Teaming Up In Dubai

DKI have undertaken a concept and detailed design project in conjunction with Shell Bitumen in order to address the complexities and key hazards of bitumen loading and to develop a standard modular design which can be easily supplied anywhere. Some of the advantages in having a unique design for all bitumen loading modules include; cost optimisation, enhanced safety, troubleshooting, availability of spare parts and technical support services.

Bitumen loading modules are typically used to load bitumen products at a storage depot facility prior to delivery to the end customer. Most bitumen grades including penetration grade bitumen, blown hard grades and polymer modified bitumen, are typically loaded hot, into single compartment insulated bitumen tankers. Typical loading temperature is 140°C but ranges from 130°C to 180°C depending on the grade, application and market requirements. Bitumen emulsions are loaded at ambient temperature however, special consideration must also apply to manage foaming and potential emulsion breakdown, therefore health and safety were paramount in the design which incorporated multiple safeguards in order to protect drivers during the loading process ie;
- integrated overfill protection system
- integrated emergency stop systems
- safety cage and safety shield
- dual exits
- shower and eye wash
- vapour plate with fume extraction
- multiple safety interlocks
- drawbridge for filling hatch access
- all pipework and wiring constructed, inspected and tested to relevant hazardous area standards.

Recently Shell Global Bitumen management visited DKI Australia for a project review meeting following the successful implementation of the first bitumen module installed in Dubai.

The post-implementation review along with DKI’s customer feedback and rating system, revealed an achievement of a perfect score, the highest rating for overall system delivery including design, construction, Factory Acceptance Testing and commissioning.

Michael Ryan, Stephen Snow and Roberto Bran representing Shell Global Bitumen, expressed their congratulations and satisfaction with the smooth site implementation of the Dubai project which took twelve days from landing the module to loading product and reinforcing DKI’s belief in modular solutions.

Designed in Melbourne, built in China and commissioned by teams from China and Malaysia, this truly demonstrates “DKI Teamwork” across the regions.

Congratulations to everyone involved and we look forward to another success story at the next installation in India.