Customer:
SOCOG, Sydney
Description:
FCT supplied the burner system, valve train and control system for the Olympic Stadium Main Flame. The Olympic Coordination Authority (OCA) now own this equipment.
Work began with the construction of a scale model of the Main Stadium to model the aerodynamics of the structure and test the effects of prevailing winds on the cauldron flame. The modelling data formed the basis of a combustion system design that produced a highly visible flame that was reliable and safe in a range of environmental conditions.
FCT’s engineering team ran pilot scale tests and technical evaluations to ensure that our design met SOCOG’s requirements. The design allowed for multiple redundancies to cover all contingencies. We outsourced the manufacture to our qualified Australian subcontractor and supervised the process throughout. FCT’s project team supervised the installation of the burner and control system, and successfully commissioned the cauldron on schedule.
The cauldron operated perfectly during the opening ceremony and throughout the Games with the FCT Flames team in support. Ric Birch, SOCOG’s Director of Ceremonies, congratulated FCT on the project. He wrote, “I owe you and your team a huge debt of gratitude and admiration for creating one of the great moments in Olympic history.”