Product category:
R&D, Test and Evaluation Services
News Release from: Strata Technology | Subject: Synthomer project
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 14 March 2003
PVC pilot plant designed for Synthomer
Strata Technology has designed, built and commissioned an automated PVC pilot plant for Harlow-based Synthomer Ltd, part of the polymers division of Yule Catto, a global supplier of synthetic polymers
strata lands pilot plant project Strata Technology Ltd has designed, built and commissioned an automated PVC pilot plant for Harlow-based Synthomer Ltd, part of the polymers division of Yule Catto and Co plc, a global supplier of synthetic polymers With all of the complexity of a full-scale design, including the risk elements, the engineering challenges posed by the pilot plant were considerable; not least because of the highly toxic and flammable nature of vinyl chloride monomer and the exothermic nature of the vinyl chloride polymerisation reaction
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 2 Mar 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
New Catalyst Screening Unit
Designed for long-term, continuous operation and to ensure realistic and reliable test results, the new Catalyst Screening Unit provides fast 'plug and play' analysis for a variety of applications
Achema experience from valve suppliers in 2003
Achema has increasingly become a key focal point for international business within the global market of chemical processing: experience from UK valve suppliers who exhibited in 2003 is presented
The Synthomer pilot plant can mimic conditions in a full-scale commercial reactor, and it can be tuned to match the technology of any PVC producer worldwide.
It incorporates a PC-based control system, with efficient VCM containment in the reactor, and essential safety and fail-safe alarm systems to avoid reactor temperature and pressure excursion.
Safety features include dedicated VCM mass metering, with a venting and extraction capability for the entire plant area, and VOC destruction to >99.99% for gases released to the environment.
Further reading
SQC software in the food processing industries
Statistical quality control is a necessary part of food processing: The software chosen to satisfy SQC needs will determine whether SQC is an awkward, intrusive task or a smoothly operating system
DADiSP software saves three weeks per brake test
DADiSP, graphic display data processing software is used by Allied Signal/Bendix in collecting test data during the design and manufacture of automotive brake components and brake systems
The Strata Technology design incorporates a dual, interchangeable reactor system, with 10 litre capacity bodies, and geometries to match the two principal current technologies a short squat reactor, and a tall and thin reactor.
3-D modelling was used extensively in the development of the reactors and other key components to ensure that client requirements were met.
The reactors are designed for pressure containment up to 18 barg and a maximum operating temperature of 80deg C.
The design was developed using the latest instrumentation and control system for precise process and parameter monitoring during runs, with automated shutdown features.
Double automated valves were an absolute necessity for process containment and were a specific customer safety requirement.
The pilot plant has a dedicated PC-based automation and control system, interfaced with VOC detection for added safety.
Strata also developed the user-friendly, dedicated software that enables sophisticated process trending, data recording, alarm recognition, and parameter monitoring to be carried out.
"It's been a very good project, delivered in cost and on time," comments Dr Peter Shaw, Synthomer Technical Manager.
"Strata is technically excellent and brought skills that we don't have internally.
We certainly learned from each other as the project developed, but Strata was the only company that could offer the appropriate fast track design, project management, and construction".
• Strata Technology: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
