Lead Plant Transformations
A. Liu, M. E. Reed, R. Close and L. Thompson
Abstract Worley has been involved in two major lead transformational projects in
the last decade. These projects have involved the replacement of sinter plant and
blast furnace operations, with the key initiative relating to improvements in environmental performance for the facilities and to meet tighter global regulations on
work place emissions and environmental performance. Worley has been involved
in the projects since inception, and the projects involved technology trades offs for
both oxidation and reduction processes. A range of options was considered in both
cases, and different technology solutions were selected by the two organizations.
This paper investigates the selection process and the modelling work that was undertaken to assess both technologies and how the data was used to assist in the final
decisions for the two organizations. As a result, Worley has developed a series of
comprehensive process models of all lead smelting and reduction technologies that
can assist operations assess their performance and to do preliminary assessments
on technology selection. Worley also completed wrap around engineering for the
balance of plant in both cases and is familiar with total flowsheet solutions for lead
smelters globally.
Keywords Lead smelting · Process modelling · Heat balance control · Technology
trends
Introduction
Environmental impact and performance have driven lead smelting operations to consider process upgrades and in some cases technology transformations to ensure that
they can continue to operate. The lead smelting industry has historically suffered
from the stigma of environmental impact and health and safety of operational staff;
however, lead remains an important metal that has wide application in a modern
A. Liu · M. E. Reed (B) · R. Close · L. Thompson
Worley Services Pty Ltd., Level 12, 115 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
e-mail: michael.reed@worley.com
© The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2020
A. Siegmund et al. (eds.), PbZn 2020: 9th International Symposium
on Lead and Zinc Processing, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37070-1_13
165
A. Liu, M. E. Reed, R. Close and L. Thompson
Abstract Worley has been involved in two major lead transformational projects in
the last decade. These projects have involved the replacement of sinter plant and
blast furnace operations, with the key initiative relating to improvements in environmental performance for the facilities and to meet tighter global regulations on
work place emissions and environmental performance. Worley has been involved
in the projects since inception, and the projects involved technology trades offs for
both oxidation and reduction processes. A range of options was considered in both
cases, and different technology solutions were selected by the two organizations.
This paper investigates the selection process and the modelling work that was undertaken to assess both technologies and how the data was used to assist in the final
decisions for the two organizations. As a result, Worley has developed a series of
comprehensive process models of all lead smelting and reduction technologies that
can assist operations assess their performance and to do preliminary assessments
on technology selection. Worley also completed wrap around engineering for the
balance of plant in both cases and is familiar with total flowsheet solutions for lead
smelters globally.
Keywords Lead smelting · Process modelling · Heat balance control · Technology
trends
Introduction
Environmental impact and performance have driven lead smelting operations to consider process upgrades and in some cases technology transformations to ensure that
they can continue to operate. The lead smelting industry has historically suffered
from the stigma of environmental impact and health and safety of operational staff;
however, lead remains an important metal that has wide application in a modern
A. Liu · M. E. Reed (B) · R. Close · L. Thompson
Worley Services Pty Ltd., Level 12, 115 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
e-mail: michael.reed@worley.com
© The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2020
A. Siegmund et al. (eds.), PbZn 2020: 9th International Symposium
on Lead and Zinc Processing, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37070-1_13
165