Purpose-Built Containerised Steam and Water Analysis Systems
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Swan Analytical Australia designed, built and commissioned three containerised steam and water analysis systems (SWAS) for a gas-fired power generation facility in remote Western Australia. The customised systems were developed to provide reliable, around-the-clock monitoring of critical steam and water chemistry parameters while creating a safer and more practical working environment for site personnel.The Project Challenge
The client’s existing analytical equipment had been installed approximately seven years earlier and no longer met the operational requirements of the facility. Access to critical components was limited, making routine inspection and maintenance difficult. Personnel were also required to work around high-temperature surfaces, high-pressure sample lines and equipment that had insufficient protection from the surrounding environment. The existing arrangement did not provide a suitable workspace for the power station chemists responsible for completing routine analytical checks, maintaining the instruments and verifying plant chemistry performance. The client approached Swan Analytical Australia to develop a purpose-built solution that would:- accommodate the required steam and water chemistry measurements;
- support continuous, 24-hour monitoring;
- improve access to analysers and sample-conditioning equipment;
- protect sensitive instrumentation from local environmental conditions; and
- provide a safer and more functional workspace for plant personnel.
Containerised SWAS Design
Swan designed each SWAS within a container selected and prepared for the site’s environmental and operational requirements. The containerised design created a controlled, laboratory-style environment in which power station chemists could safely perform day-to-day inspections, verification procedures and routine instrument maintenance. Primary and secondary sample-conditioning systems were incorporated to bring high-temperature steam and water samples to stable conditions suitable for accurate online analysis. The analytical instruments were integrated with the facility’s control system, allowing measurement signals and alarms to be monitored from the control room. This also enabled real-time trending of water chemistry data, helping operators identify changes and respond before they developed into more serious plant issues.Safety and Operational Features
Personnel safety, instrument accessibility and ease of maintenance were central to the design. Features incorporated into the SWAS containers included:- multiple outward-opening exits;
- a fire detection and alarm system;
- fire extinguishers;
- an emergency eyewash station;
- exhaust ventilation;
- LED lighting;
- an ergonomic workbench;
- a dedicated chemical storage cabinet;
- durable, non-slip resin flooring;
- insulated walls and ceilings; and
- separate essential and non-essential power supplies with individual electrical cabinets.
Delivered During COVID-19 Restrictions
The project was completed while travel and workplace restrictions were in place across Australia. Despite these challenges, Swan Analytical Australia successfully delivered all three systems in full and on schedule, ready for installation during the client’s planned outage. The Swan team subsequently completed commissioning and provided on-site support over several visits, ensuring the sample-conditioning equipment, analytical instruments, signals and alarms were operating as intended.A Safer and More Reliable Monitoring Environment
The completed containerised SWAS installations provide the client with a safer, more accessible and environmentally protected space for managing critical steam and water chemistry measurements. By combining sample conditioning, online analysis, control-room communication and personnel safety features within a purpose-built structure, the systems support reliable monitoring while simplifying routine inspection and maintenance activities. This project demonstrates Swan Analytical Australia’s ability to deliver complete, customised water analysis solutions for complex power generation applications, even under challenging site conditions and significant logistical restrictions. We are proud of the result and grateful to everyone who contributed to the successful delivery of the project.
Special thanks to our customer and also to:
Sentry Equipment – steam conditioning panels, Swagelok – fitting and tubing, Royal Wolf – containers, Fluid Chillers Australia and Hamilton – electrical and instrumentation.
