SENSORS & MEASUREMENT


MEASUREMENT IS THE KEY TO SUSTAINABILITY


In this article, Peter Cologne, UK & Ireland Sales Manager for ABB Measurement & Analytics, explores how measurement technology can help chemical companies find ways to reduce the environmental impact of their operations


hile the chemical industry is responsible for producing many of the everyday products that we take for granted, many of its production processes are a major contributor to air and water emissions, and a major consumer of energy. This is why it is navigating a period of transformation. Pressures to simultaneously reduce environmental impact, minimise energy consumption, optimise operations, and enhance safety are driving chemical companies to rethink both what they produce and how they produce it. Chemical production is inherently carbon-intensive, and waste must be carefully managed to reduce environmental impact – ideally to nil. The chemical industry at large is responsible for around 5 percent of global CO2 emissions, and this is not sustainable. As such, significant changes are needed today in order to ensure that the industry of the future is fundamentally compatible with a low or zero-carbon society. Measurement technologies already play an important role in chemical production, providing the data needed to monitor, control, and improve the performance of production processes. The availability of accurate, real- time measurements enables chemical companies to address challenges such as regulatory compliance, cost control, and environmental sustainability. Crucially, data allows them to do this in a way that is cost- effective, and without compromising the


W 14 JUNE 2025 | PROCESS & CONTROL


integrity and efficiency of operations. An evergreen challenge for the chemical industry is the need to meet environmental regulations, which are intended to drive reductions in emissions and waste. As time goes by, these regulations are only likely to become more stringent. Chemical processes typically involve complex reactions that can produce various emissions, including greenhouse gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulates. Precise monitoring of these emissions is therefore critical for compliance with both local and international regulations. Modern measurement systems provide continuous, accurate tracking of emissions. Furthermore, real-time analytics enable producers to fine- tune processes to reduce waste and improve the environmental footprint of their operations. The importance of emissions monitoring has only grown with the introduction of sustainability reporting requirements. Companies typically have to record and report their emissions and can face severe penalties for not doing so. Advanced gas analysers and flow measurement solutions allow users to reliably quantify their emissions and demonstrate adherence to standards. Operational efficiency is crucial in the chemical sector, where even minor deviations in temperature, pressure, or flow rates can impact product quality and profitability. Measurement technology plays a vital role in


ensuring that optimal operating conditions are achieved and maintained by providing real- time data on critical process parameters. Flow measurement solutions, for example, enable operators to monitor and adjust fluid flows with a high degree of precision, minimising waste and reducing energy consumption. Advanced measurement systems are integrated with sophisticated analytics that can detect anomalies early, helping to prevent unplanned downtime and improve overall productivity. This is particularly valuable in the context of process automation, where real- time measurement data supports predictive maintenance strategies and reduces the need for manual oversight. Companies investing in next-generation measurement technology gain a competitive advantage through enhanced productivity, which translates into reduced costs and higher profit margins. As well as improving its sustainability generally, the chemical industry also needs to take steps to shift from linear to circular production. Measurement is the key to making this transition. By using instruments and analysers in their processes wherever possible, companies can monitor material flows, optimise resource use, and minimise waste. Level and pressure measurements, for example, can be used to track material inputs and outputs, enabling operators to spot production inefficiencies. Measurement data can also be used to find ways to improve environmental performance by reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and ensuring that processes are using energy as efficiently as possible. Crucially, these solutions can often be retrofitted onto existing processes, reducing the amount of up-front investment required, and allowing processes to be modernised in a more manageable way rather than all at once.


Another important aspect is water quality.


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