Slurry solution cuts ceramics production times

A system of nine stirred holding vessels plus access stairs and mezzanine platforms to handle alumina slurries at Morgan Advanced Ceramics has reduced production times.

A system of nine stirred holding vessels plus access stairs and mezzanine platforms designed and installed by Orthos Engineering to handle alumina slurries at Morgan Advanced Ceramics in Stourport-on-Seven has reduced production times.

Overcoming site installation difficulties and providing easier access for process operators and maintenance, the new system's vessels were each fitted with a bridge-mounted motorised stirrer and easily removable four-segment PVC lids.

There is total drain-out from the vessels, which keep various pigmented alumina slurries prepared elsewhere in the works in uniform suspension prior to being spray dried to form press bodies for the manufacture of fine high-grade industrial ceramics.

Four 6m3 vessels were first installed in a line in a specially constructed building with good access for the work.

Then, within an existing building, four 10m3 vessels were arranged in a square with a 5.5m3 vessel at one corner in a room with very difficult access through two narrow doorways, requiring tanks to be manoeuvred into position using a fork-lift truck only.

An additional difficulty was that the location housed old concrete slurry tanks, some of which had to be maintained in operation until the new plant was commissioned.

The whole plant has been fully operational since May 2005, and Morgan Advanced Ceramics, a world leader in the manufacture of technical ceramics, reports it to have met all requirements fully.

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