As part of Pasminco Metals - EZ’s ongoing maintenance program, RPC designed, manufactured and installed two fully structural FRP gas cooling towers along with all the associated internals (deflectors, spray headers, mist eliminators) walkways, connecting FRP pipework and inlet and outlet launders.

The towers replaced units which had been manufactured using FRP liners stiffened with steel ribbing which had disintegrated in the very corrosive environment, and the original lead lined structures. The new towers, measuring 6.4m x 3.5m x 12.0m high, were manufactured from a single one piece mould. They represent the future in low maintenance, cost effective equipment, designed to operate well into the 21st century.

This work was part of a larger scope of works completed by RPC spanning a period of 10 years.  Other works included:

• 3 off 18.3m Ø x 3.6m high spent electrolyte chemical storage tanks
• 2 off 22.0m Ø clarifier tank covers subject to saturated steam at 100º C
• Vinyl ester chemical process tanks designed in accordance with BS4994-1987 for hydrostatic andvacuum (-5.0 kPa) service. Manufacture comprised a combination of hoop chop and hand layup techniques.

RPC also manufactured a number of surplus gas flue valves. Designed in consultation with Pasminco Metals - EZ engineers, the contract consisted of:

• 2 x 1.6m diameter
• 1 x 0.9m diameter
• 1 x 0.2m diameter

FRP butterfly valves manufactured by RPC Technologies to achieve a gas seal of 99.5%.

FRP was chosen specifically for this contract because its chemical resistance and low maintenance requirements offered a cost effective solution to ongoing corrosion problems.