The ESP built for Impala Platinum in 2002. This unit is a three-fields
ESP, while the current ESP, which will be similar in size, will have one
extra field.
Impala Platinum orders another
Bateman-Elex electrostatic precipitator
Bateman Engineering has been awarded a contract by Impala
Platinum Ltd (Implats) to supply a Bateman-Elex electrostatic precipitator
(ESP) for its R800 million smelter expansion project, 20 km northwest
of Rustenburg, North-West Province, South Africa. The new unit will
be constructed alongside three existing Bateman-Elex ESPs.
Bateman Engineering will design, fabricate, deliver, erect and commission
the new ESP and conduct performance tests. The ESP is on the critical
path of the entire expansion project and will have to be completed
on schedule by the end of June 2008. The project schedule accounts
for the fact that the ESP will have to fit into an existing plant
with little room to manoeuvre during construction.
The design of the new ESP will be based on the proven technology of
Elex of Switzerland. It will operate at a negative pressure and be
able to exhaust the 350°C furnace gas at a rate of 220,000 Am3/h
and reduce the dust content from 53,000 mg/Nm3 to less than 30 mg/Nm3.
This efficiency can be achieved even with one of the ESP’s electrical
fields de-energised.
The cleaned gas will be vented to the sulphuric-acid plant, where
the entrained sulphurous gases will be converted to sulphuric acid,
and the captured furnace-flue dust will be transferred pneumatically
to the existing concentrate-storage silos for reprocessing.
Elex ESPs have an excellent reputation for efficiency and reliability,
largely based on an ongoing research and development programme that
ensures that the units comprise the very latest and most efficient
technology
and equipment.
Having designed and supplied 22 ESPs to platinum producers since 1970
for precious metals recovery, Bateman Engineering now has a leading
capability in this market. The Bateman-Elex units supplied in the
past to the Impala Platinum Smelter at Rustenburg have established
an excellent track record for reliability and low maintenance and
operating costs.
More information on Bateman-Elex ESPs may be obtained by contacting
Woitek Liberda at +27-11-201-2300 or email Environmental@Bateman-bet.com.
