Assimilation and start-up of an industrial sulfuric acid concentrate plant

Abstract

The assimilation and start-up of a new plant for the manufacture of sulfuric acid is a useful case study for the conduct of the assimilation of new technologies, this is a risky activity. The objective of the present research is to establish a procedure for the assimilation and adaptation of the necessary technology for the manufacture of sulfuric acid that makes possible the safe and efficient conduct of the technical start-up of a new industrial capacity and its normal operation. The conceptual bases and a heuristic procedure were elaborated for the technological assimilation in concentrated sulfuric acid production facilities based on the double contact production method from elemental solid sulfur. For this purpose, the logical integration of the process systems was taken into account, as well as those established in the literature for the development, evaluation and assimilation of new technologies. The methodological bases for the adoption of technologies and a heuristic procedure were developed to facilitate the management of this diligence in a logical sequence capable of efficiently conducting the technological assimilation and start-up complying with the time, safety and economic commitments to be outlined. The foundations for the adaptation of new industrial capabilities must consider business, market, technological and environmental assessment aspects.