Nyrstar gains insight into its Power Quality
We wanted to get insight into Power Quality, based on specialized measurements, in order that it would give us the opportunity to look into possible solutions. In November 2010 we performed Power Quality and Energy measurements at de low and medium voltage installations, together with HyTEPS.
The only zinc producer in the Netherlands
Nyrstar Budel B.V. in Budel-Dorplein is a metallurgical-chemical production company, the only zinc producer in The Netherlands, with approximately 450 employees. Annually they produce approximately 260.000.000 kg of high-quality zinc. Nyrstar Budel B.V. is a 100% subsidiary of Nyrstar, a leading worldwide multi-metals business. They produce a substantial amount of zinc and lead, but also other products like gold, silver and copper. “The partner of choice in essential resources for the development of the changing world.”
Giving insight in Power Quality
Nico Hendrix, Sr. Project Engineer E&I at Nyrstar Budel B.V. says that zinc is removed from zinc ore by using electrolysis. This needs a lot of current, up to 77.000 Ampere every circuit. For this, rectifiers are used, which produce many harmonics, with disturbances and damages as a result. We wanted to get insight into Power Quality, based on specialized measurements, in order that it would give us the opportunity to look into possible solutions.
Compensating of Harmonics
In November 2010 we performed Power Quality and Energy measurements at the low and medium voltage installations, together with HyTEPS. A few weeks later, we received a clear report of HyTEPS, and it became visible where the problems appeared.”
“HyTEPS recommended us to compensate the harmonics with the help of active harmonic filters because of the varying load. Harmonic pollution is tackled at the source by installing this on the medium voltage.”
