Petrochemicals

• Corrosion and material degradation

Traditional metal pipes in petrochemical plants are prone to corrosion and material degradation due to exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme environmental conditions, leading to frequent maintenance, leaks, and costly downtime. Plastic piping systems, such as those made from PVC-U, PVC-C, or PVDF, are highly resistant to chemical corrosion and can withstand extreme conditions without degrading. This enhances the longevity and reliability of the piping infrastructure, reducing maintenance costs and preventing operational disruptions.

• Weight and Installation Complexity

Metal pipes are heavy and require complex and labor-intensive installation processes. This increases the time and cost of installation and complicates modifications or expansions of the piping network. Plastic pipes are significantly lighter and easier to handle compared to metal pipes. They can be installed quickly and with fewer resources, reducing labor costs and project timelines. The flexibility of plastic piping also simplifies modifications and expansions, providing operational agility.

• Thermal Expansion and Contraction

Metal pipes expand and contract significantly with temperature fluctuations, causing stress on joints and connections. This can lead to leaks, mechanical failures, and increased maintenance needs. Plastic piping systems have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than metals, and they are designed to absorb and accommodate temperature-induced movements without compromising the system's integrity. This minimizes the risk of leaks and mechanical failures, ensuring a more stable and durable piping network.

Adding Industrial Ethernet-enabled field devices to petrochemical plant piping systems offers numerous benefits. The most commonly used Industrial Ethernet protocols include Modbus TCP, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP. The devices enhance real-time data acquisition and monitoring, improving process control and efficiency. They support predictive maintenance by providing critical data for early fault detection, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Improved communication reliability ensures continuous operation and safety. Additionally, easy integration with existing systems and scalability for future upgrades enable flexible and cost-effective enhancements to plant operations.

Crucial measurement parameters for ensuring the reliable operation of petrochemical plants include:

• Pressure: Maintaining optimal pressure levels to prevent leaks or bursts.
• Temperature: Monitoring to ensure safe and efficient chemical reactions and equipment operation.
• Flow: Ensuring proper material movement through the piping system.
• Level: Managing liquid levels in tanks and vessels to prevent overflows or dry runs.
• pH: Controlling chemical reactions and product quality.

The most commonly used valves in the piping systems of petrochemical plants include:

• Ball Valves: Known for their durability and ability to provide tight sealing, used in on/off applications.
  
• Butterfly Valves: Favored for their compact size and ability to handle large fluid volumes with low-pressure drops.
• Check Valves: Prevent backflow, ensuring unidirectional flow.
• Diaphragm Valves: Used for handling corrosive fluids, providing tight shut-off and control.

Ball, Butterfly, and Diaphragm Valves can be easily equipped and retrofitted with our pneumatic, electric, or smart actuators.

Pneumatic actuators provide fast, reliable operation, are robust in harsh conditions, and require low maintenance. Electric actuators offer precise control, high torque, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for automation and remote operation. Both types of actuators can be equipped with Industrial Ethernet capabilities, enhancing real-time data acquisition, enabling remote monitoring and control, and integrating seamlessly with advanced plant automation systems for improved operational efficiency and safety.