Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (DUBAL), the smelter with an annual production capacity of 686,000 mt of primary aluminium, has announced plans of phasing out the use of solid pitch (also known as pencil pitch), from its Dubai-based premises and is set to begin its conversion process to liquid pitch, at an estimated cost of Dh 70 million, starting 8th December.
Coal tar pitch is used as a binder for petroleum coke in the manufacture of Pre-baked anodes, to be used in primary aluminium smelting. In order to meet the consumption rate of 80 – 90 kg of pitch per tonne of aluminium, DUBAL imports ~ 60,000 tones in a year.
"Over the past 25 years DUBAL has been using solid pitch and had to manage the handling process by ensuring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and protective clothing by those who handle the solid pitch. With the commissioning of the liquid pitch project, DUBAL will be in a position to ensure that the risk of dust exposure is fully eliminated," said Mr. Abdulmunim Binbrek, General Manager, Smelter Operations.
The first shipment of liquid pitch will arrive at the reception terminal at DUBAL's dock in Jebel Ali Port, on the 8th December, 2004. The pitch will then be kept in two specifically adapted, heated and insulated storage silos maintained at a constant temperature of 200 °C. Specially designed road tankers will then transport the liquid pitch to a reception facility at DUBAL Smelter.
"The whole process operates as a fully enclosed and sealed handling system. There is a built-in fume capture and treatment facility. The advantage of this contained system is that there is no possibility of either human exposure, or environmental pollution. Furthermore, DUBAL ensures that the disinvestment from solid to liquid pitch will meet, International standards and significantly improve working environment,“ added Mr. Abdulmunim Binbrek. (menareport.com)
