Our Project experience
Overview
Fire Protection Services WA was engaged by AVID Group to design, install, and commission a gaseous fire suppression system for a 33 kV substation at the St Ives mining operation near Kambalda. The substation houses critical high voltage infrastructure that supports production on site, so the client required a clean agent solution that could rapidly control a fire without damaging sensitive electrical equipment or causing extended downtime.
The suppression system protected two rooms, the SIRP Control Room and the HV Room, with VESDA (aspirating smoke detection) installed to each room and interfaced to the FDCIE.
The project scope covered the gas suppression system, associated detection and controls, air integrity testing (door fan testing), final commissioning, recommissioning after final placement, and training. The containerised switchroom was completed from start to finish in Perth and then transported to St Ives, where it will remain. Fire Protection Services WA provided a full recommission of the system once the switchroom was in its final location.
Scope of Work
- Installed, designed and commissioned a gaseous suppression system tailored to the 33 kV switchroom, covering the SIRP Control Room and HV Room
- Supply and installation of all gas bottles, gas bottle manifold and gas pipework by Fire Protection Services WA
- Discharge pipework, distribution manifold and nozzles installed throughout both protected rooms to suit the final room layouts
- Electrical fire system components forming part of the gas suppression system installed by Fire Protection Services WA
- VESDA systems installed to each room and interfaced to the FDCIE
- Fire and Gas programming and testing completed on the Ampac FireFinder Plus platform by Fire Protection Services WA
- Commissioning inclusive of pressure testing of pipework, nitrogen testing on the manifold to confirm pneumatic valve operation, and air integrity testing (door fan testing) of both rooms
- Training provided at completion on how to work around the system and reduce the risk of accidental discharge
Project Details
Planning and Coordination
- Worked with AVID Group to coordinate the suppression and detection system installation with the containerised switchroom layout, including equipment positions, cable routes and access paths
- Coordinated the Perth build and fit out approach so gas, detection and control works could be completed during fabrication, then verified again after transport and final placement at site
- Planned installation locations and access for gas bottles, manifold and associated equipment to support inspection and maintenance requirements
Installation
- Installed all gas bottles, gas bottle manifold and gas pipework for the SIRP Control Room and HV Room
- Installed VESDA systems to each room and completed interfacing to the FDCIE
- Installed the electrical fire system components associated with the gas suppression system, supporting the overall Fire and Gas arrangement
- Completed installation works to support air integrity performance prior to door fan testing
Commissioning
- Completed pressure testing of the gas pipework prior to final commissioning
- Completed nitrogen testing on the manifold to confirm the pneumatic valves operated correctly
- Completed air integrity testing (door fan testing) of both protected rooms
- Completed all programming and testing of the Fire and Gas system on the Ampac FireFinder Plus platform, then provided a full recommission of the complete system once the switchroom was in its final on-site location
Challenges and Solutions
Remote Mining Environment
- The substation is located in the Goldfields region, so planning focused on reducing on-site work and supporting reliable operation in a remote location
- Completing the container build in Perth helped consolidate installation activities, then recommissioning at final placement confirmed the system remained fully operational after transport and positioning
- Equipment selection and installation methods were planned to support straightforward inspection and maintenance once in service
Working Around High Voltage Infrastructure
- The suppression system needed to integrate into a compact switchroom environment containing high voltage equipment and supporting services
- Coordination with AVID Group’s electrical team ensured gas pipework, detection devices and interfaces were installed to suit access and working requirements within the HV Room and adjacent control space
Achieving Reliable Room Integrity
- Gaseous suppression performance relies on each protected room’s ability to contain agent after discharge
- Air integrity testing (door fan testing) was completed for both rooms as part of commissioning and verification
- The final recommission after placement verified the complete system performance under final site conditions
Outcome
- The St Ives 33 kV substation is now protected by a clean agent gaseous suppression system covering the SIRP Control Room and HV Room, without introducing water or residue to critical electrical equipment
- VESDA early warning detection is installed to each room and interfaced to the FDCIE as part of the overall Fire and Gas arrangement
- Pipework pressure testing, nitrogen testing of the manifold and door fan testing of both rooms were completed, with all Fire and Gas programming and testing on the Ampac FireFinder Plus platform carried out by Fire Protection Services WA
Client Response
AVID Group acknowledged completion of the works, including installation, commissioning, and recommissioning once the switchroom was in its final location at St Ives. Training was provided at handover to support safe day-to-day work around the system and reduce the risk of accidental discharge.
