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COVER STORY


Both MMA and PLEXIGLAS® moulding compounds are produced at Röhm's largest production site in Worms and sold in more than 100 countries


Achieving these objectives begins with getting the recipe just right at the outset. Sustainability is also equally paramount. Unused material is collected and stored for future use in specialised containers which are designed to withstand the challenges of chemical storage while remaining easily transportable and adaptable to changing production needs.


VEGAPULS 6X - the perfect long- term solution


"Here," Bettinger gestures toward the metal containers, "reliable, continuous level measurement is key." He explains that if one of the metal containers fills up and the “full” signal is sent too late, residue will remain in the hoses and because there is not enough space left in the container for it to flow out, this can mean cross contamination in the production process.


A balancing act


Crafting methyl methacrylate (MMA) demands both precision and care. The materials involved, such as acetone cyanohydrin (ACH) and sulfuric acid, come with strict requirements on proper handling, recycling and the reduction of waste and residual materials.


To balance accuracy and quality, companies rely on advanced technology like the VEGAPULS 6X radar sensors to monitor storage tank levels. These instruments ensure every drop of MMA is accounted for, safeguarding against deviations that could compromise product integrity.


Throughout production, factors like pressure, temperature, and raw material dosing play pivotal roles in shaping the final product's properties. Ultimately, the objective extends beyond mere production; we aim to engineer MMA compounds tailored to specific attributes, including enhanced thermal conductivity, elevated refractive index, and higher tensile strength.


VEGA provided Röhm with a free test instrument from the new VEGAPULS 6X level radar series for three months originally. Over a year later, the sensor remains in continuous use in their factories. Bettinger expresses his satisfaction: "Previously, we used a tuning fork sensor to signal the full level, which often provided inaccurate readings, leading to extra work. We had to open and visually check each tank to know how much was left."


Since the installation of the VEGAPULS 6X, manual inspection and its associated problems have become a thing of the past. Instead of a rigidly defined maximum filling limit, the radar instruments continuously measure the level, providing real-time information on the tank's status. This proactive approach greatly improves planning for the use of small intermediate storage containers.


According to Röhm, the versatility of the VEGAPULS 6X is its biggest advantage. With its range of process fittings and antenna designs, it seamlessly integrates into almost any system. Once installed, the sensor


VEGAPULS 6X radar sensors precisely monitor even the smallest deviation of the level in mobile storage tanks used to collect residues from MMA production


reliably operates regardless of what is being measured, whether liquid or solid - encompassing high pressures or extreme temperatures within the tanks. With its Ex approval, this also means safety is guaranteed even in potentially hazardous environments.


Sustainable processes, sustainable profits


Due to its versatility, the VEGAPULS 6X finds applications in various tank setups. Beyond MMA production, it oversees operations in two substantial tanks, each boasting a 30- cubic-meter capacity. Here, the finished product waits to be filled into barrels and dispatched either by truck or for shipment along the nearby Rhine. Upon notification from the radar sensor that a tank has reached capacity, the product undergoes final quality checks and is promptly loaded into barrels for transportation.


VEGAPULS 6X has a wide range of applications: outdoor measurement in two large 30-cubic-meter tanks


The beauty of using the same level sensor for both the small mobile residue containers and these sizable storage tanks, which also require Ex protection, is the streamlined spare parts inventory at Röhm. Stefan Bettinger remarks, "We now stock significantly fewer measuring instruments. This optimisation not only contributes to our MMA process sustainability but also saves time and costs." Whether it's environmental impact, workplace conditions, or company profitability, Bettinger emphasises the universal benefits of genuine sustainability. “It's a triumphant win-win-win scenario for all involved.”


VEGA Controls www.vega.com/en-uk


APRIL 2024 | PROCESS & CONTROL 13


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