Five cathodic power units had to be installed on a pipeline for OK Tedi Mine, in an area of extreme rainfall (1 metre/month) and high humidity. These units were installed to match the electrical potential of the pipes to the surrounding ground which prevents corrosion of the pipe system.
The remote nature of the installation required high security and restricted access. The aim was to allow the operators to monitor equipment without accessing the complex control and power system. Additionally the extreme rainfall and humidity the mine experiences posed problems in creating a controlled environment where the equipment could function reliably.
To overcome the rainfall, humidity and security problems a stainless steel Monarch IP (IP21212/S) enclosure was used to mount the active equipment. This was fitted with a viewing window to allow inspection, a mounting pan, and a custom hinged escutcheon.
This was mounted inside an additional Monarch IP (IP25254/S) enclosure using UV and C rails (both available from B&R). Both enclosures required three point locking and padlockable swing handles, which allowed access to the inner enclosure to be separately controlled. Humidity in the void between the inner and outer enclosures was controlled by an anti-condensation heater and thermostat. The enclosures were completed with the installation of custom made rain shields.
The solution B&R provided ensured the security and convenience of a much larger project. The end user was extremely happy with the solution provided by Corrosion Electronics and B&R Enclosures.