Oaky North Coal: ETX08 Transformer Overhaul & Control System Modernisation

The Challenge

Oaky North Coal’s ETX08 substation at their Newlands operation required a comprehensive overhaul to extend asset life and modernise control systems that were reaching end-of-service. The facility needed upgraded protection relays, modern HMI integration, improved electrical safety systems, and structural refurbishment — all while maintaining operational continuity at a critical mining infrastructure site.

Our Approach

Deftec delivered a complete substation overhaul spanning protection relay upgrades, control system modernisation, and infrastructure renewal. We replaced aging IPB relays with contemporary IPD protection units equipped with IPSI-D, RDM, and IKD modules on a DNEt protocol network, installed a Multilin 850 numerical relay to replace legacy Sepan equipment, and integrated a CR1000 HMI platform to replace outdated operator interfaces. The scope also included upgrading the main circuit breaker from LF1 to VD4 with busbar adaptation, installing Fortress interlocks with compliant colour-coding and switching plates, and replacing 11kV line load interrupters. Beyond electrical systems, we executed comprehensive mechanical refurbishment: blast-and-paint treatment of HT and LT enclosures with IP55 validation, wheel refurbishment with new nut indicators, earthing system corrosion remediation, and installation of Nepean 24VDc area lighting. All work followed OCN operational standards and included factory testing of refurbished cores and in-situ commissioning.

The Outcome

The upgraded ETX08 substation now operates with modern, redundant protection architecture and vastly improved operator interface, reducing nuisance trips and enabling faster fault diagnostics. The structural and electrical refurbishment extends asset service life by a decade or more while bringing the installation into current safety and compliance standards — critical for a Tier 1 coal operation. Glencore’s Oaky North Coal gained a future-ready substation with proven reliability and maintainability.

Technologies and Capabilities

• Protection & Metering: IPD relays (IPSI-D, RDM, IKD), Multilin 850, DNEt protocol converter
• HMI & Supervisory Control: CR1000 operator interface, SCADA integration
• High Voltage Switchgear: VD4 circuit breaker, 11kV line load interrupter, Fortress interlocks
• Instrumentation: Numerical relay migration, earthing system assessment and renewal
• Mechanical & Infrastructure: Blast-and-paint enclosure treatment, wheel refurbishment, nitrogen pressure test systems
• Compliance & Standards: OCN electrical standards, IP55 enclosure testing, engineering assessment and certification
• Field Engineering: Remote site coordination (Tieri, Queensland), workshop testing, on-site commissioning