Automation of acetic acid supply (Capelle Pigments)

Purpose

The customer wanted to optimise production with automatic batch dosing of acetic acid.

Problem-solution

Capelle Pigments wanted strong automation, to remotely dose all kinds of chemicals in reaction.

CGK Group designed the P&ID: a technical drawing with piping and other process components. Taking into account flexible dosing, accuracy and safety. After selecting sensors, measuring instruments, pumps and valves, the tank and piping resulted in a finished installation. For the visualisation software and cabinetry, we worked with ATS.

• Previously, a manual IBC emptying was required to supply acetic acid. CGK Group built a double-walled storage tank that stores 40,000 litres of acetic acid 80%. With VLAREM-compliant sensors, a scrubber that neutralises toxic/aggressive vapours and a GRP platform with stairs. So that maintenance work is just as safe. Furthermore, the unloading bay was properly signalled.

• Filling over 20 reaction vats with acetic acid requires an ultra-secure pipe network, here double-walled and made of PE/PVC. The outer pipes were in turn fitted with insulation, tracing and sensors. Acetic acid 80% is a delicate substance: above 40°C explosive vapours are produced, below -7°C it freezes. The parallel pump arrangement ensures that it was a smooth changeover in case of a breakdown. And the software guarantees that both run for the same number of hours.

• CGK Group built a dosing cabinet that collects the pipes in the production hall. In this way, 2 production lines receive acetic acid simultaneously. The dosing cabinet includes 2 mass flow meters, allowing dosing to 1% accuracy in the 20 reactors. And that from 4 to 800 kg.