Four ABB transformer-rectifier system units improve the production of a Codelco mining plant in Chuquicamata, Chile.
Baden, Switzerland, August 12th, 2003 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announced today it has won a contract of US$ five millions for the supply of four transformer-rectifier system units. The equipment is for the technology change of the refinery process, as part of the modernization that Codelco is carrying out at their Norte Division. The production of this plant is 855'000 metric ton per year of high quality copper cathode.
The Codelco modernization project is managed by SNC-Lavalin, Chile, acting as EPCM. The ABB contract is for four transformer-rectifiers units of 10 to 13 MVA rating at 43kA/205 to 260 VDC, a harmonic filter engineering study, spare parts and commissioning and start-up services.
The delivery of the first unit must be completed by September 30, 2003, finishing on November 30, 2003 with the fourth unit. The supply of this equipment is the largest of its kind installed in the last five years in Chile. The new transformer-rectifiers systems will improve the production of a mining plant in Chuquicamata.
As well as transformer-rectifiers systems contract, ABB Chile has received an additional order of US$ 1,2 million for medium and low voltage drives equipment that includes the supply of third party pumps.
This is a breakthrough in the mining industry in Chile, because it is the first project where electrical suppliers define the characteristics of the mechanical equipment (slurry pumps).
ABB will supply a complete electromechanical package consisting of four “350 MCH” third party pumps complete with gear reducer box, 448kW, 4.16kV, 4-pole motors and ACS 1000 variable speed drives, isolating transformer and safety disconnector switches. At the low voltage level, the scope consists of a third party pumps complete with 125 HP, 460V, 4-pole motors and ACS 600 variable speed drives.
Start-up of the pumps and drive systems is scheduled for the end of August 2003. The transformer-rectifier units will go into operation in February 2004.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 133,000 people.