Crimean Soda Plant launches production of eco-friendly soda

OJSC Crimean Soda Plant, part of the international OSTCHEM Holding, has completed the first phase of reconstruction of the filtration station. As a result, the Plant will embark on the production of caustic soda of lower chloride content which is in greater demand on the world market.

The modernization at the Crimean Soda Plant will go a long way to increase the appeal of its caustic soda to customers that specialize in the production of glass. Lower chlorine content in caustic soda will decrease corrosive impact of the load on refractory materials in glassmelters. At the same time, operating life of the equipment will increase several times over along with the rate of servicing at glassmelters. Likewise, lower chlorine content will render the Plant’s products more friendly to the environment and slash harmful emissions into the atmosphere both from the Plant and its client glassmelters. The Crimean Soda Plant will therefore be in compliance with international environmental standards and increase its presence on European markets.

In addition to improving product quality, modernization of the filtration station will provide for more efficient use of the Crimean Soda Plant’s production area. EMDE vacuum filters occupy only a third of the area of the old unit, service costs will also slashed. Moreover, the new vacuum filters employ energy saving technologies. The modernization will cut humidity in sodium bicarbonate from 18 to 14 percent which will, in turn, cut the use of steam for roasting by 0,07 Gcal per ton of soda produced.

OJSC Crimean Soda Plant developed the modernization project in 2007, having studied the experience of the use of high speed vacuum filters at similar enterprises in Germany. The reconstruction of the filtration station followed an own feasibility study in January 2008. At the first stage two obsolete vacuum filters were replaced with high speed EMDE filters. The project –envisaging the installation of four new vacuum filters - is to be completed by the end of Q3.

The modernization project is funded by the Crimean Soda Plant itself. Total investment amounts to Euro 3m and is to be recouped within two years.