Sydney’s Luna Park ride development team called on Pilot Air to upgrade its compressed air system.
When it comes to serious quality and reliability, Pilot Air has built a reputation that sees large operators turn to them for all their compressed air needs. The team at Sydney’s Luna Park ride development did just that when two of the big-ticket rides needed the supply, installation and commissioning of air compressor systems and pipework.
Tendering began in February 2021 for a number of ride upgrades, and Pilot Air was engaged to create an air compressor system and air pipework solutions for two of the park’s most iconic and popular ride attractions.
The team conducted a comprehensive site visit, undertaking a diagnostic discovery of the park’s Boomerang ride.
As a feature ride with dynamic size to weight ratios and high-velocity execution, the complex air compressor system and air pipework needed to be intrinsically accurate with a robust system that would successfully perform under the stresses and demands of the ride’s platform.
“Luna Park Sydney has a long and very successful relationship with Pilot Air. We have full faith in the air compressor systems supplied by Pilot Air, so when it came time for the large-scale ride development process at Luna Park Sydney, naturally we turned to them for their expertise and thorough understanding of our needs and the demands of our equipment,” said Chris Pierce, Maintenance Manager at Luna Park Sydney.
Providing air compressor systems for heavy-duty needs
Armed with the technical specifications from the ride’s technical experts, Pilot Air supplied a 5.5Kw Rotary screw compressor with a 600L vertical air receiver and TFD 15 dryer. Additionally, the installation required all the associated pipework and fittings. Pilot Air created a customised plug-and-play air compressor system that met the demands of the project and delivered it within the tight scheduling constraints.
Pilot Air followed the successful installation of the air compressor system for the Luna Park Boomerang ride with a larger and more complex installation for one of the park’s most popular and iconic rides – the famous Big Dipper.
“These guys have an excellent reputation,” said Pierce. “They are very proactive in their preventative maintenance activities, which ensures minimal downtime. They provide clear information on the asset lifecycle and complete transparency on any new development and capital expenditure. Having this level of knowledge is critical to our asset planning and budgeting requirements.”
The Big Dipper required a robust and powerful air compressor system. The team at Pilot Air customised a solution that not only filled the specifications but also solved a spatial and access problem. Due to the ride’s location within the site, they needed to supply a customised 37Kw variable speed rotary screw compressor with a 1000L verticle air receiver. Additionally, the system required the TFD72 Dryer and approximately 120m of pipework and fittings.
The Big Dipper air compressor installation was a significant process that required a number of days. Complicating the installation was the delivery timeframe of the unit. Made in Italy, the customised system was overdue on delivery and Pilot Air was fast to act.
“We installed a temporary solution for the park’s operator that could manage the demands of the Big Dipper until the unit arrived. The installation workaround created by the team was highly effective in solving a difficult problem and keeping the project on track. The team needed to work in collaboration with other trades and technicians who had been contracted to complete other works. The Pilot Air team was instrumental in assisting other contractors in fulfilling their obligations and the project showcased our teamwork skills and knowledge of complex installations,” said Tony Featherstone, National Sales Manager at Pilot Air.
Pilot Air has been servicing industry and business for over 40 years. Many members of the team have been with the company for the best part of two or more decades. Delivering projects like this one for Luna Park are opportunities for Pilot Air and the team to showcase their experience and expertise in providing outstanding solutions for compressed air needs.
“Pilot Air has the infrastructure to supply, install and commission air compressor assets, making them the subject matter experts in this space. Their service levels and communication strategies enable any installation to be handled seamlessly,” said Pierce.
With air compressors through to compressed air storage, treatment and distribution, combined with our comprehensive spare parts inventory, Pilot Air will have what you require. If the standard compressed air products aren’t suitable, the crew offer custom-built solutions to meet individual requirements.