SAP-U

SAP-U LLP is realizing a program for construction of a sulfuric acid plant in the Zhanakorgan region of the Kyzylorda Oblast with a capacity of 500,000 tonnes per year or 1,500 tonnes per day.

The start of operation is scheduled for the 4th quarter 2011.
 
On August 31, 2009, a ceremony of laying a capsule into foundation of the new sulfuric acid plant took place. The same day infrastructure facilities of the future plant were put into operation as following:
- an access road (IV category), 9 km long;
- a branch railway, 1.8 km long;
- a single circuit line, 35 kV, 8.8 km, and temporary transformer substation  35/04 kV;
- mobile camps for employees of SKZ-U LLP and Desmet Ballestra;
- a water supply well;
- satellite control room and internet;
 
Founding members of SKZ-U LLP are Mining Company LLP (NAC Kazatomprom’s subsidiary, 49%), SAP-Japan Corporation (Japan - 32%) and Uranium One (Canada – 19%). Primary consumers of SKZ-U LLP will be Khorassan-1 and Khorassan-2 with total production of 5,000 t U per year. The shipment of finished product (93% H2SO4) to be made through the pipeline to the terminal station of Zhanakorgan-transit LLP. All technological processes at the plant will be regulated by a computer controlled system.
 
Production technology

Sulfuric acid production is based on double conversion/double absorption technology under MECS license (Monsanta). The raw material for acid production is sulfur, in lumps, obtained from Tengizshevroil LLP and thus, the project will contribute to the improvement of the Caspian region environment by sulfur utilization.

Unit capacity:
    - Concentrated sulfuric acid – 1,500 tonnes per day, 500,000 tonnes per year;
    - High pressure steam 80,000 kilograms per hour;
    - Pressure 43 bars, temperature 400º С.

One SAP ancillary product will be electric power generated to the amount of 19.9 megawatt. In its turn this electric power will be used for the needs of the production facility and supplied to the general regional electric power grid.

Local units for domestic and industrial sewage treatment, the storm sewer system and boiler feed water circulation are designed on the territory of the plant. Thus, from the output, the plant specialists will have briquette waste and purified water suitable for irrigation. The main SAP-U LLP principle is not to do harm to the environment. The LLP is certified for conformity with International Quality Assurance Standards, environmental protection and labour safety: ISO 9001:2004, ISO 14000:2004 and OHSAS 18000.

It is expected that more than 200 working places will be created at the Plant, 90% of which will be for local citizens. Temporary employment for the period of construction (3 years) will be provided for close to 500 people. The SAP staff technical training program is planned to be started in 2010.

Madikhan Bekzhanov is Director General of SAP-U LLP.

Contact information:

85 Baitursynov Str., office № 19
Almaty, 050012
The Republic of Kazakhstan
Phone: +7 (727)2448169/73/74/75
Fax: +7 (727) 2390613.
E-mail:office@sapu.kz