When opportunity strikes, fortune favours the bold, so the saying goes. And at Linear Engineering, we couldn’t agree more.
As a Brisbane-based engineering consultancy, we recently had an exciting opportunity come our way when conventional original equipment manufacturers (OEM) exited the Australian market for reclaimers and balance machines. We knew this was our moment to step in and make a difference.
It has been a privilege for our team to collaborate closely on this groundbreaking project. For the first time, we are delivering a fully detail-designed reclaimer in collaboration with a Queensland-based bulk-handling client.
Managing Director Geoff Hargreaves, Principal Engineer Lee Williams, and Senior Mechanical Engineer Dr. Peter Wilson, along with our dedicated team, have been at the forefront of this journey. Lee noted, “It created an opportunity for Linear, as a design house, to step into that market, whereas traditionally, the role of a design house in this market would be as a design checker or an auditor.” This new method allows us to design the machine from scratch and then support the client throughout the construction phase.
What makes this project truly unique is our use of real-time 3D modelling. This innovative approach enables our clients to provide active feedback and input throughout the design phase. Geoff explained, “We’re incorporating some workshopping with the client as we progress the design. Previous delivery models have been more siloed and turnkey, but now we’re working as a more collaborative team.”
Dr. Wilson added, “They can comment on the design at any time. It is very easy to show them potential issues, ask them questions, or ask for their advice or preference on certain things when you can bring up the 3D model.”
Working with real-time 3D modelling has been an eye-opening experience for all of us. It has allowed us to conduct real-time walkthroughs of the virtual reclaimer model with the client’s key representatives, including fitters and on-site workers. This not only enhances communication but ensures that the design aligns perfectly with the client’s operational needs.
Lee Williams, with decades of experience in the bulk materials sector, has led our team of engineers on the project, while Dr. Wilson’s simulations have optimized the reclaimer’s performance. “It’s been a good learning exercise for us as we’re able to capture those learnings from the team who are actually going to be maintaining and working on the equipment,” Williams said.
As we move forward, our commitment to supporting the client through the fabrication and construction stages until the reclaimer is operational remains unwavering. This collaborative approach has not only disrupted traditional client-consultant models but has also charted a new path for the industry.
Geoff concluded, “I think we’ve disrupted the traditionally siloed client-consultant model by doing it this way, and we’re taking a bold step which will ultimately lead to the best outcome for the terminal. We see that the benefits far outweigh the risks.”
Linear Engineering extends a heartfelt thank you to @AustralianBulkHandlingReview for featuring our RL4 Reclaimer project in their September 2024 issue. We are honoured to have our innovative approaches and engineering solutions showcased in such a prestigious publication.
Check out our feature in the full Bulk Handling Review Magazine article here.
