The Development of Borate
Autocausticizing
The concept of borate autocausticizing was first
investigated during the early 1980s in Europe; however, it was not
pursued after only one mill trial due to a number of technical
difficulties. Some years later, Rio Tinto Minerals decided to revisit this
work and with the help of industry experts discovered a more favourable
chemistry for borate autocausticizing reaction and introduced the
concept of “partial” borate autocausticizing (AC). The new concept was
then tested and refined through many mill trials, which proved that the
technology was applicable on an industrial scale with no major technical
difficulties. This was followed by commercialization of the project,
during which practical procedures were developed for easy and smooth
transition of mill candidates to utilizing partial borate
autocausticizing and recognizing the economic advantages that it
offers. By the end of 2005, “Partial AC” was transitioned to an
established application status within the Rio Tinto Minerals’ portfolio.
As a result, it is currently available through our commercial group and
technical staff for immediate implementation in pulp mills.
