Resumen

FOUCHE, P.M.. An example of the use of advanced fibre-reinforced plastics in sulphuric acid plants. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2017, vol.117, n.11, pp.1023-1029. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2017/v117n11a6.

Anglo American Platinum treats the off-gas from its primary and converter furnaces at Waterval Smelter Complex in two sulphuric acid plants. In this paper the processes and the background to the decision to use fibre-reinforced plastics (FRPs) as a major construction material are briefly discussed. The applicable design codes and design optimization that was required to reach and exceed the life expectancy of the plant are addressed. The discussion is then broadened to design concepts used in the plant, FRP maintenance quality requirements, and the inspection and testing programme. This programme was introduced to establish the condition and monitor the degradation of FRP equipment compared to original code requirements, the resin supplier's recommendations, and good FRP engineering practice. Some guidance is given on the availability and use of FRP testing laboratories and how the lessons learned can be incorporated into procurement technical specifications. This paper seeks to improve the understanding of FRP maintenance within the sulphuric acid community, thereby reducing costly failures and the associated downtime.

Palabras clave : sulphuric acid plant; fibre-reinforced plastic(FRP); design code; condition monitoring; maintenance.

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