VHE of Iceland has been awarded a major contract for the modification and refurbishment of the rodding plant at ISAL - Rio Tinto Alcan's aluminium smelter in Iceland.
The IPU Project - ISAL Production Upgrade - will increase the amperage to 181 kA in Lines 1 and 2 of ISAL's three-line Alusuisse EPT-10/12 technology smelter to achieve an additional aluminium production of 44.000 tonnes per year.
Anode rod stub diameters will be increased and anodes will be enlarged in all three potrooms. Busbars in potroom basements will be upgraded and pot superstructures modified.
VHE's contract commenced in March 2011 and has a scheduled completion date of November 2012 during which period 21 machines will be modified and refurbished, and 6 machines replaced with new equipment.
New machines to be manufactured include a thimble press, a stub straightening press, a stub saw and welding system, and a rod stem straightener. Machines to be refurbished include a butt press, the anode casting line, and collar forming and filling machines. All supporting electrical work and PLC and SCADA automation will also be undertaken by VHE.
Velaverkstaedi Hjalta Einarssonar - VHE is a major mechanical fabricator, offering a comprehensive range of design, manufacturing and site services. VHE now provides all Stimir solutions to the primary aluminium industry, with particular focus on the Rodding Plant. All aspects of design and fabrication are undertaken at VHE's own facilities, ensuring total quality control and on-time delivery.