Dryer Feed Screw for Indorama Ventures Xylenes in Decatur, AL

General Description

Indorama Ventures is one of the world’s leading petrochemical producers with a presence in 35 countries and over 147 manufacturing facilities, serving major customers in diversified end-use markets.

The Decatur facility sits on 1,000 acres and manufactures purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and its raw material, paraxylene (PX). The facility provides raw materials to Indorama’s Alpha PET co-located business operation and to external customers worldwide. The Decatur facility is also the world’s only commercial manufacturer of naphthalene dicarboxylate (NDC). NDC is a chemical used in new-generation polyesters and resins to make items such as LCD flat panels displays, ultra-thin data storage tape and high-strength tire cord.

Design Parameters

1. Product Type: Terephthalic Acid
2. Material Density: 70 Pounds per Cubic Foot
3. Capacity: 102,248 Pounds per Hour
4. Duty: 24 Hours per Day, 7 Days per Week

KWS Advantages

Indorama started the project with another screw conveyor manufacturer but after experiencing over a year of delays KWS was contacted to finish the project in a timely manner. Indorama had a very critical installation date in place that required KWS to manufacture the equipment in less than 4 weeks. KWS took on this challenge and successfully provided the equipment on time. KWS has the capabilities to perform all manufacturing processes in house including forming, cutting, welding, and machining special alloy Duplex 2205 stainless steel.

KWS has more degreed Mechanical Engineers than all other screw conveyor manufacturers combined with the ability to solve any complex bulk material handling application. KWS Engineers redesigned the screw conveyor for the application using proper design techniques. Every welder at KWS is AWS and ASME certified to produce excellent quality welds. KWS welders are certified to weld special alloys such as Duplex 2205 stainless steel. The large KWS manufacturing facility provides the ability to expedite projects to meet critical deadlines.

KWS Special Features

The screw conveyor was completely constructed from special alloy Duplex 2205 stainless steel. Duplex 2205 has excellent strength with outstanding resistance to corrosion. All welds were continuous.

Indorama required 100-percent of the welds to be dye penetrant tested to reveal potential surface imperfections. In addition to dye penetrant testing, all full penetration butt welds were radiograph tested to check for weld imperfections. This process is performed using X-rays to create an image that shows defects hidden inside the welds. KWS passed both the dye penetrant and radiographic testing without incident.