Metallurgical and PGM

Metallurgical and PGM gas cleaning

ERG supplies engineered gas cleaning systems for metallurgical and precious metal (PGM) refining, with each scrubbing package designed for the specific process duty and supplied with a process guarantee.

Applications in metallurgical and PGM refining

Our purpose‑designed scrubbing systems are configured for roasters, furnaces, electrolysis cells and salt dryers, and are engineered to meet site‑specific emissions and environmental permit requirements. We have reference plants in the UK, Eastern Europe and the Middle East on metal (Ni, Co, Al, Sb) refining and reclamation and in precious metal refining.

Our scrubbing packages are installed to treat off‑gases from electrolysis processes and reactor vents, flue gases from roasters and furnaces, and vent gases from salt dryers. Examples of gas contaminants we have experience of include:

Chlorine from electrolysis.
SO₂ and particulate, including heavy metals, from roaster flue gases.
NH₃ and particulate from aluminium salt dryers.
HCl and chlorine from precious metal refining.

We can also provide vacuum degassing of anolyte and gas compression where required as part of the overall gas cleaning system.

Gas cleaning and scrubbing technologies

Our vent abatement systems are based on one or more of the following technologies. Each package is bespoke, designed and manufactured to the specific project requirements.

Packed tower scrubbers – for acid gases, basic gases, some dusts and some VOCs
V‑tex® scrubbers – for acid gases, basic gases, some dusts and some VOCs
Venturi scrubbers – for high concentration or fine dust
Quench systems – for adiabatically cooling high‑temperature gas for further wet scrubbing

These technologies are selected and combined to provide robust gas cleaning and particulate abatement for metallurgical and PGM processes, taking into account gas temperature, dust loading, corrosivity and required removal efficiency.

Meeting exacting metallurgical specifications

ERG’s design and project management teams are highly experienced at delivering packaged plant which meets the metallurgical industry’s needs. All design and procurement is managed according to our ISO 9001 procedures. All manufacturing and assembly is to the agreed codes and project specifications, managed through and certified against the project Quality and Inspection & Test Plans.

All equipment is fully certified and documented in accordance with applicable European Standards, and CE marked accordingly. Vessels can be supplied to BS EN 13121, PD 5500 or ASME VIII as appropriate, and packages CE marked to the Pressure Equipment (2014/68/EU) and ATEX (2014/34/EU) Directives depending on the specification requirements. Safety in design and operation is our highest priority; we work with the main contractor, designer and end user to ensure the safety case documentation, HAZOP and related studies are conducted thoroughly and efficiently.

ERG package scope of supply

ERG can offer initial design services and full turnkey supply of the gas cleaning package required for your application. This includes process design, equipment selection, integration with existing metallurgical plant and supervision of installation and commissioning where required.

Operational peace of mind

Every ERG abatement package carries a performance guarantee – as an operator you can be sure the equipment will meet the process requirements. Our standard 12‑month or extended warranty guarantees the mechanical and electrical parts against defects. Our Maintenance department can assist with routine, shut‑down or emergency maintenance to support long‑term gas cleaning performance.

Our clients

ERG’s customers in this sector include metallurgical refiners, PGM refiners and associated process plant operators.