Matrix provided the civil, structural and mechanical design for a major addition to the existing Vanlube process at Vanderbilt Chemical's Murray, Kentucky facility. The product was a NFPA 30 Class 1B flammable liquid requiring special design considerations for firewalls, escape routes and equipment placement. The project consisted of a process area, packaging area, tank farm and truck load-out facility. Mechanical design included heating and proper ventilation per NFPA guidelines. Matrix also provided all of the complex grounding details and electrical classification drawings to satisfy the NFPA guidelines.
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!