ALBEMARLE is the largest lithium producer in the world, and has set a goal of increasing its production of their battery-grade lithium chloride and lithium carbonate due to the increasing demand of international markets. The production plant located in La Negra, is the most modern lithium plant in South America, and requires many FRP equipment for various processes and storage of highly corrosive chemical solutions.
In March 2017, LEPSA welcome ALBEMARLE’s technical team in our facilities, in order to assess our capabilities for the delivery of FRP equipment to the project. After reviewing all the facilities and safety and quality systems in place, ALBEMARLE, approved LEPSA as a qualified FRP equipment supplier for the Capricornio Project.
Consequently, all along 2018, LEPSA was awarded by FLSmidth for the design and manufacture of 03 reactor vessels, and 10 process tanks, all of them featuring a thermal insulation made of mineral wool and stainless external jacket. LEPSA also manufacture other components such as feedwells, and evolute shaped piece, design for abrasion resistance.
In the same year, Amec Foster Wheeler requested LEPSA to manufacture 05 water tanks for process, and 01 condensate tank, which operates at 221 °F. Whitin the package, there was also a 90m3 tank for calcium sulfides and 02 tanks at 142 m3 capacity for storing hydrochloric acid tank at 33% w/w concentration.
Quality inspections were performed by ALBEMARLE’s team, following the highest quality standards and strict alignment to industry accepted standard ASME RTP-1. All materials, and personnel were assessed before starting production. Thus, LEPSA proved its position as a regional market leader in the engineering and manufacture of FRP equipment.
