Walkway and Support Structures for Project Pure

Monday, April 7th, 2025

Job#16069  

Location: Wanaka, NZ

Time: Oct 2024 – Mar 2025

 

As part of an infrastructure upgrade at the Wanaka Wastewater Treatment Plant, a comprehensive fabrication and supply project was initiated to enhance the facility’s operational efficiency and safety.  

The existing water waste treatment plant was established in 1988. The plant was upgraded in 2000 and has now reached capacity and is due for an upgrade. In 2025, Taurus was selected to supply and fabricate key components for the plant’s new walkway and support structures. The scope of work included the fabrication of 6 walkway modules, 7 walkway pipe supports, handrails for the modules, and a stairway as well as the supply of FRP mini mesh grating and clip sets. Despite the project’s complex requirements and the need for precise fabrication to meet engineering specifications, Taurus successfully completed all fabrication work, with items hot dip galvanised for durability and corrosion resistance. The finished components were delivered to the Wanaka Wastewater Treatment Plant according to the agreed timeline.  

Since the initial fabrication and supply of key components for the walkway and support structures, additional work ongoing, includes the outer manifolds, cross pipes, and a manifold central to improve the flow and control of the wastewater treatment process… These modifications have optimized the plant’s operational efficiency and accessibility for maintenance tasks. These upgrades, along with the original scope of work, have collectively contributed to the overall success of the project, reinforcing Taurus’s commitment to precision, durability, and seamless integration of complex systems. 

 

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Turnkey Solution for Sika Christchurch

Tuesday, February 25th, 2025

Job number #16014

Location: Christchurch, NZ

Time: October 2024 – March 2025

Taurus was engaged by Sika Christchurch to deliver a comprehensive turnkey solution, covering the design, fabrication, and installation of multiple components. At the core of this project was the mixing tank, designed and integrated with supporting structures and process systems to ensure optimal functionality.

Our scope of work included: 

  • Designing: To meet all legislative requirements for health and safety, safe operation, and design best practices/standards, including mechanical, structural, electrical, automation and process pipe flow systems. 
  • Fabricating and Installing: a mezzanine platform with handrails, product platforms with load cells, and a crane hoist and crane structure. 
  • Manufacturing and Integrating: the mixing tank with process pipework, pumps, and valves, including electrical systems and full automation—thanks to Millennium Electrical. 
  • Installing key operational elements, including a scrubber unit, pallet swing gate, and water tanks. 

The project is currently underway, with work progressing towards a fully integrated system that meets Sika Christchurch’s operational needs. 

 

 

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Fabrication of Wet Scrubber and Structural Frame for NZ Steel

Tuesday, February 18th, 2025

Job number #15894

New Zealand Steel, the country’s leading producer of flat rolled steel products, operates from the Glenbrook Steel Mill, 40 kilometres south of Auckland. Serving industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, the company is dedicated to enhancing sustainability and efficiency in steel production.

As part of the Melters Extraction upgrade, Taurus played a pivotal role in fabricating key components for the project. This upgrade was designed by Vortex to improve the performance of the Melter feed bin de-dust system, which removes hot dust and fumes generated during the batch feeding of hot materials into the 24 charging bins (12 per Melter) associated with the two Melter units.

Taurus’ Contribution

Taurus’ scope of work in this project included the fabrication of the six-metre-high wet scrubber and the structural frame. Key contributions included:

  • Fabrication of the Wet Scrubber: Taurus constructed the wet scrubber using high-grade 3Cr12 stainless steel, selected for its ability to withstand the challenging environment of high temperatures and abrasive materials. The scrubber was designed to effectively remove remaining dust load and gaseous emissions before they are safely released into the atmosphere.
  • Structural Frame: The structural frame was fabricated with carbon steel to provide robust support for the system. Taurus ensured precise engineering and manufacturing to handle the load requirements and ensure durability in the demanding operational environment.

 

Taurus’ expertise in fabrication ensured the successful completion and delivery of the wet scrubber and structural frame. A complete trial build of the system was performed to confirm that all components were ready for seamless installation.

The system was installed on schedule and is operating as intended. With the upgraded system in place, New Zealand Steel has noted an improvement in the work environment, contributing to their goals for sustainability and efficiency under Project Electron.

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Burnside High School Project

Monday, July 29th, 2024

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Time:  June 2023 – June 2024

Job # 15575

To collaborate with Naylor Love on the Burnside High School New Block 1 Main Construction project, Taurus provided and installed metal handrails and balustrades for the new building.

Summary of works:

The site was located within Burnside High School, leading to a narrow compound where access proved a limited resource, especially around the exterior of the building. Taurus worked closely with other trades to share access and ensure a safe work environment while performing dangerous tasks, including lifting steel frames, grinding, and welding.

Due to the tight tolerances required by the aluminium panels, this project provided a challenge to Taurus. However, with all departments coordinating together, Taurus found solutions and persevered to the end. Our team worked diligently to meet the project’s requirements and maintain safety standards throughout the process.

The project has now been successfully completed, with the finished building already being well-utilised and appreciated by both students and staff. The result is a modern, functional space that reflects the quality of the design and construction. Below are some images showcasing the completed facility 

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Taranaki Street Pumpstation

Friday, January 19th, 2024
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Time: July 2022 – March 2024
Partner: Brian Perry Civil

Job number #15202 

 

Back Ground

This project, situated in central Wellington, was undertaken to address urgent challenges within the city’s wastewater system. Its main goals included seamlessly integrating a new pump station into the existing wastewater network, optimizing flow redirection, and preparing for a future connection to the Taranaki Street Rising Main. The driving force behind this initiative was to overcome the limitations of the current wastewater system, expand its capacity, accommodate future growth, and enhance the robustness of vital wastewater infrastructure.

The intricacies of the project were notable, with the pump station boasting a 10.88m external diameter and 8.66m internal diameter, situated approximately 8.5m below ground level.

 

Scope of Work

Our scope of work was comprehensive and included:

  • Installation of inlet pipes into the wet well.
  • Dry well-side, encompassing the installation of all suction and discharge pipe work.
  • Creation of a mezzanine platform.
  • Implementation of internal and external HVAC systems for heating, ventilation, and control.
  • Installation of a lift beam.

Challenges and Solutions

Several challenges emerged during the project, and innovative solutions were required to overcome them.

  1. First, adverse weather conditions presented a hurdle, particularly on rainy days when water inundation into the pump station was a concern.
  2. Additionally, heavy rainwater filled the HVAC system, causing damage to both inlet and outlet fans. Manoeuvring within a tight urban space, and the need for early morning deliveries to minimize disruption in the city centre, presented logistical challenges.
  3. Furthermore, managing a project in Wellington while our staff was based in Christchurch required streamlined communication, and efficient issue resolution, as well as timely deliveries from Christchurch to Wellington.

 

The project achieved its objectives successfully and within the stipulated timeframe and budget. Client satisfaction was paramount, with our work meeting high standards and quality expectations. Effective communication and collaboration with BPC played a pivotal role in swiftly resolving potential issues. This project not only addressed critical wastewater network challenges but also showcased our ability to execute complex projects in confined urban settings with efficiency and professionalism.

By maintaining a pragmatic and straightforward approach throughout the project, we delivered results that met the client’s needs and upheld our commitment to excellence in engineering solutions.

 

*Photo credit: Brian Perry Civil and Wellington Water.

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Sydenham Pump Station Suction Tank Project

Tuesday, October 24th, 2023
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand 
Schedule: July 2023 – September 2023
Partner: Seipp Construction

Job number #15348

 

Project Background

As part of the Council’s infrastructure improvements, the old Sydenham suction tank was replaced. Taurus was tasked with providing the pipework connecting the new tank to four existing well heads and a pump station. Additional structural installations such as a surrounding stairway and pipe supports were also part of the project.

Scope of Work

  • Overflow & Stormwater
  • DI/SS Pipework
  • Structural Work (external tank stairs, step-over platform)

Challenges and Solutions

A sudden change in material and specifications was effectively managed by Taurus, who chose to use stainless steel pipes, allowing for a quick turnaround and minimal impact on the project timeline.

Taurus introduced a socketed pipe system for the underground sections, a first for all involved. Close communication with the supplier and the Council led to an alternative locking mechanism, negating the need for thrust blocks.

Some existing infrastructure was not aligned either parallel or perpendicular, which is fairly standard. This was effectively handled through on-site pipe fabrication, facilitated by our Hamilton crane, which enabled the easy manoeuvring of larger pipe sections.

Designing and installing the stairway was challenging due to its complex geometry and location. Through effective communication between our project office and the fabrication floor, the stairway was successfully installed.

Outcome

All components were fabricated and installed successfully. The experience has enriched Taurus’ project office and site team, equipping us with valuable skills for future projects.

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Pressure Vessel for the Chemical Industry

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Year: March 2023

Job number #101967

In early 2023, Taurus Engineering partnered with a company in Queensland, Australia, to deliver a pressure vessel for air purification in the chemical industry in Melbourne.

 

Build for demanding applications

The pressure vessel was built to the main specification of AS1210 Class 3 Pressure Vessel, with additional examination and pressure testing required to be done to Spec (4037-1999_R2016). All welding was done to ASME IX specs.

Constructed using grade 304 stainless steel with thicknesses between 5mm and 20mm, the vessel was made of plate, pipe, fasteners, rod, and machined flanges. These materials were chosen for their strength, malleability, and resistance to corrosive environments and applications.

 

Designed for corrosion challenges

The vessel was designed for a specific application in the chemical industry. However, due to its use, there were potential corrosive challenges that needed to be considered during the construction process.

Welding the pressure vessel presented multiple challenges, including Die Pen testing and 100% visual examination, as the vessel needed to meet the hazardous Class 3 specifications. Quality assurance checks needed to be thorough, and all material certificates were checked upon arrival. Multiple parties were involved in the welding process to ensure that no preparation was missed and that all quality assurance documents showed compliance with the AS1210 Class 3 specs.

The vessel had a capacity of 3.6 m3 and a maximum operating pressure of 0.58 bar. Its technical details made it unique and of particular interest to the chemical industry. The successful delivery of this pressure vessel demonstrated our expertise in meeting the specific needs of clients in the chemical industry and our commitment to meeting the highest quality standards.

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Cyclone Fabrication and Installation

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

Location: Christchurch, NZ

Schedule: 2017

Job numbers #82529 & 82530

In 2017, Taurus, along with its parent company Vortex, had the opportunity to design, fabricate, and install a cyclone for a food industry client in Christchurch. Our team leveraged its expertise and experience to deliver a product that would meet the specific needs of our client.

The project involved close collaboration with the client to understand their requirements and ensure that the finished cyclone met their expectations. We used high-quality materials and precision fabrication techniques to produce a cyclone that was durable, efficient, and capable of handling the client’s industrial application needs.

Thanks to our team’s commitment to quality and safety, we were able to deliver the cyclone on schedule and to the complete satisfaction of our client. The cyclone is now in use, helping to support our client’s food production operations in Christchurch.

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Food Pressure Vessel

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

Location: Christchurch, NZ

 

Our team had the pleasure of providing a pressure vessel to a food industry client located in Christchurch. The project involved fabricating, welding, and pressure testing the vessel to ensure it met all industry standards and requirements.

At every step of the process, our team prioritized quality and safety to deliver a product that would meet the unique needs of our client. We worked closely with the client to understand their specific requirements and ensure that the finished product met their expectations.

The vessel is now in use, supporting our client’s operations and helping to ensure the safety and quality of their food products.

 

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Pyrocal Wet ESP

Friday, January 27th, 2023
Location: Queensland, Australia
Industry: Waste management
Schedule: 2021

Job number #FTPL10909 / VEL2022062

In 2021, Taurus engaged Fowlerex Technologies to fabricate two Wet ESP units for an Australian client Pyrocal PTY Ltd. This equipment is often used in waste management industry for air purification.

Dust laden gases created in some production process require the use of an Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) to efficiently clean to levels require for further downstream processing or release to the atmosphere. Our group company Fowlerex Technologies makes use of Taurus manufacturing skill and experience to supply both dry and wet ESP solutions to the Australasian market.

Taurus also offer wet scrubber maintenance and repairs to ensure your facility functions reliably.

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Pump station PS205 Upgrade

Thursday, January 26th, 2023

Location: Christchurch, NZ

Schedule: 2021 – 2023

 

Project Background

This pump station, commissioned in 1979, is Christchurch’s largest stormwater pump station,
consisting of three Archimedes Screw-pumps with a total pumping capacity of 13 m3/s. The station
serves a crucial role in preventing flooding of roads and properties surrounding Horseshoe Lake by
effectively pumping stormwater from the lake and discharging it into the Ōtākaro Avon River.
After 40 years of service, the station required an upgrade to restore discharge height lost in the
Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 – 2011, improve equipment reliability, and enhance safety for
operators and maintenance staff.

 

Project Overview

The sustainability of this project is notable for the decision to refurbish the existing Archimedes
screws locally instead of purchasing replacement screws from The Netherlands or remanufacturing
new screws in New Zealand. Head Contractor Seipp Construction engaged Taurus Engineering to
conduct the screw refurbishment, including removal, condition assessment/reporting, repairs,
modification, grit blast/repaint, and reinstallation/alignment of the screws back in position at the
station.
Taurus Engineering was also responsible for all other structural metalwork and mechanical fitting
tasks associated with the upgrade, such as fuel pipework, heat exchangers, exhaust
pipework/discharge stack, lifting gantries, tank support frames, platforms, handrails, rotating
equipment guarding, debris screens, and the removal and reinstallation of the screw drive trains.

 

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