Many types of industrial plants and research centers use chemicals in their operations and need systems that can handle these often dangerous substances effectively. The chemical delivery system has to be able to store the chemicals, deliver them to the point of use and handle disposal. Depending on the application, chemical mixing and a degree of automation may also be required. Key characteristics of chemical delivery systems include the following:
- Reliability. Dependable systems must deliver the right amounts of chemicals as required.
- Accuracy. Most processes need specific amounts of chemicals at various times. The dosage and timing has to be precise.
- Efficiency. The system must be easy to operate manually and to program for automatic operation.
- Reduced Waste. Only the amounts of chemicals and water needed are delivered and material is recycled as much as possible.
- Repeatability. A process step can be carried out repeatedly and always get the same result.
- Safety. The system must deliver reduced operator error and reduce potential operator exposure to harmful chemicals.
Designing chemical delivery systems with these characteristics means the systems will have a high degree of customization with regard to many of the system components and functions. A provider will have to custom design and manufacture the equipment to fit the location, the application and any specific customer requirements.
The Volume of Chemicals Needed Impacts the System
Some processes only need small amounts of chemicals for spiking solutions or for processing small mixtures while other applications require bulk chemical supply. For spiking, delivering precise dosages is critical while for bulk chemical use receiving and storage are important. Small chemical volumes can be stored wherever there is a small space available but large volumes may need space for large chemical totes along with a load cell interface to keep track of chemical use. Each application depends on site layout and available room for the chemical delivery equipment. Systems have to be customized to fit into the available space.
How Chemicals Are Used Influences Customized Controls
Bulk supply of a single substance needs relatively simple controls but mixing and blending several chemicals needs software and relatively complicated systems. The toxicity and aggressiveness of the chemicals impacts the peripheral physical systems to ensure against leaks, spills and the possible exposure of employees. Each chemical delivery system has unique requirements for functions such as mixing, acidity, etching capability and chemical disposal. Customized controls can accomplish these tasks as long as the basic system has the necessary flexibility and the supplier has the expertise and experience to customize the controls.
Facility Layout Affects System Design
Often an ideal layout situates a small storage container near the process where the chemical is being used. In other systems, it may make sense to bring the chemical from remote storage to the process and pipe the used products away for disposal. While the chemical delivery part of the system is clear, the placement of the system components depends on available space and detailed operational practices. In each case, the physical details of the system have to be adjusted for the site and site-specific operations.
Modutek Can Meet Customization Requirements
With extensive expertise in the field of chemical delivery systems, Modutek has the capability to adapt these systems as needed by their customers. Because the company designs and manufactures its own equipment, it can make changes and adjustments to satisfy specific requirements. Customers can take advantage of Modutek’s in house design and production capabilities to get exactly the systems they need. The resulting customized chemical delivery systems are safe and of the highest quality.
Reviewed and Approved by Douglas Wagner
President & CEO, Modutek Corporation
