IMechE Uniten Student Chapter co-organized with IMechE Malaysia YMS an industrial visit to Cabot Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. The person in charge on that day was Mr. Mathew Thomas, the chairman of IMechE Malaysia branch. The visit was strictly for members only and only limited seats were available. 2 fortunate members including me from Uniten and 3 more from University of Nottingham took the opportunity to visit the leading global supplier of carbon black.
Date : 19th September 2008 (Friday)
Time : 2.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Venue : Cabot Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Port Dickson
Transport : Coach was provided
The coach arrived at the designated venue at approximately 2.15pm. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a warmth welcome by Mr. Rama, the safety manager of Cabot. We were then ushered to the meeting room where we were shown a short presentation of Cabot Sdn. Bhd. and their acclaimed product, the carbon black. Mr. Rama also explained extensively regarding the safety measures and precautions that they uphold. We understood that safety issue is a major issue when producing the carbon black. Fact: Traditionally, Cabot's carbon black has been used as a reinforcing agent in tires. Today, the uses of carbon black have expanded to include acting as a pigmenting, UV stabilizing and conductive agent in a variety of common and specialty products. An intensely black powder, carbon black is produced by subjecting heavy residual oil feedstock to extremely high temperatures in a carefully controlled combustion process. Cabot manufactures dozens of commercial grades of varying size and structure, each produced through minute adjustments in different reactors. A leading global supplier, Cabot produces nearly 2 million metric tons of carbon black annually.
Approximately, 1 hour later, we were taken on a short tour around the Cabot manufacturing plant. Mr. Bala, the maintenance manager of Cabot, was the person in charge. While touring on foot, Mr. Bala explained in detail all the process involved in producing the carbon black. From blower to heat exchanger to pelletizer, Mr. Bala also explained the obstacles and challenges faced when producing the carbon black. One of the main concerns is the leakage of carbon black which will undoubtedly pollute the air and affect the residential area in the vicinity. The tour took about 30 minutes. The session was ended with Q&A session along with the souvenir presentation. We departed from Cabot Sdn. Bhd. at about 5.30pm.
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