Dubal invests AED 70 million in conversion to liquid pitch

Coal tar pitch is used as a binder for petroleum coke in the manufacture of Pre-baked anodes, to be used in primary aluminium smelting. In order to meet the consumption rate of 80 - 90 kg of pitch per tonne of aluminium, DUBAL imports ~ 60,000 tones in a year.

"Over the past 25 years DUBAL has been using solid pitch and had to manage the handling process by ensuring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and protective clothing by those who handle the solid pitch. With the commissioning of the liquid pitch project, DUBAL will be in a position to ensure that the risk of dust exposure is fully eliminated," said Mr. Abdulmunim Binbrek, General Manager, Smelter Operations.

The transformation is certain to set another environmental milestone in the operations of the company, which has already recorded several benchmarks in the Environmental Best Practices. This facility will provide a cleaner and healthier working environment. With each phase of its multiple expansions, DUBAL continues to seek ways to enhance worker's health and the quality of the local environment.

The first shipment of liquid pitch will arrive at the reception terminal at DUBAL's dock in Jebel Ali Port, on the 8th December, 2004. The pitch will then be kept in two specifically adapted, heated and insulated storage silos maintained at a constant temperature of 200 °C. Specially designed road tankers will then transport the liquid pitch to a reception facility at DUBAL Smelter.

"The whole process operates as a fully enclosed and sealed handling system. There is a built-in fume capture and treatment facility. The advantage of this contained system is that there is no possibility of either human exposure, or environmental pollution. Furthermore, DUBAL ensures that the disinvestment from solid to liquid pitch will meet, International standards and significantly improve working environment "added Mr. Abdulmunim Binbrek.