Smooth Operator - preventing shutdowns from solid scale build up in pipes

Lead Mentor: Tom Koprowicz, Production Superintendent 

Challenge Description

At the Nickel West Kwinana Refinery chemical reactions happen in the heat exchangers, tanks and pipework. Over time these reactions cause solid build-up which clogs the system and eventually requires shutdown to clean everything out. 

The Copper Boil Circuit at Kwinana serves the dual purpose of reducing ammonia content and removing copper from the nickel containing liquor to enable the next stage of the process to occur.