Lead Plant Transformations

Abstract

Worley has been involved in two major lead transformational projects in the last decade. These projects have involved the replacement of sinter plant and blast furnace operations, with the key initiative relating to improvements in environmental performance for the facilities and to meet tighter global regulations on work place emissions and environmental performance. Worley has been involved in the projects since inception, and the projects involved technology trades offs for both oxidation and reduction processes. A range of options was considered in both cases, and different technology solutions were selected by the two organizations. This paper investigates the selection process and the modelling work that was undertaken to assess both technologies and how the data was used to assist in the final decisions for the two organizations. As a result, Worley has developed a series of comprehensive process models of all lead smelting and reduction technologies that can assist operations assess their performance and to do preliminary assessments on technology selection. Worley also completed wrap around engineering for the balance of plant in both cases and is familiar with total flowsheet solutions for lead smelters globally.