CAPRALACTUM STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION W/ TEMPERED WATER SYSTEM
Oct 01, 2011
Matrix provided the civil, mechanical and electrical engineering for a capralactum tank and piping network with a new tempered water system for warming of the material for less viscous flow without risk of polymerizing the capralactum. This fluid is too stiff to move unless it is warmed. However, there is a risk of getting the material too hot in which case it reacts and hardens to a solid of hydrocarbon-chains which cannot be undone. The tempered water system consisted of exterior coils on the large storage tank as well a tracing along the insulated piping. Due to the critical nature of the fluid the tempered water was controlled to a very narrow allowable temperature range.
Matrix provided conceptual and hard mechanical design of a heavy duty screw feeder for metering phosphorus pentoxide (crystallized phosphoric acid) into a dissolve tank. Due to the hot reaction during hydration in the tank (resulting into very hot phosphoric acid) the variable speed screw feeder consisted of a 316L S/S 12 inch diameter auger and 1/2 inch thick trough. A special dump hopper with automated closing lid was designed with a large grated opening and bypass chute at the inlet of the feeder. Very special design considerations were made for protecting the conveyor seals and bearings from making contact with the hot acid. Our design allowed the acid crystals or hot liquid to fall out into an isolated gap and into the tank before it challenged the seal. This was a highly successful design has virtually eliminated the huge stock piles of drummed feedback material that accumulated due to the inability to dissolve the crystallized acid safely.
Matrix Industrial Systems was proud to work in conjunction with AC Marine in designing and supplying critical systems for Georgia Aquarium's newest venue to experience sharks directly with the grand opening of their 1.2MM gallon Shark Tank. This attraction allows you to submerge into the tank within a shark cage and begin an underwater journey traversing the pool as it is suspended and moved by a hoist/monorail system. Breathing air for the participants is supplied through an umbilical tethered to the cage and connected to a specialized Breathing Air Control System (BACS). Matrix supplied and installed this system with its umbilical as a turnkey project. Matrix and AC Marine were proud to be guinea pigs (or should I say SHARK BAIT) on the maiden voyage!