One of the most intensive kiln rebuilding programmes ever seen at the soda ash producer Brunner Mond is well underway. Five kilns have been rebuilt at Northwich, with number six kiln at Northwich West most recently completed. The rebuild entailed the delivery of 300 tonnes of bricks from China and Scotland. Its completion means the kilns produce stronger carbon dioxide which gives a significant boost to plant performance and output. The firm is also benefiting from new electrical instrumentation and control systems. At its Delfzijl plant in the Netherlands, Brunner Mond is rebuilding the three kilns in a Euros 1M investment to prepare them to run under purely ammonia soda operating conditions from next year. Again, the carbon dioxide gas will be stronger giving operating benefits. (whole item)
