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Magazine: Sulphur

Sulphur pit turnaround and rehabilitation

A full sulphur pit turnaround and rehabilitation is typically a once in a lifetime experience for refinery personnel. Specialists in sulphur pit turnarounds, Gavin Palmer of Brindley Engineering, Tom Kline and Bob Hall of Structural Technologies have compiled a database based on multiple sulphur pit turnarounds to identify typical deficiencies in mechanical systems, along with improvements to enhance operability, restore functionality and meet all codes/standards and best practices.

Manyar smelter faces supply issues

Freeport Indonesia may be forced to suspend operations at its Manyar smelter at the end of October due to a lack of copper concentrate, according to local press reports. The news follows the mudslide at the Grasberg mine in September, which killed seven workers. Grasberg, which represents almost 3% of global copper mine production, has halted production and Freeport says that it may not return to pre-accident operating rates until 2027. Stocks of copper concentrate at Grasberg were estimated to be only sufficient to operate the Manyar smelter until the end of October. The $3.7 billion Manyar smelter only resumed operations in May after a fire broke out in October last year, damaging the plant.

Sultech to supply micronised sulphur technology

Sultech Global Innovation Corp., a Canadian agricultural technology company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ADNOC Sour Gas for its micronised elemental sulphur technology. Under the MoU, the companies will conduct a feasibility study and pilot production program to establish the UAE’s first commercial micronised sulphur manufacturing facility. The initiative will integrate Sultech’s patented micronisation process within ADNOC’s sulphur granulation at the Shah Gas Plant, the world’s largest ultra-sour gas operation.

Metso expands technical service centre

Metso has completed the expansion of its service centre in Antofagasta, Chile, adding an additional 1,200 m² of operational capacity, totalling 4,800 m² of technical workspace. Strategically located in the La Negra industrial district, at the heart of northern Chile’s mining area, the service centre has tripled its technical-commercial agreements in recent years, becoming a key strategic partner for major mining companies in the country. Following the expansion, the centre can now repair and refurbish large-scale equipment including HRC™ and high pressure grinding roll units, Vertimill® grinding technology, and mills for mining customers. It also supports beneficiation and dewatering technologies, such as filter plate pack service offerings. In addition, the centre provides service capabilities for mining crushers, grinding mills, screens, and car dumpers.