Nickel Smelter Production Improvement Study Using Discrete Event Simulation

This paper presents a discrete event simulation model of a nickel laterite smelting process, with particular focus on the Calcine Transfer System. The model achieves a good level of accuracy by carefully modeling calcine production, crane dispatching, and equipment delays. The benefits of using discrete event simulation models at various stages of the engineering studies are demonstrated through two case studies to evaluate new process design and major plant expansion options.