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Typical projects include API 650 approved tanks, conveyors, chutes, hoppers, bins, fan housings, platforms, clarifiers, thickeners, thickener mechanisms, turn key gravity plants and complete process control systems. KEM is also a Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) and ASME Section IX certified custom fabricator of both carbon and stainless steel.

Below is a brief portfolio of KEM's projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


  Leach Tank

In July of 2009, KEM completed the design and manufacturing of a Stainless Steel 316L tank, which was scheduled for final assembly in BC. Although the end user was pleased with the quality of work, KEM had a few challenges to overcome to satisfy their needs. The self supporting roof of the 20'x20' vessel has square shapes and massive cut outs that required the use of a 3D software and Finite Element Analysis Program (FEA) to help identify weak/stress points in the tank. The tank was post weld stress relieved using a vibration technology. A computer identifies the stresses in the vessel and then adjusts the vibration accordingly. When complete, a printable record is created of the resonant frequency before and after stress relieving. The 3D software used to design and modify this tank, allowed the client to manipulate and view the vessel from all angles throughout the entire design process. KEM and the client worked closely together to achieve the desired results.

                            


 Expansion Joint & Installation Bands

KEM provided a fabricated, circular 4’x4’- 316L stainless steel expansion joint and 2 installation bands for a company in BC, in the spring of 2009. The expansion joint received stress relieving treatment which was between 1900-2050 degrees Fahrenheit. This stress relief changes the composition of the metal and in turn made it better suited to resisting work hardening, weld cracking from high temperature cycles and it is still resistant to an acidic environment.  During the heat treatment the expansion joint would expand to its maximum volume and then be “pre-shrunk” so that it does not change shape while performing in its application.  

 
 
 
  

 



Greenwood Head Tank-GVRD

The GVRD had seen previous tanks that were manufactured by KEM for another phase of this project. GVRD invited us to bid on the contract to design and manufacture the Greenwood Head Tank for the Seymour-Capilano Filtration System project.
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Flotation cells

KEM does work as an OEM for a number of clients. Pictured here is a truckload of flotation cells destined for the Kensington Gold project in Alaska. KEM fabricated six of these units and six smaller units within a very tight schedule to meet the delivery requirements for the client.

 

 

 




Westmark Shaft

Knelson senior fabricators use a unique in-house procedure to repair a chronically failing drive shaft. After multiple failed attempts by several other shops, Knelson was contracted to engineer a lasting solution. The repair strategy included cutting the shaft into two pieces, machining weld preparations and welding a controlled pre and post heating. Continuous cleaning of the weld slag allowed the welder to apply multiple passes without stopping, further enhancing temperature control and weld strength. The shaft has been in service, crack free for two years  as of November 2007.

 

 

 

 

 
Tank

This thickener / clarifier was manufactured in 316 stainless steel as part of an environmental treatment system for an oil refinery. As part of the overall scope, KEM was also responsible for the API 650 design for the vessel.

 



 

 

 

 

Projects Archived

 

 

 
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