a minimum:
- Packaging for road transit meeting National Transport Commission (NTC) performance standards
- Sea, air and rail transport options available
- Packaging for forklift transit with Dynamic Application Factor (DAF) of 1.2
- Package for stationary storage with ten year design life
Working Load Limit (WLL)
By designing and fabricating our own crates PSM can guarantee a Working Load Limit (WLL) and offer a certificate of conformance guaranteeing adherence to the performance standards set by the National Transport Commission (NTC). PSM also conforms to the Australian standard AS1720.1 Timber Structures Design Methods for crate fabrication and always ensure that the appropriate load restraint is applied.
In-house timber fabrication area
With our in-house timber fabrication area and specially trained personnel we are in total control of the crate building process. With our standardised tools such as our crate fabrication calculator and tie down tables, requirements are easily and effectively communicated from the workshop floor to the crate fabrication team while meeting all standards and guidelines ensuring that Chain of Responsibility is met.
For bigger work scopes, the process starts with the design team assessing the asset and providing the client with a tailored solution that align with the specific dimensions and requirements of the asset. Parameters such as weight, centre of gravity and criticality (e.g. vibration sensitivity) of the asset is considered before a suitable solution is recommended.
PSM can also design and build steel skids and steel cocoons to house critical equipment such as gear sets and turbine rotor components.
Safer Together
PSM is active in the not-for-profit, member-led organisation Safer Together that strives to create a strong and consistent safety culture within the oil and gas industry. To show our dedication to packaging we are one of the board members for updating the packaging standard and implement best practises for land transport in Western Australia. This group also strives for innovative changes to be implemented in regulations with PSM at the forefront at this change.
Packaging for preservation
PSM packaging also doubles over as preservation vessels and involve two main strategies:
Vapor Barrier: Environment Control
A crucial aspect often overlooked is the impact of the ambient environment (such as temperature and humidity) on sensitive equipment. Our packaging includes a vapor barrier with a known Water Vapour Transfer Rate (WVTR), providing a shield against external elements, including moisture, dust and contaminants, whilst eliminating the risk of condensation with this semi-breathable system. This meticulous control of the environment within the packaging ensures that the equipment remains protected from detrimental environmental factors.
This method of packaging also allows easy replacements of desiccants and conditional inspections over the storage period. This contributes to process assurance and process safety when critical spares are mobilised for emergency or shut down purposes.
Desiccants: Controlling Humidity
Maintaining optimal humidity levels is critical for equipment longevity. Our packaging solutions integrate the use of desiccants, effectively regulating moisture to prevent corrosion and damage caused by excessive humidity. By controlling this factor, we safeguard equipment against potential degradation, ensuring its functionality.
Our desiccant dosage calculations are based on our empirical data and AS2400.18with mil spec environmentally friendly (clay based) and reusable desiccants.
Fit for purpose
Disregarding the size, weight or dimension of the asset PSM has a fit for purpose solution. No matter how complex your packaging challenge is, PSM engineering has your solution.