Mhlume Factory Expansion – Phase 2

Summary

  • Second phase of a four phase expansion project of Mhlume Factory to increase crushing rate from 390tch to 440tch to reduce steam consumption and increase raw sugar processing capacity.
  • Replacement of clear juice tanks, pumps and three clarified juice heaters to improve evaporator operations.
  • Installation of vacuum pans, centrifugal and massecuite reheater with process piping modifications to reassign existing equipment to new duties.    
  • Emineo acting as EPCM for the project, managing sub-contractors from Eswatini, South Africa, India, and Mauritius
  • Country: Eswatini
  • Contract period: 2018-2019

Engineering

  • Integration of the following main equipment in the plant:
    • One 120m³ capacity « C » continuous vacuum pan, complete with a new condenser and supported by a new structure.
    • One 75m² capacity “A” batch vacuum pan with a new condenser and a reinforced structure.
    • Three clear juice heaters of 550m², with a new structure
    • One 225m³ new clear juice tank.
    • Supply tanks of 10m³ for A and B molasses
    • One new sugar screen and batch scale and upgrade of all raw sugar conveyors.
  • Specification of all process, mechanical, electrical and instruments
  • 3D Modelling of zones affected by the project using 3D AutoCAD to build a Navisworks model used by all contractors on site
  • General layout drawings, piping isometric drawings, structural guide drawings, civil guide drawings, electrical & instrumentation layout drawings

Procurement

  • Call for Tenders for a total of 26 packages, including equipment supply and site works packages, have been prepared and issued
  • Adjudication of offers received from suppliers/contractors from South Africa, India, and Mauritius
  • Tender awarding and contract drafting

Construction Management & Commissioning

  • 100 tons of structural steel erected
  • 5km of piping, up to DN1400, installed
  • Over 300 valves, up to DN1200, including 140 with pneumatic actuators, installed
  • Management of sub-contractors (civil, mechanical, electrical, scaffolding, etc.), including quality as well as health and safety on site
  • Quality control management
  • Control loop and interlocks set-up and tuning during commissioning
  • Weekly progress reports and planning updates issued to client up to completion of project.