Local capabilities secure R38m rectifier order

June 2001 News

ABB has been awarded an order valued at approximately R38m to supply four thyristor rectifier plants for the Skorpion project in Namibia.

The rectifier equipment is used to convert the 66 kV incoming supply to 370 V d.c. at a designed total current rating of 220 kA. This energy conversion is required for the electro winning process of recovering zinc from a chemical solution. The total power conversion involved is 82 MW.

The order involves the design, supply and installation of all components required for the power conversion and includes transformers, rectifiers, control systems, heat exchangers, 66 kV switchgear and large 55 kA DC isolators. A master control panel will direct the total cell-line control regarding DC current supply and will also interface via an Ethernet link to the DCS overall plant control system. All control is based on the PSR (Programmable Schnell Regner) controller unique to power electronic systems because of its fast execution time. The order is scheduled for commissioning in August 2002.

ABB's local design and manufacturing capabilities of both transformers and rectifiers were key in Namzinc's decision to award the contract to the company. Skorpion is the project name for a new zinc recovery plant which is to be built close to Rosh Pinah in Namibia and which will be owned and operated by Namzinc.

ABB Automation

(011) 236 7000

[email protected]

www.abb.com

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