SAFETY IN THE PLANT


suppliers are all stored in an electronic database, allowing users a single consistent point of access for the latest version of a SDS. Any documents that a user chooses to store locally on his PC are also automatically kept up to date, so that it is possible to work online or offline. REACH Delivery is free to use, with


an optional ‘pay as you send’ area for users wanting to send documents externally, who will then pay a ‘per document’ fee. All that is required is a set-up and registration process, and then users can send securely the latest SDSs and other documents to their customer’s desktops and receive proof of delivery. Recipients always use the service completely free of charge and users can also send documents free of charge internally to ensure that the latest SDSs are being used across an organisation. The service operates on a ‘many-to many’


basis, allowing companies, no matter where they are located, to be able to manage and automate the sending and receiving of SDS, and other documents and messages, within a fully secure and audited environment. It is international and multi-lingual as well as being easy to use. In addition to the fact that REACH


affects companies throughout the world, similar legislation is now being considered in other countries, most significantly in the US. REACH Delivery has been designed to meet the requirements of new international legislation as and when it is required. The system already functions on an


international basis. Non-EU firms can use it to


Fig. 3. Companies will need to ensure the direct delivery of Safety Data Sheets and associated documentation to customers.


comply with REACH by securely delivering SDS to their customers in Europe. They can also use it outside of Europe and in their own countries, as it supports the delivery and receipt of SDS and any other documents worldwide, or to distribute SDSs free of charge throughout their company. There is no doubt that REACH compliance is a hugely complex issue


The scope for microreactors C


onsolidation and process intensification in the past few years seems to be the buzzword


for the global chemical industry. The advent of microreactors has furthered the scope for various manufacturers to address the growing challenges of margin shrinkage and environmental concerns associated with this industry. Increasing evidence shows that certain issues related to mixing such as mass transfer, heat transfer and hydrodynamics in the conventional batch processes can be easily overcome with the use of microreactors. Analysis from Frost & Sullivan finds that the pertinent characteristics of microreactors were instrumental in the development of several high-quality products catering to different application segments. Several governmental and non-governmental agencies fund some


15 ECE


of these application sectors and the gains should surface in a span of a few years after microreactors commercially establish themselves in a majority of the industries. “Issues with conventional mixing processes have resulted in unnecessary slow transformations that invariably result in the creation of side reactions as well as unwanted products,” notes analyst Rajaram Vijayan. “The smaller sizes of microreactors or microchannelled reactors ensure that fast reactions occur with reaction kinetics considered to be the main limiting factor.” The advent of microreactors makes it easier to conduct one-step reactions. Hence, the conventional chemical reactions that produce by-products and waste products can easily be utilised in microreactors to eliminate these alternate reactions, thereby preparing high-


quality products. Moreover, the fast reaction rates ensure higher yields of up to 100 per cent with high quality and no side reactions. Product quality is enhanced through the accurate control of operation parameters such as pressure, temperature and space velocities. The scope for microreactors in fuel and chemical processing is high. However, the non- availability of any commercial demonstration unit that can be retrofitted to an existing facility prevents manufacturers from taking a huge financial risk in their facilities. The risk factor becomes quite high due to the high capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) associated with manufacturing and any negligent conditions could alter margins in a substantial manner. ❒


For more information, visit www.frost.com


for companies around the world and but automating and guaranteeing the safe delivery of SDSs will ease the complexity and ensure one key element of compliance is addressed. ❒


Malcolm Carroll, CEO, Reach Delivery, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK. www.reachdelivery.com


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