HPD Evaporation & Crystallization Technology Is Selected For The Development Phase For Vale's Carnalita Project Producing Potash In Brazil
Vale has selected HPD, a Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies company, to provide the engineering design for evaporation and crystallization equipment for the Carnalita potash project in the state of Sergipe in Brazil. The award is part of the first phase of development for the initial 1.2 million metric tons per year (mtpy) production of potassium chloride expected to begin in 2015. This project will be the largest potash extraction facility in Brazil.
HPD's evaporation and crystallization equipment will purify natural deposits from solution mining operations of carnalite for producing potassium chloride that will be sold as chemical fertilizer in the Brazilian market. The major process equipment is comprised of a multiple-effect evaporation system followed by a multiple-stage crystallization system. Overall, this equipment will efficiently produce a high-purity product to Vale's standards as well as maximize steam economy and provide condensate for reuse in solution mining operations.
The scope of this first phase of development will include both basic and detailed engineering for the various portions of the evaporation plant towards a full project release. HPD will also conduct pilot-testing at their Research and Development Center in the United States to ensure design parameters of the process.
Vale selected HPD for this phase of the project due to their experience in the potash and fertilizer industry as well as a cost-effective solution.
Vale is a pioneering mining company that transforms mineral resources into essential ingredients for people's daily lives and is the world's second-largest diversified mining company by market capitalization. Vale is world's largest producer of iron ore and pellets and the world's second largest producer of nickel. They also produce copper, manganese, ferroalloys, thermal and coking coal, potash, bauxite, alumina, aluminum, cobalt, platinum group metals. Vale has offices and operations in more than thirty countries on five continents.
About HPD
HPD provides innovative process solutions, which utilize evaporation and crystallization as well as ceramic membrane technology, to industrial customers worldwide. HPD's range of services includes process design, pilot testing, equipment supply, project management, designbuild project execution, and start-up and training services. From offices in Bilbao, Spain, and Plainfield, Illinois, and with agents around the world, HPD has provided more than 675 installations in over 30 countries. HPD is a Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies company.
About Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies
Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, subsidiary of Veolia Water, is a global provider of technology solutions and design-build services in water treatment. With over 9,500 employees in 57 countries, Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies recorded revenue of $3.6B in 2009. Combining the specialized expertise of North American subsidiaries including Biothane, Crown Solutions, HPD, John Meunier, Kruger, N.A. Water Systems, PICA and Whittier Filtration, Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies serves the industrial and municipal markets.
About Veolia Water
Veolia Water, the water division of Veolia Environnement, is the world leader in water and wastewater services and technological solutions. Its parent company, Veolia Environnement, is the worldwide reference in environmental services. With more than 310,000 employees in 74 countries, Veolia Environnement recorded annual revenues of $49.8 billion in 2009. For more information, visit www.veolianorthamerica.com and www.veoliawaterna.com.
SOURCE: HPD