Weighing technology increases process efficiency

Weighing specialist Mettler Toledo has helped oil and gas services contractor RBG to reduce the amount of oil contamination in solids recovered from offshore production operations in the North Sea

Integrated into the RBG Solids Management System, the Mettler Toledo Flexmount weigh module, with an ATEX-certified load cell, ensures accurate weighing of produced solids to assess batch composition prior to dosing with cleaning agents.

Correct weighing of solids is essential as it allows the RBG system to accurately manage batch size in order to dose the waste with the correct quantity of chemical.

Accurate chemical dosing leads to optimised performance and reduces chemical usage.

"Oil recovered from the waste is reintroduced into the process" commented the RBG Implementation Manager James Calderwood: "This improves yield and also removes contaminants from the waste, making it suitable for overboard discharge.

Removing the recovered oil has significant cost savings for the client, as the waste would otherwise need to be shipped from the offshore platform to a specialist disposal contractor onshore".

The Solids Management System also provides an assurance that future legislative requirements for controlled overboard discharge can be met.

The Flexmount weigh module used in the RBG Solids Management System is highly versatile and can be adapted to virtually any application.

The unit supplied to RBG was specially modified to suit the hostile North Sea environment and it is the first time such a unit has been used for this type of portable process weighing application.

The Flexmount modules are very easy to install, regardless of the application, and their self-checking function allows economical system integration and a wide range of thermal expansion and contraction.

Many arrangements are available to suit tanks, silos or hoppers with three or more legs in circular, square or rectangular patterns.

The ATEX certified stainless steel load cells are hermetically sealed to IP68 for the harshest industrial environments.

The top plate of the units is rigidly located for easy installation and an anti-uplift bolt restrains the tank or silo and prevents it from tipping over.

This feature is especially useful in protecting against wind pressure in exposed, exterior locations.

The module was supplied to RBG with the Mettler Toledo stainless steel IND429 weighing terminal.

Protected to IP69 in accordance with DIN 40050 for water ingress, the portable terminals are Ex certified for Zone 2 hazardous areas.

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