Case Study

Panda Biotech High Plains Hemp Gin

Background

Dallas-based Panda Biotech, a world leader in zero-waste hemp processing, reached out to HVAC/Mechanical Services provider James Lane Mechanical to support the construction of the nation's largest industrial hemp processing facility in Wichita Falls, TX - the Panda High Plains Hemp Gin.

Objective

In order to get their facility up and running, Panda Biotech needed a partner to outfit their new facility with over 11,000 feet of duct piping.

Solution

James Lane Mechanical was brought in to install nearly two miles of pneumatic duct piping - a process that involved developing precise schematics and necessary modifications to connect piping to machinery throughout the 500,000-square-foot facility.

Overcoming Obstacles 

Panda Biotech's vision to revolutionize hemp processing brought forth an array of challenges and opportunities, intertwining the complexities of design, location, and materials within the construction process of the groundbreaking Panda High Plains Hemp Gin. The sheer size and scale of the facility required collaboration on an international scale with engineers, contractors, and manufacturers from different countries. The client's detailed 3D designs, crafted by a European design firm, served as the foundation, and James Lane Mechanical set about the intricate process of converting every piece of equipment to imperial units. The complexity heightened as the majority of the equipment was hard-piped from one machine to the next. Ensuring precision during the conversion process was paramount, with a stringent requirement to maintain accuracy within 1/8" on all components.

The challenges extended beyond the digital realm into physical construction. The choice of high-quality materials for the duct piping system needed to match the project specifications. Sourcing and procuring these materials posed its own set of challenges, demanding a meticulous approach to ensure the compatibility and integrity of each material within the entire system. The careful selection of materials was not just a matter of meeting specifications but a critical element,in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the hemp processing facility.

As construction unfolded, precise planning and execution was required to install the process ducts in multiple tiers while suspended from the ceiling.The intricacies of coordinating the installation of 11,750 linear feet of piping suspended from 2,200 hangers added layers of complexity to the construction process. Any miscalculation or oversight in placing hangers could potentially disrupt the entire system.

SAFETY

Undertaking such a complex installation in a large-scale facility demanded that safety was of utmost importance - a key indicator of success for James Lane Mechanical when evaluating performance on a completed project.

A comprehensive set of safety protocols were diligently followed to ensure the well-being of personnel, focusing on key areas such as scissor lifts, harnesses, gloves, hard hats, eye protection, safety vests, and steel-toe boots. All work was supervised by a staff member with OSHA-30 certification.

Scissor lifts were essential in performing the work on-site. Comprehensive personnel training, covering controls, emergency procedures, and load capacity limits, was emphasized. Prior to each use, a pre-operation inspection was performed, checking for visible damage, ensuring proper functioning of testing controls and safety features, and confirming lift stability.

Scissor lift operators were equipped with full-body harnesses, securing themselves to designated anchor points. Each worker's safety harness went through careful inspection by a qualified coworker. Regular inspections were conducted to ensure the integrity of the harnesses, and routine checks identified any signs of wear or damage.

Workers were provided with task-specific gloves that were subject to regular inspections for damage or tears, with replacements available if necessary. Hard hats - mandatory at all times on site - were regularly inspected for any signs of cracks or deformities.

Suitable eye protection, high-visibility safety vests, and steel-toe boots were an integral and mandatory part of the safety measures, which collectively created a secure working environment at the Panda High Plains Gin facility.

Results

James Lane Mechanical played a pivotal role in outfitting the 500,000 square foot facility for efficient hemp processing operations. Overcoming numerous challenges, including international collaboration, material selection, and precise installation, the project showcased the ingenuity and expertise required to realize Panda Biotech's vision of revolutionizing hemp processing. Stringent safety protocols, comprehensive equipment utilization, and advanced technology adoption underscored the commitment to ensuring both worker safety and construction precision throughout the project lifecycle.

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Project Details

Operating Company

James Lane Mechanical

Client

Panda Biotech

Industry

Manufacturing

Category

Industrial Hemp Processing Facility

Gross Square Footage

500,000 Square Foot

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Equipment

Through the utilization of advanced technology, including the Trimble RPT600 Layout Station, James Lane Mechanical was able to determine the accurate positioning of hangers and connection points prior to equipment arrival, streamlining the construction process and minimizing the margin for error.

The Trimble RPT600 Layout Station is a robotic total positioning measurement station dedicated primarily to the building construction sector, simplifying work on standard building layouts and as-built surveying projects. Specially developed to meet the requirements of layout activities, this system measures distances and finds positions quickly and easily- proving to be invaluable on this project.