Site:
Shutter installation at WOodsmith Mine
Location:
North Yorkshire
At Woodsmith Mine, ensuring robust security and efficient functionality is paramount, especially when dealing with critical access points to a shaft that services a tunnel extending from Whitby to the Wilton site at Middlesbrough. Recently, we completed an extensive project to enhance the mine’s security and accessibility by installing four roller shutter doors, a manual folding shutter door, two louvre panels, and one double steel door set. Here’s a detailed look at the installation process and the benefits brought to this essential infrastructure.
Some site history...
In October 2015, the North York Moors National Park Authority granted planning permission for the development of Woodsmith Mine, a new polyhalite mine. Developed by Anglo American, the mine aims to extract polyhalite from deep seams beneath the park and extending under the North Sea. The project includes a mine head site near Whitby, a 37-kilometre tunnel transport system with three intermediate shafts, a materials handling facility at Wilton, Teesside, and a harbour facility for export at Bran Sands, Teesside. Work began on the mine head site in May 2017, with subsequent development at Lockwood Beck and Wilton. Minor revisions to the project were approved in February 2018.
The project involved the following installations:
- 4 x roller shutter doors
- 1 x manual folding shutter door
- 2 x louvre panels
- 1 x double steel door set
These components were critical for controlling access to the shaft that services the tunnel, ensuring both security and operational efficiency.
Roller shutters
The roller shutter doors were selected for their industrial-grade durability and security, perfect for the mine’s demanding environment. The installation began with precise measurements and custom fabrication to ensure a perfect fit. Each door was carefully mounted, aligned, and tested to ensure smooth operation. The automated mechanisms were calibrated for seamless functionality, providing quick and secure access to the mine shaft. The manual roller shutter was also installed to give users more flexibility with opening and closing.
Louvre Panels
To improve ventilation within the shaft area, we installed louvre panels. These panels allow for optimal airflow, crucial for maintaining air quality and reducing humidity levels in the tunnel. They were installed in strategic locations to maximise airflow and were securely fixed to remain stable under various weather conditions
Double Steel Door Set
The double steel door set was a critical addition for high-security areas. These doors provide an additional layer of security, essential for controlling access to sensitive areas. The installation process included reinforcing the door frame and ensuring the doors were perfectly aligned for seamless operation. The double steel doors were tested rigorously to ensure they met the high-security standards required for the mine.
The original drawings of Woodsmith Mine provide a detailed blueprint of the facility’s infrastructure, showcasing the meticulous planning and engineering required to create a secure and efficient mining operation. These drawings serve as a foundational reference for all subsequent modifications and installations, ensuring that every enhancement aligns seamlessly with the initial design and structural integrity of the building.
In conclusion
The installation of these components at Woodsmith Mine has significantly enhanced the security and functionality of the facility. The roller shutter doors, manual folding shutter door, louvre panels, and double steel door set work together to ensure secure and efficient access to the shaft servicing the tunnel from Whitby to the Wilton site at Middlesbrough. This project underscores the importance of integrating high-quality security solutions in critical infrastructure to ensure both safety and operational efficiency.
