duplex stainless steel winner
ND Engineering triumphs in the Duplex Category
This accolade was awarded in recognition of its outstanding work on the multi-purpose pulp tank (MPPT) for Sappi Ngodwana in Mpumalanga - a project that exemplifies the benefits of duplex stainless steel SAF 2205 in production efficiency and environmental impact. ND Engineering GM Mark Ackerman comments: “In the late 1980s, we were one of the first in the country to really push the use of duplex stainless steel. We saw the potential immediately, especially in cyclic pressure vessels where the material’s strength and reduced thickness could make a significant difference. It was a game changer allowing us to improve performance and safety without relying on older, more cumbersome methods”. Project overview ND Engineering’s award-winning MPPT at Sappi Ngodwana is a colossal structure standing 32 metres tall with a diameter of 9 500mm, tapering into a 60° cone at the ND Engineering, a stalwart in the South African stainless steel sector with more than 55 years of experience, has earned the prestigious 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Award in the duplex category.
bottom. The tank, housed in a base skirt with double anchoring rings, boasts an impressive capacity of 1.7 million litres. Constructed using duplex stainless steel SAF 2205, this project is not only a testament to ND Engineering’s expertise but also reflects the material’s superior qualities in industrial applications. “When we were tasked with the MPPT project, we knew it was going to be challenging, especially in such a congested and active plant, but that is where our experience with duplex stainless steel shone,” Ackerman says. “We have been working with this material for many years, which demonstrated its incredible benefits in this project, allowing us to deliver on time, within budget and without compromising on safety or quality.” Production benefits The MPPT has significantly enhanced Sappi Ngodwana’s operational efficiency. Prior to this upgrade, the mill faced a substantial post-shutdown chemical make-up cost of R8.5 million and experienced a slow startup curve, reducing fibre line production rates until full capacity was achieved. The new tank allows the mill to avoid these costly and time- consuming issues, enabling smooth annual shutdowns. In addition, the MPPT has eliminated the need for the mill to lower its soda stock before maintenance shutdowns - a process that previously hampered production. Additional
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Issue 3 – 2024
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