A history with Ulan coal
Our company, Agdust has had a long relationship with the Ulan coal mine. We are a small business operating in Mudgee NSW, specialising in 316 stainless steel electrical enclosures.
Ulan coal mine started life as a small operation ran almost single-handedly by a Mr.Gorman and his horse Mary. His main job was to provide coal needed for the Ulan Power Station and Mary used to bring the coal to the surface in a single coal wagon in the plodding way only hard working horses could.
Around 1969, the Ulan Power Station closed due to bigger Power Station’s taking over the load. And in 1970, White Industries purchased the old underground mine and, it was then that Agdust was tasked to connect the first 100 HP electric motor, to drive the new conveyor belt built to bring the coal to the surface. Mary was enjoying her new retirement in a nearby paddock.
As the Mine became larger and the Open Cut was established with a wash plant, Agdust was again involved in the mines development. After a serious accident on site, Agdust was tasked with the development of the first two-window Visual Isolator. The windows ensured that personnel could be confident of the operation of the disconnect isolator inside before commencing work on machinery. This innovation that started service in the wash plant, is now an industry standard in safety.
Later, we had to work on another problem the ‘IP Rating’. IP Rating is a code standard that determines levels of resistance to dust and water. Meaning, no dust or water can enter the enclosure to compromise the internal equipment. Mines need the highest IP Rating that they can get. This integrity of the IP rating of boxes would often be lowered when boxes were wall mounted, by drilling unsealed holes in the back of the enclosure. External mounting flanges were added to all enclosures so the IP Rating could be maintained after mounting the enclosures.
Rain hoods were sloped roof attachments designed to keep the coal dust away from the door seals. Absolutely necessary to maintain the IP Rating. Agdust started incorporating the rain hood into the enclosure itself which has also become an industry standard and is now known as the Sloped Roof Enclosure.
It was the close relationship Agdust had with Ulan’s mining engineers of the day that resulted in Agdust developing its products that are able to assist in continued reliable operation of the electrical installation of the Mine.
56 years later, we are happy to say we, as a small local business, still support the industry that continues to create jobs locally and patronise Mudgee’s community growth.
agdust.com.au
02 6372 1667
