One of South Africa's largest export ports, was experiencing ongoing issues with air cannons performance and faulty control panels. Poor maintenance practices, limited operator knowledge, and moisture contamination in the compressed air system resulted in equipment deterioration and reduced air cannon performance. It also created a significant safety risk. Air cannons operate under high pressure and require specific maintenance procedures. Without proper training, personnel servicing or opening pressurised units could have been exposed to serious injury risks, while incorrect maintenance practices could have led to further equipment damage.

The solution included the installation of 12 Martin^® Hurricane 35L Air Cannons and 2 new control panels across the affected tippler systems. In addition to the equipment upgrade, Martin Engineering provided practical maintenance training for the customer’s artisans and operators. The training focused on correct inspection procedures, preventative maintenance practices and troubleshooting techniques. This combination of equipment replacement and knowledge transfer ensured that the customer received both an immediate operational improvement and a sustainable long-term solution.

A key outcome of the project was the successful training of the customer's maintenance personnel. Operators now have the knowledge and skills to safely inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot the air cannon system, reducing risks associated with servicing pressurized equipment. By combining equipment upgrades with hands-on training, Martin Engineering delivered a sustainable solution that enhanced safety, improved system reliability, and equipped the customer to maintain optimal system performance. The customer expressed satisfaction with Martin solution and the services provided, and is confident in the long- term reliability and performance of the upgraded air cannon system.