Brenntag boosts plant efficiency with new control systems 03 April 2014

Chemical distribution specialist Brenntag reports significant improvements in plant efficiency, while retaining its local authority effluent monitoring compliance, having replaced its batch control system with a Bürkert solution.

Bürkert designed the system to include pH and level sensors in the tanks, as well as on/off valves for chemical dosing and flow sensors on the discharge pipework. Control is via a custom-built panel which includes a PLC and HMI designed for Brenntag.

Working with Brenntag's site maintenance team, Bürkert installed the new equipment without disrupting production.

Now, the control panel continuously monitors and records pH along with discharge flow rate. If an adjustment is required, dosing pumps are activated and the calculated amount of chemical automatically added to the tank, based on tank level and required pH.

Phase two of the project involved improving the serviceability of Brenntag's sodium hypochlorite plant. The HMI in the original system was old and had been causing production problems, so Bürkert's task was again to develop a new control system.

That system now allows an operator to select pre-set volumes to allow automatic filling of sodium hypochlorite.

Brenntag reports that the completed installation has improved production efficiency and reliability.

In fact, the production manager has recommended that Bürkert installs a similar system at another Brenntag plant.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Burkert Contromatic Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.