In Queensland, Australia the first grain-to-ethanol refinery in the country has begun production, with an expected output of more than 80 million litres a year. Seven pressure vessels and five columns were fabricated by Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) accredited D&R Stainless from 30tns of grade 304 stainless steel supplied by ASSDA member Sandvik. The column sizes range from an acid reduction column 750mm in diameter and 14.2m long to a beer column 1900mm in diameter and 24m long. The columns were fabricated to tight tolerances set by process design engineers Detla T Technology, USA. Kevin Endres, CEO, Dalby Bio-Refinery Ltd, has worked with Delta T technnology. According to Mr Endres, stainless was chosen for its durability and a project of this size requires a low maintenance and reliable material. All design and manufacturing was carried out by D&R Stainless to ASME VIII complying with AS1210.D&R Stainless also fabricated 6000m of grade 304 piping in sizes from 20NB to 500NB requiring over 6100 elbows, flanges and fittings from Australian Stainless Steel Development Association member Stainless Pipe & Fittings Australia. All piping was x-ray quality and met ASME B31.3. The refinery can expand to output over 200 million litres of ethanol per year.
