Maintenance Shutdown
2018 Annual Maintenance Shutdown
Our annual 2018 maintenance shutdown dates are:
7 January through to the 1 February 2018
Planned routine maintenance activities included the demolition and replacement of refractory linings inside the kiln, preheater towers and general maintenance of associated equipment.
The following environmental controls and monitoring will be undertaken during the shutdown:
- Refractory demolition activities will only be undertaken between 7am - 10pm
- ABC staff will regularly assess noise emissions from the site for residential impacts
The 2018 Birkenhead shutdown will involve up to 300 employees and contractors working on a 24/7 basis.
A Key Environmental Improvement project in this shutdown will be the complete installation of gas condition spray system on both the 4A Bypass and the 4A Gas Conditioning Towers (GCT) to improve site stack emissions
Kiln maintenance shutdowns are a critical part of our overall plant performance and reliability. Each year we undergo a month long, major maintenance shutdown at our Birkenhead Plant. During this time we carry out all necessary maintenance to ensure the efficiency of operations.
As temperatures inside the kiln
typically reach 1500 degrees, various components are under enormous
strain throughout the year. In between shutdowns we strive to
minimise stoppages as part of our broader efforts to reduce any
impacts our operations could have on the environment and
surrounding communities.
During a shutdown period, we continue to supply product to our customers by producing cement from stockpiles of clinker.
During shutdowns we have a significant influx of contractors to the site - up to 300 at any time. With so many personnel on site, health and safety is a key focus. Any contractor performing duties at the Birkenhead Plant must undergo a safety and environmental induction which ensures all contractors are aware of environmental impacts that might arise during the maintenance shutdown.