News Bulletin NB Australian Branch nuMber 161 May 2011
Produced for InstItutIon of MechanIcal engIneers MeMbers located In australIa Print Post APProved PP317737/00060 PrIce $4.00 Visit to Etsa’s stoBiE PolE Factory By thE JoiNt tEchNical Program
In february 2011, a group was required. Steel and concrete poles from the Joint technical (called Stobie Poles) were designed Program consisting of by the late J. C. Stobie in 1924 when members from the sa Panel he was the chief design engineer for ETSA in South Australia. The basic of the Institution, engineers design consists of two steel c-channels australia, the raes and Iet spaced at predetermined distances went to the only stobie Pole and then filled with concrete. Bolts factory in australia. running through the concrete between the two beams take on the role of
Members of the JTP group in front of an original Stobie Pole and a new pole manufactured at the A beam-bending machine originally purchased current factory. from the UK in the 1950s is still fully operational Stobie Pole Stobie today and used on a regular basis in the manufacture of the poles. South Australia generally has relatively small amounts of timber suitable for making power and telegraph poles. To make matters worse, large areas are prone to white ant and termite infestation. So, an alternative
A member of ETSA explains the manufacturing A new manufacturing plant for the manufacture stages of the Stobie Pole to JTP visitors. of Stobie Poles was made operational in 2008.
• Editorial • Interview: Andrew Lezala • From the Chair • Running Melbourne’s Train Network oN thE iNsidE • Value for Members • A Man for All Reasons • Latest technologies and practical notes • Speak out for Engineering on gas turbines for offshore applications • Something to Think About • Panel News The JTP group was treated to an excellent tour of 1.5 hours, including detailed explanations of the manufacturing process and the intricacies involved in achieving consistent quality and no rejects. The JTP would like to thank ETSA Utilities for providing some of the above information and for making available time and personnel to host the group. Michael riese
Visitors to the ETSA Stobie Pole Factory study background material on the manufacture and use of the poles.
reinforcement rods, ensuring added Modern poles vary in length from stability and load-bearing capability. 9 to 36 metres and the current facility consists of two separate Originally, the poles were made production lines: the mechanised individually. This labour-intensive plant (where poles are made from 9 process became mechanised in 1950, to 15 metres using semi-automated when the average throughput of the processes) and the heavy-section factory was 14 poles per day. line (where poles are made mainly Following the sale of the old property for transmission lines from 15 to 36 at Angle Park. South Australia in metres, using old manual processes). December 2006, a new mechanised The majority of mechanised poles are plant was required. This plant, for ETSA›s distribution system and are also located in Angle park started generally up to 13 metres in length. production in April 2008, leading to Most poles are used to replace old an increase in production throughput or damaged units, with only a small to 25 units per day. minority used for new lines.
While the mechanised part of the factory is capable of producing almost every pole size, some oversized poles, such as the one shown here, are still manufactured by hand using the traditional method.
A pole that has been filled with concrete is A Stobie Pole is bolted to the correct spacing A pole is bolted to the correct spacing. The bolts prepared so that excess concrete can be and is ready for filling with concrete. also act as reinforcement rods. The plastic caps washed off prior to curing. are the cores for future fixture holes that will be mounted to the pole once it is erected on site.
2 news bulletin – no.161 mAy 2011 I am delighted to have worked on website). Future issues will also be Editorial this issue with the new editor, Matt more electronic-friendly – for example, Springer, who will take over from the hyperlinks to related articles will be New-look Bulletin next issue. Matt is a young engineer provided. from Melbourne who has lots of ideas It is my pleasure to introduce the new- I would like to thank members who and enthusiasm – we are lucky to look Bulletin. Based on the feedback have sent in articles, ideas, suggestions have him. received from the survey conducted in and words of encouragement. Also a September 2010, the layout is now For the moment, the Bulletin will word of thanks to past editors Stan more contemporary and, hopefully, will continue to be mailed to all members Gaffney and Tony Creedy for their make for easier reading. Also changed in hard copy. However, an email encouragement and support, and to is the outside back cover, which now notification will also be sent to all the Branch Committee for helping out. carries social content. We are aware, members who have provided an email It has been an absolute pleasure and I however, that there is always room for address in their membership details wish Matt and the future of the Bulletin all the very best. improvement, and we encourage your with a link to a pdf copy of the latest feedback and ideas. issue (uploaded to the Near You roshan dodanwela
From thE chair º Launching of a design competition Tetlow, who visited Hong Kong to encompass the greater China and China in late 2010. region. • The formation of new groups in Welcome to the May 2011 edition º Accreditation of two to three Greece, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and of the News Bulletin. In NB 160’s university engineering courses Texas (USA). ‘From the Chair’, did anyone pick the relating to automotive and deliberate mistake? In the message, The 51st Australian Branch AGM was mechanical engineering. I stated that this would be my last held in Perth on 26 February. As Chairman’s message, because the º Establishment of company-based reported in the last edition of the News new Chairman would be elected at registration schemes at a shipyard Bulletin, the new Chairman will be the February AGM. I was assuming and automotive manufacturer. Ian Mash and the new Hon. Secretary that this News Bulletin would be will be Dayaratne Dharmasiri. Ken º Planned visit by the President issued after the May IMechE AGM Tushingham will continue as Hon. John Wood and the CEO Stephen in London. That, in fact, is when the Treasurer and the new Assistant Hon. new Branch Committee will officially take office (see below). However, this News Bulletin will be issued before the IMechE AGM. So, in effect, I am still Branch Chairman until 25 May. This one slipped through scrutiny and I apologise for any confusion I may have created. To reflect on events over the past three to four months, I should like to begin with a report on an International Strategy Board teleconference with various Regional members, which was held on 15 February. Highlights of this teleconference were: • Summary of progress on the plan for the new India Branch. The President was scheduled to visit India in April to further encourage effective working relationships with companies across India. • Summary of progress on the plan for L to R: David Heppenstall (Western Australian Panel Chair), Ian Mash (Branch Chairman elect 2011/12), Clive Waters (Current Branch Chairman), Ken Tushingham (Branch Treasurer), China. This included: John Burt (Victorian Panel Chair), Michael Riese (South Australian Panel Chair), Matt Springer (Branch Assistant Hon. Secretary and News Bulletin Editor Elect 2011/12), Daya Dharmasiri º Establishment of four student (Branch Hon. Secretary Elect 2011/12), Leslie Yeow (Queensland Panel Chair) chapters at universities in [Absent: Monika Sud (NSW Panel Chair), Roshan Dodanwela (Current Branch Assistant Hon. Southern China. Secretary and News Bulletin Editor)]
news bulletin – no.161 mAy 2011 3 Secretary/News Bulletin editor will be of 9/10 April in New Delhi, India. Matthew Springer. Our Branch Hon. Treasurer Ken Tushingham who is also the Regional Also on 26 February, the 80th Chairman and Ian Mash, the Branch Australian Branch Committee Chairman-elect, attended. meeting (face-to-face rather than a teleconference) was held. As In NB 160, I described the preparation well as the Executive, Panel Chairs of potential applications to the were present, with apologies from Engineering Heritage Award committee Monika Sud (NSW Panel Chair), John for several artefacts of engineering Pumwa (PNG Representative), Mark excellence. I am pleased to announce McKenzie (Young Member Chair) that the Boulton & Watt steam engine and Roshan Dodanwela (Asst. Hon. displayed in the Powerhouse Museum Sec./News Bulletin Editor who was, in Sydney is due to receive an IMechE unfortunately, suffering from a virus) Engineering Heritage Award. The engine was one of the earliest rotative The Australian final of the Speak out steam engines to be built and is the for Engineering competition was held oldest in existence. It is also one of in between the committee meeting the oldest in the world that still works and AGM. regularly under steam. This will be the On behalf of the Branch Committee, first time that the IMechE has granted I should like to express our thanks the Heritage Award to an artefact to David Heppenstall, the WA Panel outside of the United Kingdom. Chairman, and his team for their Also, an application for the excellent organisation in making these Finally, and once again, I should like Humphrey Pump at Cobdogla, South meetings at the Seasons of Perth Hotel to express my thanks to all Branch Australia, has now been submitted such a success. Committee and non-Committee to the Engineering Heritage Awards members, for all the assistance you The Andrew Fraser Prize was again Committee for recognition of the UK’s have given me during my term as awarded on 8 April to a student at the engineering excellence. Chairman of this Branch. I have University of Technology, Lae, Papua The application for the1855 thoroughly enjoyed my tenure and I New Guinea, by our representative Locomotive (No. 1), also described wish the incoming Chairman and his Professor John Pumwa, Head of the in NB 160 and also resident at the committee all the very best of luck in Mechanical Engineering department. Sydney Powerhouse Museum, will be the ensuing two years. The Asia and Oceania Regional submitted to the EHA Committee by meeting took place over the weekend the time this Bulletin is issued. Clive Waters
ValUE For mEmBErs
branch financial Position
following a lengthy discussion A dialogue with HQ continues in order • for our other activities, the Branch during the branch committee to seek an understanding of how this typically incurs: issue could be resolved without our meeting on 26 february, º few or no costs for lecture theatres and subsequent to a request need to reduce those few activities that for the delivery of the technical made during the agM, the incur costs. During discussions, the programme of 50 or so events branch committee has been Branch clarified for HQ that: nationally per annum. progressing a robust dialogue • the funding requested was the º few or no costs for refreshments with hQ in respect to the minimum required to fund those few prior to these lectures. financial position of the branch. activities we incur costs for. º few or no costs for presenters • the majority of this funding is who take the time to prepare and Members might be interested to know present papers. that the Australian Branch submitted used to print and issue to our a budget to HQ totalling $56,550 members the three editions of the º few or no cost for the quantity of to cover all 2011 planned activities, News Bulletin each year – the only professional interviews undertaken which service our 1504 members.The Australian-focused communication by our volunteers. Branch was advised that our 2011 the members receive, and something º few or no cost for the state Panel grant will be 20,000 UKP, or about we felt the Trustee Board and ISB activities that organise the learned $31,628. This represents a reduction would support as being a core institution events enjoyed by our of about $25,000 or 44 per cent. activity of our Branch. members; and,
4 news bulletin – no.161 mAy 2011 º no costs for work in compiling, Secondly, I can only emphasise the In conclusion, I know that you also editing and making each edition of importance of executive members discussed more broadly the aims and the News Bulletin ready for print. meeting with each other to share best priorities of the Institution. I have practice and innovate to resolve issues attached a couple of slides that may Ian Mash as they arise not only in Australia be of use to you in communicating Current Hon Secretary Branch but in all regions across the that locally. The first one uses and Branch Chair elect 2011/12 world. Your attendance at the Forum information from our website (http:// below is a response from stephen in Delhi this month and then at the www.imeche.org/about-us/annual- tetlow, the ceo of IMeche… International Strategy Board here in review/financial-summary
news bulletin – no.161 mAy 2011 5 latEst tEchNologiEs aNd Practical NotEs oN gas tUrBiNEs For oFFshorE aPPlicatioNs
Considerable demand existed to grow facilitate on-condition maintenance, 4800 or 6000 rpm for mechanical aero-derivative gas turbine products and a very effective and efficient drive (depending on the model). in power, efficiency, reliability and monitoring/maintenance method that RB211-H63 is the latest version of availability for offshore applications. considerably increases reliability and this large family. Its power capability is Clients now want to operate the gas availability. Numerous bore-scope ports around 44 MW, with thermal efficiency turbines for longer periods before are provided to facilitate inspection. of up to 41.5 per cent. This new shutdown and efficient part-load They allow very intelligent operation model generates at least 11 MW more operation as well as to mitigate the and monitoring of gas turbines. Rapid power than the old RB211 model. various reliability weaknesses such as replacement of major modules is a Modular exchange provides ease of various fatigues, fuel quality effects great advantage; in most cases, major maintenance. Full load power can be etc. Practical notes and guidelines modules can be removed and new obtained in ten minutes from cold. on various gas turbines for power modules installed so that the turbine is titan gas turbines generation and mechanical drive in back in operation within two days. offshore applications are addressed. The Titan 250 is the latest model Main concerns are best performance, of the Titan gas turbine family and high efficiency, low maintenance extends the power output range to and compact design as well as 22.4 MW. It is available for use in competitive commercial conditions. a mechanical drive package and in This article covers different generator drive sets. It is a two-shaft performance, mechanical and design. The package has a footprint of reliability aspects of main gas turbine approximately 10.5 x 4 x 4.2 m and models in today’s market. Latest weighs around 51 t. The Titan 250 can achievements and most advanced produce 50 per cent more power than technologies are also outlined. Avon 200 The modification for the upgrade can be fitted to the old Avon gas turbine the Titan 130 with the same footprint, during the scheduled overhaul. is 40 percent more efficient and has Introduction a 30 per cent reduction in emissions compared to the Titan 130. It uses High efficiency, compact and light Avon Gas Turbines variable inlet guide vane technologies designs make aero-derivative gas The earliest Avons were introduced for efficient part-load operation. It turbine products the ideal choice in the 1960s. Since then, more incorporates a vertically split casing for any offshore application. Aero- than 1200 Avons have been sold design. The combustion chamber uses derivative gas turbine components worldwide, of which more than 900 annular-type, lean-premixed, dry, and and modules can usually be replaced are thought to be still in active service. low-emission design technology. It is in a very short time, facilitating The latest Avon 200 (see Fig. 1) designed to operate on a broad range maintenance. This article discusses extends its lifespan further. Avon 200 of gaseous and liquid fuels. The power the latest gas turbine technologies for aims to improve the machine’s gas turbine section is a three-stage reaction offshore applications. generator base load power capability type with a maximum speed rating of and thermal efficiency over a higher 7000 rpm. Aero-Derivatives and Multi- ambient temperature range, and to lM2500 gas turbines shaft gas turbines improve the component robustness to high-cycle fatigue excitation and high- The LM2500 family is the most Aero-derivative machines typically temperature creep damage. The power popular gas turbine for industrial use. leave a footprint of 45 per cent smaller of Avon 200 is 9 per cent greater There are more than 2600 LM2500 and weigh 35 per cent less than (around 19.5 MW compared to 17.5 sold for various applications. The heavy-duty machines with the same MW in the Avon 1535) and the heat LM2500+ gas turbine is a 31MW power rating. For offshore and floating rate is 5 per cent greater. aero-derivative two-shaft machine applications, the best (and, in many with efficiency of about 40 per rb211 gas turbines cases, the only feasible) option is cent. It is derived from the LM2500 aero-derivative gas turbines for power RB211 gas turbines are widely used engine but increases its airflow and generation and mechanical drive. The for power generation as well as pressure ratio by around 23 per move towards aero-derivative gas mechanical drive. More than 700 cent. The two-stage power-turbine turbine drivers is also about efficiency. RB211 gas turbines have been sold provides a shaft normal speed around Aero-derivative gas turbine efficiency worldwide. RB211 gas turbines 6100 rpm (the operating range is is around 41–45 per cent, compared are offered in various models. Their 3500–6300 rpm). Variable geometry to 30–35 per cent for heavy-duty power capacity is around 30–44 MW air compressor inlet guide vane and machines. Aero-derivative machines (depending on the model) and their variable stator vane technologies are use the most advanced aircraft engine efficiency is about 36–41 per cent. used to improve starting as well as technologies. They have features that Power turbines can offer a shaft speed reasonable efficiencies in part-load
6 news bulletin – no.161 mAy 2011 operation. LM2500 gas turbines trent 60 gas turbines in other gas turbines of 100 MW are usually offered in a single base- size. It uses an annular combustion The Trent 60 is a large and modern plate configuration, including gas chamber (30 nozzles) and inter- aero-derivative gas turbine available turbine, enclosure and auxiliaries. The cooling technology to increase power for industrial use. It can deliver up footprint is around 6.5 x 3.6 x 4 m and efficiency. It combines aviation’s to 64 MW of power (42 per cent and it weighs 39 t. LM2500+ has highly successful characteristics, efficiency). This machine offers great an annular combustion chamber (30 modern turbofan engine technologies flexibility. The same gas turbine can be fuel nozzles), and a single annular and the most extensive and advanced used for power generation as well as combustor (SAC). It uses modern design and manufacturing techniques mechanical drive application. aircraft engine technologies such as in aero-derivative gas turbine field the latest combustor system design, for power and mechanical drive advanced internal coating, modern applications. Given its size, the thermal barrier etc. Individually LMS100 provides a very high level of replaceable fuel nozzles are provided performance, flexibility and reliability. to facilitate maintenance. The newest It has three turbine sections (HP, version of LM2500 is LM2500G4, MP and LP). The power turbine which retains the basic design of the LM6000 can be optimised for 3000 or LM2500+ but increases its power 3600 rpm drive shaft speeds. The capability by around 10 per cent. lMs100 gas turbines modular design, part-load efficiency, operational characteristics and LM2500G4 can produce more than The LMS100 is a large aero- the ability to change-out the main 34 MW of power. The old LM2500 derivative three-shaft gas turbine. modules in 24 to 48 hours provides can be upgraded to the G4 version It can produce more than 100 MW increased flexibility, availability and within the same space constraints. with around 45 per cent efficiency. reliability that is unique for 100 MW Modification improves the power The LMS100’s aero-derivative gas turbines. capability by increasing the airflow, core and power turbine allows an improving the materials and increasing operating flexibility that is very rare amin almasi the internal cooling. The number of compressor and turbine stages, the Amin Almasi is lead rotating equipment engineer at WorleyParsons, Brisbane, majority of airfoils and combustor Australia. He holds chartered engineer certificate from Engineers Australia and IMechE designs remain unchanged. in addition to a M.Sc. and B.Sc. in mechanical engineering. He specialises in rotating lM6000 gas turbines machines. Amin is an active member of Engineers Australia, IMechE, ASME, IEEE, Vibration Institute and others. He has authored more than 45 papers and articles The LM6000 (see Fig. 2) is a multi- dealing with rotating equipment, condition monitoring, offshore, subsea and reliability. spool machine that exhibits a large speed range. It is around 42 percent efficient with more than 44 MW of simple-cycle power. The six-stage PaNEl NEWs turbine offers 3600 rpm speed for both electric power generation and mechanical drive application. Its VictoriaN PaNEl Rhodes for the Best Project prize. design allows a full-speed range More presentations will be made later The Panel is off to a slow start for capability or around 55–105 per cent in the year. 2011. At the first meeting in February, nominal speed. It is usually offered in J. W. Burt a single base-plate configuration. planning for the year’s program has been put in place. Panel Chair Victoria The LM6000PG is the next generation of LM6000PC, both of which use A site visit to Leica Biosystems was Single Annular Combustor (SAC). organised in late March, and a full NsW PaNEl report will appear in the next Bulletin. These are relatively simple changes News from the NSW Panel in this to enable the LM6000 to function at I attended the Australian Branch period has been dominated by two higher temperatures and pressures. Meeting, the Speak Out for key successes in the development of a The low pressure (LP) air compressor Engineering Australian Final and the ‘Very Young Members’ Section. can operate at higher speeds to AGM in Perth in late February. increase the flow. Increasing the flow Your chair, Monika Sud, gave birth to boosts the power and heat rate. In The nominations from Victorian a son, Tarun Hirsch, on 24 February. addition, in the latest version, the high Universities for the IMechE Barnes Both are well. Not long afterwards, pressure (HP) turbine rotor has been Waldron Best Student and Best your treasurer, Jason Groombridge, modified based on modern aircraft Student Project prizes are all in, and became the proud father of a girl, engines. The new LM6000 series I have already attended a formal Sarah Elizabeth. Mother and daughter provides a guaranteed NOx level of dinner at the Victoria University to are both doing well and Jason is less than 15 ppm, as well as a very make presentations to Sean Kennan becoming familiar with the engineering low CO2 footprint. for the Best Student prize, and Justin design features of modern nappies.
news bulletin – no.161 mAy 2011 7 …continued meet new faces and to reacquaint PaNEl NEWs ourselves with those who have been there for some years. The Committee Needless to say, adjusting to their feedback from this trip will feature in discussed the previous year’s events new roles as parents has been the key the next Bulletin. and plans for the coming year. focus for both Jason and Monika. Ian Mash and Jason groombridge In late March, a half-day seminar was In amongst all this, the activities presented on the new national Work, of the Panel have continued to Qld PaNEl Health and Safety Act. The legislation, assist with membership growth. to be introduced across Australia at the Coordinating with the UK HQ, a The main news for Queensland over end of 2011, is designed to harmonise professional interview was organised the last few months has been the the current state-based occupational in February. The interview panel was occurrence of natural disasters! health and safety acts. The presenters convened, the necessary paperwork gave background information on the reviewed and the interview carried In January, Brisbane was affected by a major flood that rose to near need for change, identified those parts out. Recommendations have been of the legislation most likely to affect forwarded to the UK HQ for the next 1974 levels. Many structures along the Brisbane River were damaged or the engineering team, and shared membership committee meeting. The some experiences and insights into Panel continues to support interview washed away. The rising river also the types of issues likely to be faced processes for applicants in NSW, affected many houses, with flash by any members of the engineering including applicants who are living or flooding occurring in places like profession encountering a goal-setting working in NSW for a period of time Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley. safety regime for the first time. but are normally based elsewhere in Then Cyclone Yasi made landfall in the world. Far North Queensland. Reminiscent of The year ahead looks promising with the introduction of new members to During March, the Sydney Mechanical Cyclone Larry in 2006, many homes the Committee. We anticipate active Chapter enjoyed a most enlightening and businesses in the township of participation from all involved to make paper in relation to the new PPP Innisfail and along the Cassowary the year an exciting one. Trains being delivered by Downer EDI Coast were damaged by the category rail for RailCorp. The paper, entitled 5 cyclone. leslie yeow ‘Advances in Energy Efficiency of Trains As someone who works for ENERGEX, Panel Chair, Queensland for New South Wales’, was delivered I was involved in ‘feeder patrols’ by Phil Pearce and Guy Collishaw around Brisbane to investigate the and highlighted a number of class- damage to ENERGEX’s electricity sa PaNEl leading features, and the potential distribution assets caused by the New Year’s Lunch for even greater energy efficiency, floods. Many of ENERGEX’s crews At the start of February 2011, a whilst delivering a level of lighting, were also deployed north to assist group of around 25 members and comfort and information technology Ergon with the reconstruction and supporters of the South Australian to customers and clients. Their paper recovery effort after Cyclone Yasi. discussed the design targets of three Panel met for the traditional New leading energy-consuming systems – On a lighter note, the Queensland Year’s lunch at the Robin Hood Hotel. Traction, Climate Control and Saloon Panel AGM was convened in February. lighting – and focused on reducing We welcomed a few new members direct energy consumption, and to the Committee, increasing our increasing energy recovery and mass number to 10. As the Chairman, Daya reduction, which affect both energy Dharmasiri, was stepping down after use and vehicle performance. The five years, the members elected a large audience was surprised to learn new Chairman and Secretary. I was that energy consumption in a simple elected Hon. Chairman and Roger area such as lighting will potentially Buckley was elected Hon. Secretary save in the order of 1500 MWh per for 2011. The Committee thanked year for the Waratah fleet over the Daya for his many years of hard work. The lunch marks the start of standard fluorescent solution. Although stepping down from the an active year of the SA Panel and Chair’s position, Daya was successful has been a tradition for a number of Finally, at the AGM held in Perth on in being nominated as the Australian decades. The event also presented 26 February, our own Hon Sec, Ian Branch Hon. Secretary for 2011. He itself as an opportunity for one of our Mash, was elected unopposed as the will formally step into the role in May new members, Philip Richards, and next Chairman of the Australia Branch 2011 after the IMechE AGM in his wife, Hannah, who both recently of the IMechE. Ian will formally take the UK. moved from the UK to Adelaide, to be up this position in May when the introduced to the Panel committee and IMechE AGM is held in London. In In late February, Daya and I attended some long-standing Panel members. the meantime, Ian will make a flying the Australia Branch Annual General visit to Delhi to represent the Branch Meeting and Committee Meeting in The food was outstanding and the at the Regional Forum. Perhaps some Perth. It was a good opportunity to conversation flowed back and forth on
8 news bulletin – no.161 mAy 2011 engineering topics and current affairs. title. While this year the weather was All participants agreed that the event on the engineers’ side, with beautiful was a great success and look forward sunshine and pleasant temperatures, to attending the Antipodean Christmas luck was certainly not. After some lunch in June. hard-fought battles on the grounds, the IMechE representatives had to yield the trophy to the Gawler Petanque Club. The SA Panel of the IMechE would like to thank our hosts for their hospitality and good-natured rivalry and is looking forward to 2012 and the tenth anniversary of the challenge. Michael riese Panel Chair SA annual Petanque challenge In March 11, the SA Petanque Challenge between the Gawler PNg NEWs Petanque Club and the SA Panel of the The Andrew Frazer prize for 2010 IMechE was carried out for the ninth was won by Mr Gerard Schlze, who I take this opportunity to thank time. The event, which is by now also won the Council Medal and IMechE for its continual support in a well-established feature of the SA Degree with Merit. He has immediately the improvement of competitiveness calendar, took place once again at the been employed by LNG Gas and is among our mechanical engineering purpose-built facilities of the Gawler currently in Melbourne, Australia. The students. The introduction of this Petanque Club. Seventeen members department is very proud of him award has really improved the student and supporters from the IMechE and we wish him all the best in his performance overall. Thank you very arrived in good spirits for a barbecue new career. much. and to take up the challenge. After having won the challenge in 2010, it Mr Gerard Schlze, winner of the 2011 Professor John Pumwa was up to the engineers to defend their Andrew Frazer prize (PNG Representative) iNtErViEW: Who influenced you most in your Highlights: decision to become a mechanical - turnaround of Adtranz Australia, aNdrEW lEzala engineer? Adtranz Metros, Jarvis Rail Chief Executive Officer My father and uncle, both of whom - growing Bombardier worldwide Metro trains Melbourne Pty ltd encouraged me and gave me services business motorcycle engines to play with when - winning the Melbourne train I was 10 years old. franchise Please give a brief synopsis of your How did you come to be CEO of Metro Trains Melbourne? career so far, including what you see as the highlights. I led the bid team and when we won, I was appointed as CEO. Synopsis: Can you please elaborate on - Bogie & Suspensions Engineer, Metro’s operations? What is Metro Brakes Engineer, Project Engineer responsible for and what does it see (British Rail) as its task? - Engineering Director (RFS Group) We operate the entire metropolitan - Product Manager and VP Metros, train network: all train operations, China (ABB) timetabling, signalling, maintenance, - Managing Director Australia, customer service and renewals. President Metros (Adtranz) What are the major challenges and - President Services (Bombardier rewards of your current position? Transportation) • Growing reliability and capacity. - CEO Rail (Jarvis PLC) • Ensuring that equipment is reliable. - CEO SSL & BCV Infraco’s (Metronet) • Creating timetables that work (every - CEO (Metro Trains Melbourne) minute counts!).
news bulletin – no.161 mAy 2011 9 • Cultivating a culture that supports Melbourne and Sydney will have What do you see as IMechE’s role in outstanding performance. extensive underground railways. The Australia? question is, when do they commence? It seems that Australia is lagging To facilitate dialogue between behind Europe and East Asia in terms Why did you get involved with engineers, and to share information of rail technology. For instance, we do IMechE and what has your and world’s best practice. not have a high-speed rail network. involvement been? What is your take on this? And what What advice can you give to budding is your vision for Metro and rail I wanted to be a chartered engineer and engineers just starting out? transport in Australia? British Rail ran an excellent fast-track training program. I have been on the Engineers create tomorrow’s world High-speed rail should replace air Board of the Railway Division for many and keep today’s world working. It’s a travel, starting with Melbourne years and Chairman in 2007. I was also great career. The more you put in, the to Sydney and then extending to Vice Chair of the Technical Committee. more you get out. Get involved, make Brisbane and eventually Adelaide. In the 1980s I was Chairman of the a difference, and push the envelope in My vision is that in 100 years’ time, Midlands Centre in the UK. your career.
rUNNiNg mElBoUrNE’s traiN NEtWork On 15 June 2010, Andrew Lezala ( F. I. Mech. E, CEO Metro Trains) addressed the Victoria Panel. This is a condensed version of a very professional address that attracted a large audience and great interest.
Andrew has had engineering training be desirable to have eight-car trains • Necessary track upgrading. (For as well as extensive experience in rather than the present six-car, but all example, by mid-2010, 28,500 running other metro systems, including stations (including the city loop) would new concrete sleepers were laid, the London Underground and the need to be lengthened. A problem here 10 kilometres of new line added Shanghai equivalent. Melbourne’s is that 62 stations are located next to and 117 kilometres of ballast re- rail system ‘The Metro’, took over a level crossing, making lengthening tamped.) from Connex management at the end impossible or a major undertaking. Andrew provided answers to numerous of November 2009. It now has a Headway between trains is also questions: joint ownership, including the Hong complicated by passenger loading/ • Level crossings: Melbourne still has Kong Mass Transit Railway and John unloading behaviour. This could far too many (250 in all). Sydney Holland. Keeping the city and suburbs be improved by a reduction in the has very few – presumably because number of seats per car (currently 100 mobile is a constant problem-solving it is more hilly. operation. The basic problem is that plus) – an awkward decision. the city’s population is increasing by • The ‘myki’ ticketing system: Andrew detailed some purely Apparently, the reason for the some 1100 people a week; by 2030, engineering obstacles to on-time massive cost over-run and late this increase will add up to an extra running: delivery is an ‘unprecedented’ million. Clearly, the existing arteries situation brought about by will not be adequate. • 61 critical locations for speed challenges in communication links restriction. Already, Melbourne’s rail system is to trams and buses over a large world-class in size, with 15 lines, 830 • Tendency for poor wheel/rail geographical area. adhesion. This is partly alleviated by route kilometres, 212 stations, 165 • The city loop: Is being re-signalled ‘sanding’ with a proprietary mixture six-car trains and 3500 employees. for three-minute headways. It provides about 2064 services per of sand, metal powder and adhesive. (All trains will have this facility by • Graffiti: Is usually removed within day, to cope with about 400,000 24 hours. passengers. By 2020, the number the end of 2011.) • Security: Is relatively good (one of passengers is predicted to double, • Sundry rolling stock shortcomings. incident per 33 million journeys), requiring a 20 per cent increase in Of the total maintenance cost, especially off-peak, but requires traction motors account for 10 per physical infrastructure. Along with this greater police presence. must come more effective usage (e.g. cent, doors 14 per cent and brakes higher frequency of service). This will 7 per cent. Improvements cost about • One or more underground lines: Are under consideration. (Their require better reliability of rolling stock, $200 million per year. (An example cost/kilometre is ten times that of a a simpler overall timetable and much of this is the installation of a second surface line!) improved signalling to allow minimum ‘on-train’ wheel rims re-profiling headway between trains. It would lathe at the Newport workshops.) Patrick Russell-Young
10 news bulletin – no.161 mAy 2011 and made every instrument necessary He likewise about 1753, invented a a maN For all for the clipping, carding, spinning, machine to spin and reel cotton at rEasoNs reeling, weaving, fulling and dressing one operation, which he showed to his neighbours and then destroyed The story of Industrial invention at and making it up for wear with his through the generous but mistaken Stockport finds its starting-point in the own hands. He was an engraver, apprehension that it might take bread achievements of Lawrence Earnshaw, painter and gilder; he could stain glass from the mouths of the poor… He of Mottram, who got his only training and foil mirrors; was a blacksmith, also contrived a simple and ingenious from a Stockport mechanic during whitesmith, copper-smith, gunsmith, piece of mechanism for raising water the earlier part of the silk mill period. bellfounder and coffin-maker; made from a coal-mine. He was acquainted When a boy, we are told he was and erected sundials; mended fiddles; with the equally self-taught genius and put apprentice to a taylor[sic] and repaired, tuned and played upon and taught the harpsichord and virginals; celebrated James Brindley and when afterwards a clothier; but neither of they occasionally met they did not made and mended organs and optical those employments suiting his genius, soon part. after serving both for eleven years, instruments;…and carried so far his theory and practice of clockwork as he put himself for a short time to a From Samuel Oldknow and the clock-maker, one Shepley of Stockport. to be the inventor of a very curious Arkwrights: The Industrial Revolution By the force of native abilities ,with astronomical and geographical at Stockport and Marple, by George the very little instruction such an machine, containing a celestial and Unwin, University of Manchester, education could give him, he made terrestrial globe to which different 1924, copies of which are in the State himself one of the most universal movements were given representing Library of Victoria and at Monash mechanists and artists ever heard of. the diurnal and annual motions of the University Library. He could have taken wool from the earth, the position of the moon and sheeps backs, manufactured it into stars, the sun’s place in the elliptic Contributed by another Stockport cloth, made that cloth into cloaths etc..all with the greatest correctness…. Mechanic. sPEak oUt For ENgiNEEriNg The three finalists for the 2010/11 Belinda’s presentation also covered the Speak Out for Engineering national process of CFD, this time looking at the competition were Daniel Burdett, Belinda air/fuel mixing in a scramjet engine. Herden and Chris Hoskin. Daniel, She found a sufficiently accurate set representing the South Australia Panel, of parameters, geometry and flow spoke on the subject of ‘Hydrodynamic characteristic, remodelling the design and comparing it to a standard scram- Analysis of Floats for Seaplanes’. Speak Out for Engineering national finalists Belinda, representing the Queensland jet geometry. (left to right): Chris Hoskin, Belinda Herden and Daniel Burdett. Panel, spoke on ‘CFD Investigation: Chris’s presentation focused upon a Mixing for Scramjet on Shock/Jet very identifiable mechanical engineering The presentations were scored and Region’. Chris, who represented the New subject: rail. After working full-time at Daniel won, with Chris as runner- South Wales Panel, spoke on ‘3801 and the Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway in up. Daniel went on to represent Other Stories: Turning a Hobby into North Wales, Chris moved to Australia the Australian Branch at the Asia a Profession’. and began working at Halcrow. In and Oceania Forum Meeting and Daniel’s presentation covered the 2007, he took part in the heritage the regional SOfE final held in New steps taken to perform and validate a project overseeing the restoration of Delhi, and came first. Congratulations comparative CFD (computational flow elements of the 3801 Boiler. to all the contestants for engaging presentations, and to Daniel for dynamic) analysis of the hydrodynamic The presentations covered three very winning the regional final. forces upon three different designs of different topics and each presentation float for a seaplane. was approached in an individual way. Matt springer
somEthiNg to thiNk aBoUt another item from Mathematical Recreation and Essays… the Könisberg bridge Problem An elemental plan of Könisberg is given below. It shows an island in the river Pregel. The river has two branches as shown. There are seven bridges in all. The problem is to define a walk such that it crosses every bridge once and only once, and returns to its start point. Clearly, this is not possible. However, it could be possible if one or more additional bridges were built. Where would this (or they) be built?
news bulletin – no.161 mAy 2011 11 imEchE VictoriaN PaNEl 50th aNNiVErsary 50th anniversary of the Institution’s sPEcial EVENt – ENgiNEEriNg Book ExhiBitioN representation in Victoria. Looking back on the Exhibition, I realise On 2 December 2010, I spent about Whilst I was sitting at a table in that some of your members might be three hours at the State Library the Redmond Barry Reading Room interested to read my paper on The of Victoria, browsing the IMechE browsing the books, I observed at Melbourne Hydraulic Power Company Retrospective Exhibition. I enjoyed least half a dozen others – probably and public hydraulic power systems in Australia, which was published in leafing through a selection from non-IMechE members – stop for Engineers Australia’s Australian Journal the diverse range of mechanical varying lengths of time to look at the IMechE book exhibition, with several of Mechanical Engineering (Vol. 7, engineering-related books, including taking a book from the display to No. 2, 2009). The paper traces the some ‘classics’ from the nineteenth sit and peruse it. I suggest that this development of water hydraulic power century. A two-volume set titled systems in the UK, which lead to the is indicative of the success of the Melbourne public utility and its sister Engineering Heritage, published by exhibition. I personally commend the system in Sydney. Heinemann on behalf of IMechE in initiative of the IMechE Victoria Panel 1963 and 1966, was of particular for arranging with the State Library to Miles Pierce interest and I was subsequently able to set up the Retrospective Exhibition. Chairman track down a source for the two books I certainly gained a benefit from it, Engineering Heritage Victoria from a UK second-hand bookseller. along with being made aware of the December 2010
Photos From thE BraNch agm aNd diNNEr FEBrUary 26, 2011
The curious photo featured in NB160 is that of the Irvine Road Burner (also known as the Irvine Travelling Furnace). This is a great example of an Australian innovation. Production began in 1927 and only two were made. These machines literally burnt black soil to create a ceramic surface about five inches thick and was used for road-making in the Eastern Darling Downs. The machine in the photo was transported by ship to Brisbane in 1932 and did trials between Grantham and Gatton before being moved into the Darling Downs. It finished work before World War II and was never fired up again. It lay silent in the one location for 63 years until it was moved to the Jondaryan Woolshed in May 1999.
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