metal-powder.net July/August 2013 MPR 9

CSIR’s new titanium plant aids BoeingSouth Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has opened a new plant, seen as a “breakthrough’ in the pro-duction of titanium metal powder using a novel con-tinuous process.

The Department of Science and Technology has allocat-ed more than R100 million via the Titanium Centre of Competence (TiCoC) over the next two years.

The CSIR’s titanium pilot plant was officially opened in Pretoria by South African science and technology minister, Derek Hanekom. “Titanium metal powder is regarded as the product of the future,” Hanekom said. “We are pleased to note the commendable progress and successes achieved from our investments in research and development, human capital development and technology infrastructure since 2006.”

According to Hanekom, the plant represents a breakthrough in the produc-tion of titanium metal pow-der using a novel continuous process, instead of the more conventional batch process. “This proprietary technology offers significant cost and efficiency advantages, and is expected to give South Africa a comparative advan-tage in the production of titanium metal and finished products,” he added.

South Africa has the world’s second-largest reserves of titanium ore and the country’s entire titanium beneficiation strategy may depend largely on the suc-cess of this pilot plant and its further commercialisa-tion. However, the plant is still a research facility and its output will determine whether or not to proceed to a full commercial-scale dem-onstrator plant.

“We are confident that [this] historical launch not only unleashes a new era for SA titanium but also strategically positions South Africa as a key player in the international titanium arena,” said Dr Willie du Preez, director of the TiCoC. “The titanium pilot plant will undoubtedly stimulate further development of vari-ous economic sectors within South Africa with dynamic long-term advantages that include a full commercial-scale demonstrator plant that will take us into 2020 and beyond.”

Boeing and CSIR plan to jointly research how to incorporate titanium powder into industrial manufacturing processes.

“This research is impor-tant to the aviation industry because it will enable us to use titanium powder for manufacturing in ways that reduce energy consumption and waste,” said Dr William Lyons, Boeing research & technology director of global technology.

Dr du Preez said the col-laboration with Boeing will bring value to South Africa. “Boeing’s competencies and experience regarding the applications of titanium in aerospace will hugely ben-efit CSIR’s drive towards the

commercialisation of tita-nium technologies,” he said.

J Miguel Santos, Boeing International vice president for Africa, added: “Our research and development agreement with CSIR adds a new dimension to Boeing engagement in South Africa. We are collaborating to advance South Africa’s development in the aviation industry, which will increase the competitiveness of Boeing products.”

Boeing’s advanced research and develop-ment organisation Boeing Research & Technology, or BR&T, will oversee the com-pany’s research activity in South Africa.

The CSIR is one of the leading scientific and tech-nology research, develop-

ment and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research, technological innovation as well as industrial and scien-tific development to improve the quality of life of the country’s people.

The CSIR is committed to supporting innovation in South Africa to improve national competitiveness in the global economy. Science and technology services and solutions are provided in support of various stake-holders, and opportunities are identified where new technologies can be further developed for both commer-cial and social benefit.

Science and technology minister,

Derek Hanekom and CSIR CEO Dr

Sibusiso Sibisi officially unveil

the plaque at the Ti Pilot plant.

MPR0413_News 9 29-07-13 11:22:21