SiVEST SA for Sappi Saiccor Mill – Woodyward Upgrade, Umkomaas
As published on issuu from CESA Aon Engineering Exellence Awards 2020 by 3S Media
PROJECT TEAM Client: Sappi Saiccor Mill Owner’s engineer: SiVEST SA In 2018, Sappi Saiccor Mill decided to increase production volumes from 783 000 air dry tonnes per annum (adt/a) to 890 000 adt/a through various expansion project investments throughout the mill. In line with the vision, Sappi Saiccor upgraded equipment in the woodyard, chemical and recovery areas, fibre line and the uptake machine.
Project Vulindlela was approved in principle, enabling a planned phased construction completion in July 2020. In order to make space for Project Vulindlela, the entire woodyard at the Sappi Saiccor Mill needed to be rearranged. This involved the decommissioning of two of the existing chipping lines and stockpile area, and the installation of a new 300 t/h chipper to replace the decommissioned capacity. A new completely automated woodchip stockpile system had to be erected in the area previously used as a timber stockpile area.
The woodyard included various new equipment installations, which required design and engineering across the various engineering and construction and related disciplines.
Sappi Saiccor required an owner’s engineer to perform the services to assist Sappi Saiccor’s internal project management team, by carrying out the design, engineering, technical adjudication, technical construction support, and commissioning support of the project.
Through detailed planning, a proactive approach and close collaboration, the SiVEST team was able to complete the works with very little disruption to Sappi’s operations.
The project commenced in August 2017 and was successfully completed and handed over to the client in April 2019 in line with Sappi Saiccor’s requirements.