Hazelett Machine Project

The Hazelett machine installation is a recent one for JDI’s rigging, mechanical, and electrical team in Upstate, SC.

Our team of mechanical contracting experts is contacted by a manufacturer in the battery industry to install a Hazelett LS1800. The LS1800 is able to create thin strips of lead and efficiently produce them en masse.

The rigging specialists, mechanics, and electricians install the entire system in time for the client’s production to begin running at full output.

To see more details about JDI’s performance, keep reading below.

First, the mechanical and electrical teams decommission the older system due for replacement with the plant engineering team. This involves dismantling, rigging, and moving out the old components in the chip return area.

Second, our electricians and millwrights setup the new Kaeser blower system, run electrical conduit to the new panels. Once that is complete, the electricians connect all the systems together for the major part of the Hazelett machine installation to begin.

JDI electricians install a 400A Square D fusible busplug, 3 250A RK5 fuses, and 200′ of 2-1/2″ EMT conduit, and 5″ of flex conduit. Our electrical team also pull up to three 210′ runs of #250 kcmil from the disconnect to the blower disconnect; one 210′ run #4 THHN wire for grounding.

After this, JDI’s mechanical and rigging team works with the facility team to position the new Hazelett LS1800 into place.

Undoubtedly, this phase requires all trades to be ready to position, align, terminate, and connect the entire system in a matter of a few days.

The mechanical team works with our expert rigging specialist to carefully and safely align the main components.  JDI must make sure that the launder and tundish are near perfect in alignment with the new Hazelett strip casting machine. The machine has a twin-belt system that requires proper setting for the lead casting to work as needed by the manufacturer.

Above this part of the Hazelett, we also install, set, and anchor a new receiver hopper frame, and perform receiver hopper assembly.

We then cut a new hole in melting pot hood, and modify and reinstall handrailing. The mechanical team installs 175′ of new duct piping to the Kaeser blower, and connect the new hopper to an existing airline. Finally, we set imbed plates in a trench over duct work.

Once those components startup, the Hazelett machinery performs as expected by our client.

The client’s production line is now capable of creating roughly 20 tonnes of product per hour because of our mechanical work. This Hazelett machine installation is a major success for their production. It increases efficiency, output accuracy, and the production rate their customer’s demand.

JDI Industrial Services continues to provide for them and are going to be installing a similar second production line in 2026.