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Hazer’s commercial demonstration plant strikes trouble with imported reactor vessel

Perth’s Hazer Group’s plans to build a demonstration plant to produce hydrogen from biogas has stuck yet more trouble with news that a defect has been identified in the main reactor vessel being manufactured in China. The project at the Western Australian Water Board’s Woodman Point wastewater treatment plant was originally costed at $16.7 million, but estimates have now been raised to close to $25 million, partly through covid-related delays. However now the company reported that the reactor vessel which is made of Inconel 617 alloy to resist high temperature and pressure is unsuitable for use. The company’s supplier FFF Australia has reviewed the failure and ‘determined improvements to the proposed manufacturing method and scope’. The size of a proposed forging has been reduced and the reactor will now be manufactured in two sections before welding together. The new vessel should arrive in Australia in July.

Gilmour Space Technologies welcomes Australia’s first space apprentices

Queensland rocket builder Gilmour Space Technologies has announced its first-ever intake of rocket-building apprentices – Kirra B, and Declan Y (pictured). The company received more than 100 applications from young people for the two positions, which are the first of many to be offered by the company as it grows. Assisting Gilmour developing its apprentice program were the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, TAFE Queensland and MEGT (Australia) Ltd

Recovery in China markets for JAT

Sales for China export specialist JAT rebounded in the December quarter as China overcomes a challenging ‘macro political climate’. The exporter of dairy and other products reported gross revenue of $9.6 million for the December quarter, up from $6.4 million in the September quarter. During the period sales of JAT’s V-meat non meat products commenced and the company opened a Shanghai boutique, showcasing its product range. In Australia JAT launched its new e-commerce platform Jatlife.com.au and sales of its Chinese BabyCare product range were launched. The company has expanded its ANMA dairy manufacturing facility in Victoria to cater for increasing demand. In December JAT signed a $10 million agreement with Oceania Supply Chain Management for 1.5 million units to be produced at the plant for export to the region.

Picture: Gilmour Space Technologies/(standing) Kelli Wilson MEGT, Kylee Mace TAFE, (sitting) Declan and Kirra

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