OCI Wyoming - Unit 6 Expansion

This USD 140 million project increased OCI’s soda ash production capacity by 800,000 tons annually, through the addition of a sixth processing line.

The process includes reclaim of trona ore from an existing stockpile and conveying to a new crushing and screening operation.  Crushed trona is calcined in a gas-fired rotary kiln to form crude soda ash, using an electrostatic precipitator for dust collection.  The calcine is then leached in agitated tanks, and insoluble material is removed via a screw classifier, thickeners, and filters.  The clear solution is evaporated in mechanical vapor recompressor crystallizers to form sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals.  

Crystal dewatering via cycloning, centrifuging, and rotary kiln drying produces soda ash, which is screened and conveyed to existing storage facilities.  Ancillary systems include a new control room, utility distribution, underground tailings disposal, and tie-ins to existing utilities.