AJ Engineering fabricates monster vessel
A 50,000-litre hot water tank is the biggest single piece of metalwork of its type to come out of the workshop at a Scottish engineering company. It closely follows two other landmark projects, the most travelled, and the largest by cost.
The individual piece is one of the biggest single pieces to be created at the Forres-based headquarters.
AJ Engineering & Construction Services was tasked with carrying out the design, fabrication drawings, manufacture, testing and coating of the 50,000-litre storage unit.
The monster-sized piece will be used in a commercial heating system and whilst the fabrication of the item was straight forward, Gary Moyes project manager of the vessel said due to its size, there were certain logistical challenges which had to be overcome.
He said: “As with all of the projects that we handle at AJ Engineering, we worked closely with the client to guarantee all aspects of design were fully compliant. It was an interesting project to work on as from design through to completion there was very little time. The whole job took just seven weeks and was actually completed ahead of schedule.
“It had to be delivered quickly, and along the way various checks had to be carried out, which involved narrow windows in which to complete testing so as not to impede overall progress. However, at the same time we had to ensure the vessel was fully tested in accordance with the design stipulations.”
Gary, who has worked at AJ Engineering since April 2016 added: “This is one of the biggest items to go out of the workshop in one piece. It’s certainly the biggest water storage vessel that AJ Engineering has fabricated. Also because of its size, we had to ensure that we complied with transport regulations which had to be planned and documented in advance.”
AJ Engineering & Construction Services work on numerous contracts all over the UK.
The company recently sent a consignment of 600 individual pieces which will create a platform to Bird Island in Antarctica, it’s furthest away project ever.
And in May secured its biggest contract to date with a multi-million-pound windfarm deal.
The company fabricated and installed the structural steel and cladding for the Stronelairg Wind Farm substation in a deal worth £2.5m.
It has also carried out works on the Kessock Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and the newly opened Queensferry Crossing.
Gary added: “Now that this vessel has been completed, we hope to build on this contract and complete more vessel fabrication scopes for a range of clients in the future. This vessel is an example of the professional and versatile skills set we have at AJE and highlights how our facility at Forres can be utilised for a variety of high quality fabrications to a wide client base.”
