Authors: M. Pearson, S. Sullivan, J. Murray
Hydrometallurgy of Nickel and Cobalt 2009 , Proceedings of the 39th Annual Hydrometallurgy Meeting held in Conjunction with Nickel & Cobalt 2009, August 23, 2009
Abstract
Autoclave processes are increasingly being selected for pressure oxidation/leaching in nickel/cobalt extraction facilities because they promise to be economic methods for base metal extraction while minimizing emissions. Yet, high pressure processes introduce new safety concerns and risks, as demonstrated by the explosion at the Kaiser Alumina plant in Gramercy, Louisiana on July 5, 1999 that injured more than two dozen workers and levelled major portions of the plant. Companies operating
autoclave processes should perform a rigorous hazard and risk analysis based on ANSI/ISA-84.00.01 (IEC 61511) safety standards to decide on the right level of protection required for each hazard in the plant.
Until recently, users had little choice but to use completely separate systems for control and safety of autoclave processes. Today, utilization of a tightly Integrated Control and Safety System (ICSS) has become a cost effective method for ensuring the safe operation of autoclave processes.
