WEG will supply Sappi Saiccor’s MgO3 plant in KwaZulu-Natal with a 45 MW extraction backpressure steam turbine to boost the plant’s ability to generate power for its internal operations.

The mill at Umkomaas is one of the world’s largest producers of dissolving pulp for viscose staple fibre. Gas produced from this process represents a fuel source, which generates steam for electricity production.

Steam turbine technology is becoming versatile to accommodate the specific requirements of the facilities it serves, according to WEG. “At the Sappi Saiccor mill, for instance, there is a need to have 15 different load points served by the turbine. In the past it was usual to have just two or three load points,” WEG said in a statement. “It is now possible to provide many more load points – each with its own inlet steam flow conditions.”

The steam turbine design can accommodate a steam flow range that varies considerably. For the new unit at Sappi Saiccor, this range will be from 75 t/h to 300 t/h.

WEG’s factory in Brazil will design and manufacture the new unit bound for South Africa and WEG will conduct the installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance next year. The Sappi Saiccor mill will also use a 50 MVA, 11 kV WEG alternator, which will be coupled to the steam turbine.

“There is significant interest in steam turbine technology among South African companies who produce steam as part of their industrial processes, especially those who have alternative fuel sources,” WEG stated.