Acron Group has launched a second calcium nitrate (CN) production unit at its Veliky Novgorod site and finalised upgrades to the first CN unit, which was put on stream in 2022. Once the second unit is commissioned, the total CN output will double to 300,000 tonnes.
Acron Engineering Research and Design Centre, a member of Acron Group, was the lead designer of this RUB 3.5 billion project. Over 70 pieces of high-tech equipment, including a power substation for the recirculating water supply system, were installed, and 60 new jobs were created.
One of the new unit's key components is the 80-tonne drum granulator with an integrated fluidised bed reactor, which was designed by Acron's engineering team and manufactured by its mechanical repair unit. The previous granulation technology, which was supplied by an overseas licensor, has been replaced with an in-house engineering solution based on the principles of the most advanced available technologies to ensure environmental safety and the efficient use of natural resources.
To reduce costs and boost productivity, the main operations have been modernised, including the NPK unit, where liquid CN (a feedstock for the CN fertiliser) is produced. Upgrading the selective purification unit for liquid CN has increased the output of granulated CN by more than 30% and improved its quality. An automated module that uses computer vision to analyse particle size distribution has been installed to monitor fertiliser quality. A unified logistics system, warehouse infrastructure and remote control system have also been put in place, making it possible for one operator to manage both units.
Alexander Popov, Chairman of Acron's Board of Directors, said, 'The construction of the second stage of the CN operations, based on scaling up the existing industrial potential, is an important investment project for Acron Group. It draws on our very best research, design and engineering expertise. By replacing imported technology, we are building a sustainable and manageable environment for further production growth using domestic solutions. This will lay the foundation for our long-term technological leadership and expand export opportunities'.
Acron produces CN and boron-enriched CN under the CALINKA brand. Since CALINKA operations began in 2022, the Veliky Novgorod facility has produced over 470,000 tonnes of CN. These products are supplied to Russia, Latin America (including Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica and Ecuador), Africa, India, Southeast Asia and the CIS by rail and road in bags, stretch hoods and big bags. CN is a premium, highly effective and environmentally friendly fertiliser, widely used in agriculture to extend the fruit shelf life, enhance crop marketability and prevent diseases caused by calcium deficiency.