Kola MMC (part of the Nornickel Group) completed the reconstruction of distribution substation No. 70 that supplies electricity to the electrolysis section and the active storage of chlorine at the tank-house of nickel.
The upgrade project worth a total of RUB 120 mln took some 18 months to complete. A great deal of work was done during this period, including the dismantling of the worn-out equipment, the overhaul of the premises and the replacement of the switchgear.
Compliant with the latest performance and safety requirements, the new switchgear features four sections with separate infeed and power users. The sections consist of 34 high-voltage cells with vacuum circuit breakers, microprocessor-based protection units, arc flash protection with optical arc fault sensors, and antiresonance voltage transformers.
This is a landmark project for Kola MMC, as the upgraded substation will ensure uninterrupted power supply to the electrolysis section of the tank-house, where the Company is implementing a new chlorine-leaching technology to produce nickel.