CB&I is the world's foremost provider of silos for storing alumina, a bauxite derivative used in aluminum smelting. We've built storage silos with capacities of more than 50,000 tons for the industry's leading refiners.
Alumina, a white, powdery material, is stored in cone-roofed carbon steel tanks that typically range in diameter from 150 to 200 feet. Building the tanks can present complex logistical challenges because alumina refineries are often located in remote areas with little infrastructure or available labor.
Proven results, loyal customers. We provide complete engineering, procurement, fabrication and construction services for alumina storage projects. Our ability to execute projects almost anywhere in the world and to finish the work on time has earned us repeat business from the world's leading alumina producers and users. Our excellent safety record—one of the best in the industry—means peace of mind, reduced risk and often lower costs for refinery owners.
As a global company, we can quickly mobilize people, materials and equipment to almost any work location. That's because we maintain in-house engineering, fabrication, procurement and construction resources. For every project, we assemble a team of people who understand the regulations and logistical challenges of the communities where we work; and we direct-hire and train local craftsmen whenever possible. When the installation site is located in an area that lacks labor resources or infrastructure, we can establish an offsite fabrication and assembly facility; our in-house transportation and logistics group will coordinate shipment of components to the project site.
Innovative construction methods. We've been building steel plate structures for more than a century, and we've drawn upon our experience to develop innovative technologies and more efficient work methods. We introduced the original automatic girth welder (AGW) 50 years ago to make tank construction more efficient, and we still use this technology today. The AGW achieves high-quality horizontal welds while significantly reducing work-hours, often resulting in shorter project schedules and reduced costs for our customers. We've also developed proven rigging, heavy-lift and air-raising techniques that allow our construction crews to work safely and efficiently. And we've implemented company-wide technical standards to make the design process more efficient and to ensure consistent, superior results.