Application
Construction of a reactor for precipitating gypsum from dilute sulphuric acid.
In addition to the demanding conditions of reactor design, speed of design and manufacture was critical to the success of the project, because the equipment had to replace the original (supplied by others) that had failed catastrophically.
Characteristics
The reactor was Ø4000 in diameter and 4800 mm in height.
The design of the equipment had to take into account the effects induced by the two agitators inside the reactor.
The design, developed by PH Technology in accord with the Ad Merkblatt N1 code, was approved by TÜV.
Operating Conditions
The reactor was designed to operate at a pressure of 0.8 bar and a temperature of 85ºC.
The operating fluid was composed of sulphuric acid at a cocentration of 32%, with gypsum in suspension, as well as hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids.
Material
The reactor was constructed of FRP, with a bisphenol-A DERAKANE 411/350 vinylester resin throughout the laminate.
Client
Lurgi Española S.A.
Location
Atlantic Copper S.A. Plant in
Huelva, Spain
Year of Completion
2001
