Container is converted into mobile ammunition process unit

A one-trip shipping container was the starting point for converting into a very sophisticated facility with rigorous requirements to meet international standards.

Representatives from QinetiQ UK Operations first contacted Portable Space in 2011 looking for support in designing, manufacturing and delivering a Mobile Ammunition Process Unit for an MOD establishment in South Wales to use at a number of sites.

Starting with a 20ft x 8ft standard height one-trip container, the conversion involved removing the cargo doors, blanking the end and installing a steel personnel door with fire escape furniture.

The internal walls and ceiling were insulated with Rockwall and lined with marine plywood and the space was sub-divided into a four square metre changing lobby and a nine square metre intrinsically safe processing area.

What made this project so unusual was the electrical design and the conducting floor which was supported by a detailed earthing system including establishing lightning strike protection via down conductors and a Faraday cage within the processing area.

In addition, the electrical installation needed to comply with Ministry of Defence Category B Electrical Standards for explosive areas (compliant with DSEAR & ATEX) and all fixtures and fittings were wired using surface-mounted metal conduit with low smoke cabling, all to BSEN Standards.

Anthony Clark, QinetiQ Explosives Manager (Wales) said: “A comprehensive design process based on an extremely detailed client specification was undertaken by Portable Space who really went the extra mile to ensure that they fully understood and met all our requirements.

“Despite the complex specification, the completed unit was designed, manufactured and delivered within a 16-week period and we were delighted with the result.

“Operationally this has proved to be an excellent piece of equipment and was exactly what we needed to use at our establishment and at a number of sister sites.”