Cross Helps Kemira with Sophisticated Control System Conversion for Reactors
Cross Process Solutions has a long history with the Kemira plant in Columbus, GA, having recently completed an upgrade of their legacy APACS system to Siemens PCS7 with Simatic Batch.
In the fall of 2023, Kemira decided to convert two of their six PA/PAE reactors to EPAM in order to better align with market demand. Mark Francois, Production Supervisor and lead for the facility’s distributed control system, said choosing Cross for this conversion was an easy decision because of “the overall success of the APACS to PCS7 conversion project”. He went on to say “we wanted to stick with the people (Cross) who had been there since the beginning and always had great results.”
The conversion, from one product to another to align with market demand was complex because Kemira wanted to retain the ability to run both products in the reactor. This required a sophisticated system of interlocks as the two processes required different raw materials and have very different reaction characteristics. In order to maintain the dual use capability, the interlocks around the PA/PAE tanks had to be masked so they wouldn’t interact when processing the EPAM materials. Masking process interlocks plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operations of the automation system by controlling the timing, sequencing, and conditions under which the various processes can occur.
Get Ready for Lightning Season!
Warmer weather signals the run up to lightning season, so now is the time to make sure your rail and truck scales are prepared. A single lightning strike, or one nearby, can short out the load cells, wires, junction boxes and accessories on your heavy capacity scale. And, let’s face it, with today’s increasingly unpredictable weather, it’s not IF there’s a lightning strike, it’s when.
Since your scale is likely the heart of your operation, either inbound or outbound, it’s important to make sure you’re ready for the worst weather or you may face downtime or lost revenue if something happens. Remember, it only takes one strike to take down your entire scale system.
What's New at Cross
Maximize Compressed Air Energy Efficiency with Transair
An optimized compressed air system can mean substantial reductions in overall energy consumption, with food facilities saving 20-50% on average on their electric bill over 24 months. We recommend Parker’s Transair aluminum compressed air piping system to try and achieve these savings in your own facility. Read some of the key advantages of the Parker Transair System here.
Brooks Instrument White Paper: Devices, Data & Operational Efficiency Getting the Most from Bioprocess Equipment
Data is central to the benefits associated with Biopharm 4.0 and is crucial for on-going industrial progress, operational efficiency, better and more consistent product quality, and greater product yields. In this white paper from Cross partner Brooks Instrument, they use a Brooks Biotech mass flow controller to illustrate how a comprehensive approach to data management, including data characterization, knowledge management and equipment design, can support decision making and taking action.
Did You Know?
Did you know that Cross Process Solutions’ team of valve experts can come to your site and make sure your valve actuators, positioners and limit switches are working correctly?
Whether your equipment needs to be updated or you need help troubleshooting, our team has decades of field experience and knows what to look for when they’re in a chemical environment.
Need new equipment installed? No problem! We can help with field installation too!
Cross Provides Tangible Value for You
Improve Efficiency
In the market for a new refrigerated centrifuge? Cross partner Ohaus is offering their FC5916R refrigerated centrifuge with rotors, conical adapters and buckets at a 25% discount when purchased together.
The Frontier 5916R has gentle handling, high speed processing and precise cooling for maximum viability. It’s also easy to use and whisper quiet for distraction free research. It has a speed range of 200 rpm – 16,000 rpm and a maximum relative centrifugal force (x g) of 26,331 g
Improve Efficiency
Sometimes a little thing can be a huge time saver! Take this wireless button from Cross partner Omron. Instead of wires dictating where you need to put a push button, what if you could put it where it was ergonomically efficient? Or time efficient?
With a range of 100 feet, the wireless A2W button can even be mounted on mobile machinery, as it will reacquire the signal when it gets in range. For example, the forklift driver can have an A2W button in their truck to open the roll door, instead of getting out. There’s also no need to worry about changing batteries, as the wireless buttons have self-generating power. Use up to 8 buttons with one receiver.
Raise Quality
Looking for precise, repeatable pressure control for extremely small samples? Click on the video link above to see how Cross partner Clippard worked with a DNA mapping company to improve their sample measurement using the Cordis series electronic pressure controller.
Instead of approximate control and repeatability, the new Clippard controller provided 0.25% accuracy of actual calibration range, a resolution of < 5mV and a repeatability of 0.05%.
