S160-4 Drag Skid with Roof and Ducting — Underground Compressor

Maddington, Western Australia | April 2026

Reviewed by: Elite Engineering WA • AS/NZS 1554 Certified

Structural Steel Custom Fabrication Mining & Resources Skid Frame Fabrication

Project Summary

Elite Engineering WA designed and fabricated a custom S160-4 drag skid frame with integrated roof structure and ducting system for Cleveland Compressors. This heavy-duty skid frame provides a mobile platform for a large underground mining compressor, enabling reliable compressed air supply in demanding underground mining conditions.

The drag skid was engineered to withstand the rigorous conditions of underground mining operations while providing secure mounting for the compressor equipment and integrated ventilation through the custom ducting system. All structural welding was performed to AS/NZS 1554.1 SP standards, ensuring compliance with Australian structural steel fabrication requirements for mining equipment.

This project demonstrates our capability in skid frame fabrication for underground mining applications, where structural integrity, mobility, and equipment protection are critical to operational success.

Project Context

Cleveland Compressors required a custom drag skid frame to house and transport a large underground mining compressor. Underground mining operations demand robust, mobile equipment platforms that can withstand harsh conditions while maintaining equipment accessibility and ventilation.

The client’s requirements included:

Structural integrity: Heavy-duty frame capable of supporting a large compressor and withstanding underground mining conditions
Mobility: Drag skid design enabling movement between underground work sites
Equipment protection: Integrated roof structure shielding the compressor from falling debris and environmental exposure
Ventilation: Custom ducting system ensuring proper airflow for compressor operation and cooling
Durability: Construction suitable for continuous underground mining operation

Standard compressor mounting solutions would not provide the mobility, protection, and ventilation integration required for underground mining applications. The custom drag skid design addressed these operational challenges while ensuring compliance with mining safety standards.

Design Requirements

The S160-4 drag skid design addressed several critical technical requirements:

Structural Performance: The frame must support the weight of a large underground compressor while maintaining structural integrity under dynamic loading conditions during transport and operation. Heavy-duty structural steel sections were selected for their strength-to-weight ratio and durability in mining environments.

Mobility: The drag skid base was designed for smooth movement through underground mine workings. The frame geometry and base design enable efficient dragging while maintaining stability during transport and operation.

Equipment Protection: The integrated roof structure provides overhead protection for the compressor, shielding it from falling debris, water drips, and other hazards common in underground mining environments. The roof design balances protection with equipment accessibility for maintenance.

Ventilation Integration: The custom ducting system was engineered to provide proper airflow for compressor operation and cooling. The ducting routing and connections were designed to integrate with the mine’s ventilation system while maintaining compressor efficiency.

Compliance: All welding and fabrication work was performed to AS/NZS 1554.1 SP (Structural Steel Welding - Standard Penetration), ensuring the skid meets Australian standards for structural integrity and quality in mining applications.

Solution

Our skid frame fabrication team designed and manufactured a custom drag skid tailored to Cleveland Compressors’ specific underground compressor requirements. The solution incorporated:

Heavy-duty structural steel frame using sections sized for the compressor weight and dynamic loading conditions
Drag skid base design enabling smooth movement through underground mine workings while maintaining stability
Integrated roof structure providing overhead protection for the compressor from falling debris and environmental exposure
Custom ducting system engineered for proper compressor ventilation and cooling, integrated with the skid frame
Precision welding at all structural joints, performed to AS/NZS 1554.1 SP by certified welders
Equipment mounting points designed for secure compressor installation and maintenance accessibility

The skid was fabricated in our Forrestdale workshop using our professional welding services, with all structural welding performed by certified welders with current procedure qualifications. Each joint was inspected to ensure compliance with the structural standard, and the complete assembly was verified for dimensional accuracy before delivery.

Technical Specifications

The S160-4 drag skid was fabricated using heavy-duty structural steel, selected for strength and durability in underground mining applications. Key technical features include:

Material: Heavy-duty structural steel sections (Grade 250/350)
Welding Standard: AS/NZS 1554.1 SP (Structural Steel Welding - Standard Penetration)
Frame Design: Drag skid base for underground mobility
Roof Structure: Integrated overhead protection for compressor equipment
Ducting System: Custom ventilation ducting for compressor operation and cooling
Load Capacity: Sized for large underground compressor with safety factor
Finish: Industrial coating suitable for underground mining environment

All structural welding was performed by qualified welders with current procedure qualifications, with welding procedure specifications (WPS) and welder qualification records (WQR) maintained for the project. Material traceability was maintained throughout fabrication.

Manufacturing Process

The S160-4 drag skid was manufactured in our Forrestdale workshop through the following process:

1. Design & Engineering: Our team developed detailed fabrication drawings based on Cleveland Compressors’ specifications and the underground compressor dimensions. The design optimised structural performance, mobility, and equipment protection while integrating the ventilation ducting system.

2. Material Procurement: Heavy-duty structural steel sections were sourced from local Perth distributors, with material traceability to AS/NZS 3678/3679 standards as applicable. Material selection prioritised strength and durability for underground mining conditions.

3. Cutting & Preparation: Structural members were cut to length using CNC plasma cutting equipment, with joint preparations completed for full-penetration welding at critical connections. Roof and ducting components were fabricated to precise dimensions.

4. Frame Fabrication: The drag skid base frame was fitted and welded in our workshop, with all structural welding performed to AS/NZS 1554.1 SP by certified welders. The frame geometry was verified for dimensional accuracy and mobility characteristics.

5. Roof Structure Integration: The roof structure was fabricated and integrated with the main frame, providing overhead protection while maintaining equipment accessibility. Roof supports were designed to withstand potential impact loads from falling debris.

6. Ducting System Installation: Custom ducting was fabricated and installed within the skid frame, routed to provide optimal airflow for compressor operation and cooling. Ducting connections were designed for integration with the mine ventilation system.

7. Quality Control: Dimensional inspection verified the skid met design specifications. Weld quality was assessed visually, with welding procedure and welder qualification records compiled for the project documentation pack. The complete assembly was verified for structural integrity and equipment fit.

8. Surface Treatment: The completed skid received industrial coating suitable for underground mining environments, providing corrosion resistance and durability.

9. Delivery: The completed drag skid was transported to Cleveland Compressors’ Maddington facility, ready for compressor installation and underground deployment.

Standards Compliance

This project was fabricated in full compliance with Australian structural steel standards:

AS/NZS 1554.1 SP - Structural Steel Welding (Standard Penetration): All structural welding performed to this standard, with qualified welders and approved welding procedures
AS/NZS 5131 - Structural Steel Fabrication and Erection: Fabrication quality and tolerances meet this standard for structural steelwork
Material Traceability: Steel sections sourced with certification to AS/NZS 3678/3679 as applicable

Complete documentation was provided to the client, including welding procedure specifications (WPS), welder qualification records (WQR), material test certificates, and dimensional inspection reports.

Project Benefits

The custom S160-4 drag skid delivered several operational advantages for Cleveland Compressors:

Underground Mobility: Drag skid design enables efficient movement of the compressor between underground work sites, supporting flexible mine operations and reducing equipment downtime.

Equipment Protection: Integrated roof structure shields the compressor from falling debris, water drips, and other underground hazards, extending equipment service life and reducing maintenance requirements.

Ventilation Integration: Custom ducting system ensures proper compressor operation and cooling, integrated seamlessly with the mine’s ventilation system for optimal performance.

Structural Integrity: Heavy-duty construction and AS/NZS 1554.1 SP certified welding provide assurance of structural performance under dynamic loading conditions, supporting safe underground operations.

Durability: Industrial coating and heavy-duty structural steel construction ensure long-term performance in demanding underground mining environments, withstanding continuous operation and harsh conditions.

Compliance: Full documentation and certified welding provide assurance of quality and compliance, supporting the client’s safety and regulatory requirements for underground mining equipment.

Applications

Custom drag skids and similar mining equipment platforms are used across various underground mining operations:

Underground Compressors: Mobile platforms for compressed air supply in underground mining operations
Ventilation Equipment: Skid-mounted fans and ventilation systems for underground air circulation
Pumping Systems: Mobile pump skids for dewatering and slurry handling in underground mines
Power Generation: Skid-mounted generators for underground power supply
Material Handling: Mobile equipment platforms for underground material transport and processing
Drilling Equipment: Skid-mounted drilling rigs for underground exploration and production drilling
Safety Equipment: Mobile platforms for emergency equipment and safety systems

Elite Engineering WA fabricates custom drag skids, equipment platforms, and structural steel assemblies for underground and surface mining operations across Western Australia. Our AS/NZS 1554.1 SP certified welding and structural steel fabrication capabilities ensure all equipment meets Australian standards for quality, structural integrity, and safety in mining applications.