When Anglo American management heard about Hatch’s success at similar facilities, they knew the group we had, not only the text-book expertise for its furnace project, but also the proven ability to quickly adapt and keep a project flowing despite unusual challenges.

Hatch is now upgrading two 81 MW ferronickel (FeNi) electric furnaces and ancillary equipment to improve performance and reduce operating risk at the Barro Alto smelter in Goiás, Brazil. Hatch is providing EPCM services, in an integrated project team with Anglo American personnel and collaborators in Mississauga, Canada, and Belo Horizonte, Brazil. On-site personnel are primarily local Brazilian trades people and suppliers.

With decades of related experience, proven technologies, materials management implementation, construction planning expertise and global resources, the Hatch Furnace Group approach focuses on efficiency—to deliver planned upgrades in the shortest possible interval.

Hatch shut down the first furnace in October 2014, with first metal scheduled for the first half of 2015. The second furnace will then be shut down with a similar work schedule and first metal expected before the end of 2015.

The upgraded furnace binding system, integrated with the new refractory design, will promote long-term furnace integrity. An improved copper wall cooling system will increase operational flexibility, while a new air-cooling system will reduce refractory hydration risk.