KMEZ installs electrical equipment for the new Tankhouse
As part of the Tankhouse technical modernisation, KMEZ is installing a complex of rectifier transformers designed to ensure the copper electrolysis process in new groups of electrolysis cells. The transformers have to maintain stable current and voltage values in accordance with the specified technological parameters.
The mechanical assembly of the complex is nearly complete. At the intended locations have already been installed three rectifier transformers by Italian company «SEA», three thyristor 12-pulse rectifiers by Italian company «FRIEM», control cabinets, including one common for remote control, a water cooling station and a copper bus bar for connecting the transformer and rectifier system.
The choice of Italian equipment for the Tankhouse under construction was made on the basis of a tender. According to Chief Power Engineer of the Kyshtym Copper Electrolytic Plant Maxim Serikov, there have been many participants of the tender. The FRIEM company offered the best value for money. The complex supplied by foreign partners will provide direct current in the range from 4000 to 44000 amperes.
“We tried to foresee all the subtleties of the technological process when selecting equipment,” says Maksim Serikov. “Significantly that the complex has an overload capacity, which means it will not be damaged and will not fail in an emergency situation, if, say, a short circuit occurs in one of the cells.”
For more than a month, a supervisor from Italy, Giorgio Kovra, worked side by side with the contractors from SMU-2 during transformers installation. He checked the undamaged condition of the equipment after transportation and readiness of the premises intended for it, supervised the assembly and installation process.
“Our company has extensive experience in the manufacture of power equipment”, — said supervisor, assessing the cooperation with the receiving party specialists. “Kyshtym Copper Electrolytic Plant is pleasantly distinguished by its clear organization of work and quick response to any requests.”
Currently at the construction site, work has begun on the installation of DC buses with switches for connecting the complex to the busbar of copper electrolysis cells. Moreover, preparation of electrical rooms for two 6/0.4 kV substations is underway, which will provide power supply to the new workshop. Equipment installation is already underway at one of them.
Technical modernisation of the Tankhouse at KMEZ will increase the output of copper cathodes from 140,000 to 230,000 tons per year. The project is being implemented in two stages. This complex of transformers is intended for the first stage of the new workshop, which is planned to be commissioned in the second quarter of 2022. KMEZ intends to install similar power equipment during the second stage of modernisation as well.
