The production results from the recent kiln upgrade
The upgrade design of the new kiln and air system at our north site was to lift zeolite production by an average of 30% immediately then, with the install of a larger burner, obtain a further increase of 42%. This design output provided us with a satisfactory return on our capex.
With a few teething issues on start-up having been sorted out, we are now operating at a 51% increase in output, without the install of a larger burner!!
As we adjust and fine-tune the plant, we should see this new increase in capacity grow to ~ 66%. Accordingly with a further capex on the burner the revised output will sit at around double the old output – which is a very pleasing result for us.
This is all a significantly better than expected outcome and has delayed the need for the new burner install.
Apart from the obvious increase in production the other huge benefits to the plant is the reduced airborne dust emissions and also a large heat reduction due to the insulated kiln and a lot less spillage points.
Our thanks to all sub-contractors who assisted in minimising the shutdown timeframe.
Overall the upgrade was a huge success, outperforming original design targets