Design & Manufacture Platform for ANSTO

PRECISION AND EXPERIENCE ARE CRITICAL

Design engineering is a discipline that creates and transforms ideas and concepts into a solution that satisfies customer requirements. It is primarily understanding customer needs and developing a concept that is “fit for purpose” or tailored specifically to a set of requirements. 

Chess Engineering earlier this year won an open tender with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in Lucas Heights, New South Wales. 

ANSTO required a design and manufactured platform to sit above their new pelican instrument which was located in the neutron guide hall where all the current neutron beam research is being undertaken. An engineered platform would allow safe human access to the instrument for their scientists. 

There was an existing black granite floor which lay underneath the pelican instrument so the new platform would create a mezzanine level above the instrument and sit 3.5 metres above the granite floor. 

The project involved several design challenges which were outlined by the customer in the initial consultation stage: 

• No mount, column or structure to be fixed to the existing granite floor as the tight tolerances with regards to the height difference from one end of the floor to another may affect the instrument; 
• A non-ferrous material (no iron) was required to prevent any issues or distortions with the high magnetic pull of the instrument; 
• A rolling ladder which would lock into place in front of the access gates and retract and roll out of the way of the pelican instrument. 

Following a series of Chess designed concept drawings and client meetings; a manufactured solution was delivered to site last month. The platform was nine metres long by three metres wide, and made from stainless steel and aluminium with a lockable rolling ladder. 

“Although the client brief involved tight design requirements, our experienced Chess team worked closely with ANSTO designers to develop a unique and innovative solution that precisely fitted the client needs,” says Ian Lowe, Engineering Manager, Chess Industries. 

For further information on a specialised engineering solution for your business, please contact Ian Lowe on 02 9772 2355 or i.lowe@chessindustries.com.au