Assessment of Evaporator Pressure Vessels for Adchem

Adchem’s copper chemicals plant is the largest cupric oxide production facility in the world, and also produces significant levels of basic cupric carbonate.

The scale build-up in the forty-year-old evaporator pressure vessels had greatly reduced usable capacity. As the scale is heavier than the liquid, concerns were raised regarding the capability and production rates of the vessel support structure, and the vessel itself, to withstand the large increase in load.

WGA conducted a safety-in-design risk assessment, identifying and prioritising aspects for repair.

This enabled Adchem to formulate a 5-year plan for progressive improvement.