Coromandel to set up sulfuric acid plant at Visakhapatnam

The company has also signed technology partnership agreements with MECS (Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems) and TKIS (ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions).

The new sulfuric acid plant for which the investment has been announced will increase the sulfuric acid production capacity by a further 500 000 tpy from the current level of 600 000 tpy, thereby resulting in a combined capacity of 1.1 million t. The investment is in line with Coromandel’s long-term objectives to secure key raw materials for its fertilizer production. The 1650 tpd sulfuric acid plant project will be set up within Coromandel’s existing Visakhapatnam plant premises. The Visakhapatnam manufacturing unit of Coromandel has a production capacity of 1.3 million tpy of complex fertilizers and a captive phosphoric acid production capacity of close to 400 000 tpy. The new sulfuric acid plant will reduce import dependence considerably and ensure sustainable production of phosphoric acid.

The plant is being built with best technology standards to control emissions. The steam generated from the process shall also be used for captive power generation.

Arun Alagappan, Executive Vice Chairman, Coromandel International Limited, said: “India is a net importer of sulphuric acid, and the 3rd largest importer globally, accounting for close to 20 Lakh Metric Tonnes of imports. In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of our honourable Prime Minister for import substitution and promotion of local manufacturing, Coromandel has announced the setting up of a new 1650 TPD sulphuric acid plant at Visakhapatnam. Considering the essential nature of fertilisers, this investment will improve the self-sufficiency and availability of phosphatic fertiliser in the country. I would like to thank the leadership team of MECS and TKIS for being with us here today for the event. This project is an important one for all of us involved and will play an important role in reducing the sulphuric acid imports into our country.”

Brian Blair, Global Licensing Manager, MECS USA said: “We have worked in close partnership with Coromandel International Limited to be able to guarantee the precise performance and emissions control needed for the project to meet stringent environmentalstandards and production objectives. We are excited to be part of a project that provides Coromandel a state of the art sulphuric acid plant with carbon free power generation and to be ableto support it with our many decades of expertise in sulphuric acid plant technology.”

Rajesh Kamath, CEO & MD TKIS India, said: “Coromandel International remains one of our most esteemed customer in the Phosphatic Fertiliser space. Our relationship with them dates back to the nineties when we set up a ammonia tank terminal in Ennore. This was followed by many Di-Ammonium Phosphate/NPK Fertiliser plants, cryogenic ammonia storages and Phosphoric acid plant. The sulphuric acid project is one more opportunity to take our excellent business relationship forward."

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/project-news/18112021/coromandel-to-set-up-sulfuric-acid-plant-at-visakhapatnam/