Molybdenum Autoclave Plant Project

Molybdenum Autoclave Plant Project

LOCATION: South Jordan, Utah

TOTAL INSTALLED COST: $½ Billion

FEE: $703,000

PROJECT SCHEDULE: 1 year

PSE was contracted to work on a $½ Billion Molybdenum Autoclave Plant (MAP) Project brown field project to upgrade molybdenum concentrate (molybdenum sulfide) into chemical and technical grade molybdenum using a proprietary autoclave process.  The owner had originally contracted with an engineering firm to execute the project.  As detailed design began, the project quickly fell behind schedule for a variety of reasons including funding freezes shortly after engineering began.

As a result of the schedule difficulties and personnel turn-over, the engineering firm contracted with PSE to be a part of the solution.  Our team was specifically tasked with reducing mechanical engineering design delays and reducing impacts on other disciplines as well.  As a result, PSE provided the Mechanical Manager for the project.

Early on, PSE identified several problems including staff shortages, inexperience of existing assigned personnel and flow control.  These deficiencies were all adding to a lack of trust, confidence and cooperation between the contracted mechanical design team and other critical team members including project management, procurement, and other design disciplines.  Because of PSE’s swift identification of key issues and ability to resolve them, our team was asked to extend our contract until completion.  What began as a temporary measure to assist with project personnel deficiencies became a long term project.