ISSUE18
SUPPORTED BY
SETTING THE SATNAV TO THE RIGHT DESTINATION the supply chain • chemuk2020 • big interview • health & safety • plant/cyber security • REACH
16th & 17th Sept 2020 EventCity, TraffordCity, Manchester REGISTER NOW FOR FREE ENTRY!
The Supply Chain Expo & Speaker Programme for the UK’s Chemical Industry
FREE ENTRY & PARKING!
2 Packed Days 270+ Leading Exhibitors Latest Plant & Equipment Raw Materials Sourcing Supply Chain Networking 100+ Expert Speakers Intelligence & Best Practice Skills & Careers Programme New Content Streams
Headline Partner
Supporting Partners include:
16TH & 17TH SEPT 2020 REGISTER FREE AT WWW.CHEMICALUKEXPO.COM
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk
| foreword |
Welcome looking to the future Helen Compson Editor
Editor Helen Compson helen.compson@distinctivegroup.co.uk
Design Distinctive Publishing, 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle, NE1 6UF Tel: 0191 580 5990 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk
Advertising Distinctive Publishing, 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle, NE1 6UF Tel: 0191 5805990 David Perratt Business Development Manager email: david.perratt@distinctivegroup.co.uk Tel: 0191 5805471
Think big, but start small! That’s the tried and tested advice for chemical companies starting out on the road to digitalisation. Zied Ouertani, ABB’s global head of technology for chemical and refining industries, pulls no punches in this issue when he says: “What is really important is that people understand digital transformation is a journey.
There has been little change in terms of sales margins these past three months, but the hens must surely be coming home to roost following three years of Brexit uncertainty and now Coronavirus, he reasons. The survey of 47 businesses has produced many a positive footnote, though, and an overall impression of resilience.
“You must know that if you are starting from scratch, you can’t go from one to 10 instantly. If the digital readiness of an asset is at one or two today, the next step won’t be five or six, it will be three or four.”
One or two other articles meanwhile,highlight the adaptability of the industry. Some companies, we note, have willingly turned off their usual production lines to make hand sanitiser instead.
It was a journey that required detailed and precise route-mapping and, yes, began with but a single step. However, that didn’t mean business leaders should be looking at their feet.
And we take a look at PCR Biosystems, which is currently scaling up the production of the critical enzyme mix needed for Covid-19 tests the world over.
Far from it, he said. It was important they set out with a big vision and a clear view of the way ahead.
Testing times, indeed, but let’s hope that by the time the newly-rescheduled ChemUK 20 comes around in September, we are well on the road to recovery.
The CBA’s chief executive, Peter Newport, has also been looking to the future, this time in relation to the quarterly Supply Chain Trends Survey.
www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk
Distinctive Publishing or BioScience Today cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and BioScience Today.
3
| contents |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Setting the Satnav to the right destination
features
14
20 This Survey reveals an industry emerging from three years of Brexit uncertainty and just prior to it beginning to experience the measures to counter the coronavirus
With 270+ exhibitors and 100+ expert speakers confirmed to present, CHEMUK 2020 is the only large-scale trade show that brings together the UK’s chemicals, chemical processing and chemical product formulation industries
4
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
| contents |
contents www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk
3
welcome
4-5
Contents
6
elementary
7
Industry Contributors
10-12
News
14-19
the supply chain
/
issue 18
Order books and sales remain positive but forecast to decline rapidly
28
Univar Solutions is taking a customer-centric approach to distribution
20-23
chemuk2020 preview In light of the current uncertainties regarding COVID-19, the organisers of CHEMUK have taken the decision to reschedule the show from 13-14 May to 16-17 September 2020 at EventCity. Manchester.
28-31
big interview Digitalisation is a journey and the starting point, a carefully planned digital roadmap. ABB Energy Industries global head of technology for chemical and refining, Zied Ouertani, points Helen Compson in the right direction
36-39
health and safety Risk and Tolerability Criteria: Are we comparing apples and pears?
46-52
plant / cyber security Cyber Resilience – Readiness, Response & Recovery
54-58
46
A cyber attack is any attempt to expose, alter, disable, destroy, steal, gain unauthorised access to or make unauthorised use of an asset.
5
reach
/
| contributors biodigestables | |
Peter Newport Chief Executive of the Chemical Business Association (CBA)
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY | CHEMICAL JOURNAL INDUSTRY SUMMER JOURNAL 2018 |
Abisola Elegba ReachReady
Dr. Zied M. Ouertani Vice President, Global Head of Technology, ABB
Abisola holds a Master’s degree in Toxicology and Risk assessment. Her experience includes; assisting with hazard classifications and risk assessments for REACH and Biocides, assisting with regulatory requirements including REACH for cosmetics and personal care products and assisting consortia in the preparation of technical documents for public consultations for REACH titles such as Restriction. She provides technical support on the REACHReady helpdesk, and assists in writing for the REACHReady Technical Alert, and the REACHReady Review.
Dr. Ouertani oversees ABB’s use of technology in helping transform the chemicals and refining industries for the future. Dr. Ouertani joined ABB in 2012 and has served as the company’s principal scientist in corporate research and as a business consultant for corporate strategy. He holds a PhD in Information Systems. He brings more than a decade of global experience, and is skilled at connecting customer needs to valueadded digital solutions. Prior to ABB, Dr. Ouertani worked at the University of Cambridge, UK, as a postdoctoral researcher for the Cambridge Service Alliance, and as a business transformation consultant for IBM, BAE Systems and Caterpillar.
Karl Jones OAMPS Hazardous Industries
Carolyn Nicholls Operations Director of RAS Ltd
Isaac Wheatley Ricardo’s Crisis Management Team
Karl has spent the past 30 years working with businesses to design and implement successful insurance and risk management strategies across a variety of high-risk sectors; following proven methods devised to lead to fewer, less expensive claims, enhanced operational resilience and improved insurance protection.
A director of RAS Limited, Carolyn leads a team of risk and hazard management consultants and has been instrumental in creating the company’s assessment methodologies. Carolyn has experience of working with a large number of UK COMAH sites to develop safety reports and provide support in all aspects of risk management.
Isaac is a key member of Ricardo’s Crisis Management Team, working across multidisciplinary crisis management and business continuity projects. The team supports clients with bespoke solutions utilising forwardthinking crisis management and business continuity strategies as well as providing solutions in readiness, response, recovery, training and exercising.
CBA is a not-for-profit business organisation representing the independent chemical supply chain in the UK. Its member companies distribute, pack, and blend over four million tonnes of chemicals each year with a market value of almost three billion euros. Peter is a key industry advocate to governmental and regulatory authorities in the UK and Europe. He is also a board member and current Treasurer of the European Association for Chemical Distributors (Fecc) and a board member of the International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA).
Subscribe for free! Simply use the link below and get all the latest chemical industry news – either digitally or in print. www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk/subscribe
66
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
| elementary |
ELEMENTARY
Possible new additions to REACH list PBT and vPvB substances might be added to the Candidate List of SVHCs in accordance with REACH Article 59, the National Chemical Emergency Centre reports. This generally results in significant restrictions being applied to how products containing these substances at concentrations of 0.1% (w/w) or greater can be produced and used.
Raise a toast to ‘Tequila’ powered biofuels The agave plant, which is used to make tequila, could be the key ingredient to unlocking a new way of producing environmentally-friendly transport fuel and hand sanitizer, new research has found. An international team of researchers, led by Dr Xiaoyu Yan from the University of Exeter, has analysed the potential to produce bioethanol (biofuel) from the agave plant, a high-sugar succulent widely grown in Mexico. The study shows that the plant could be established in semi-arid Australia as a ‘green’ solution to the county’s transport fuel shortage. Crucially, the team, which also includes researchers at the University of Sydney and the University of Adelaide. has found the efficient, low-water process could also help produce ethanol for hand sanitiser, which is in high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.
DATA SHARING PLAN WELCOMED The UK Government’s express plan to agree data sharing mechanisms with the EU has been welcomed by the Chemical Business Association. Chief executive Peter Newport described this development in the Brexit negotiations as a positive step that would be welcomed by the UK chemical supply chain. “It is an approach CBA has advocated as the simplest and most cost effective method of maintaining chemical safety and animal welfare,” he said. The original EU REACH legislation (Article 120) envisages such a cooperative third country relationship with the objective of achieving a wider and improved regulatory framework for chemicals.
‘Living drug factories’ could be implanted in patients Chemical engineers have developed a means of protecting transplanted drug-producing cells from immune system rejection. In an article written by Anne Trafton, of the MIT news office, MIT researchers unveiled their new approach. Basically, they encapsulate therapeutic cells in a flexible protective device that prevents immune rejection, while still allowing oxygen and other critical nutrients to reach the cells. Such cells could also pump out insulin or other proteins when need be.
7
For example, it is a legal requirement to minimise emissions of PBT and vPvB substances and their exposure to humans and the environment, and these substances are prioritised over other SVHCs to be moved from the Candidate List onto the REACH Authorisation List. Once on the Authorisation List, a substance will be given a ‘sunset date’, after which its use will be forbidden unless subject to a specific authorisation or exemption. In general, the inclusion of PBT and vPvB substances on the Candidate List is likely to lead to severe disruption for businesses with an interest in using them.
Short story or article to share? Send them to our Editor, Ellen Rossiter, at ellen.rossiter@distinctivepublishing.co.uk
| advanced 3d laser solutions |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Are you working smart with your NDT Packs? Advanced 3D Laser Solutions (A3D) first job in 2014 was to scan, model and produce inspection packs for a company’s five terminals dotted around the UK. They were recently purchased from another chemical storage company, but once the purchase had gone through the terminals proved to have little to no documentation and at the time they required isometrics for upcoming API570 piping NDT work. A3Ds solution was to 3D laser survey the sites and from the surveyed point cloud data, produce 3D Autodesk process models, which could then be used to export the required isometrics, in the standards and formats required by the client. This solution by A3D allowed our client to deliver the required documentation for the upcoming NDT inspections on time, below budget; they also were left with point cloud data, webshare and 3D models which was later used in multiple internal HAZOP meetings. For one of the terminals this same client came back to us, to get further work done from the same point cloud data such as P&IDs, tank health checks, bund volume calculations and general arrangement drawings. A3D like any company started contacting other companies commercially, explaining the solution along with the time and cost savings that went with it. It quickly became apparent how archaic the traditional methods were for producing NDT inspection drawings, which generally was, that every 5 years when the pipework required testing, the isometrics were redrawn from scratch by the NDT testers and kept as pencil drawn sketches.
SO HOW DOES THIS SOLUTION WORK? This solution isn’t anything new or magical, its simple, we scan your site using 3D laser scanning technology, which I a technology that has been around for over 15 years, it’s faster, safer, cheaper and more accurate than any other surveying method, the data that’s collected is called point cloud data. Using the collected point cloud data, we model out the process and utility pipework, the pipework recognition software requires at least 80 points to recognise pipework, but the 3D scanner can produce nearly two million per second! The models are created using Autodesk Plant 3D software, which allows A3D to build the spec driven process models using dimensional data from ASME and DIN catalogues along with the detailed point cloud data. Once the modelling is finished, A3D can extract the isometrics, which can hold as much or little detail as the client requires including weld points, bill of materials (BOM) and full dimensions; though for API570 NDT work the isos detail can be simplified down.
Point Cloud P&IDs can also be built in the same package, which gives a huge added benefit of cross validation, so if the model is updated the P&ID will validate an issue that its P&ID counterpart is out of date. Not only is this a huge time saving but it also relieves a lot of human error.
HOW ELSE CAN THE POINT CLOUD AND MODEL BE USED? The 3D laser scanner can’t be switched to only record pipework, so during the survey process we are recording everything, steelwork, topographical data, cable trays, tank wall plates. So once we have finished surveying a site we have a broad range of survey data. A great example of this was with a site in Dublin, client asked us to survey their site to produce the site isometrics for upcoming NDT inspection, we produced a 3D model and exported the isos and everything went smoothly, the client later came back and asked for P&IDs, bund volume calculations and GA layouts and because of the survey data we were able to complete them without having to return to site.
THE BENEFITS There are many benefits, as we are first able to produce the drawings a lot faster and cheaper than traditional methods, but our clients are also able to receive realistic costings from NDT companies as your able to supply the drawings for quoting purposes; also with the NDT team will be expected to complete the work quicker as they aren’t subject to building the isos whilst testing.
A3D are currently working on using the extensive property data from the 3D models to help populate written scheme of examinations (WSE’s).
Keeping the isos up to date is easy as its all controlled through the model and at the end of the project you still have a model and point cloud data, which can be used for a range of other projects including design.
WHERE ARE THE COST AND TIME SAVINGS?
4D LIZARD SOFTWARE AND NDT
3D scanning is considerably faster than any other surveying method, its able to produce nearly 2 million recordable data points per second, A3D have case studies proving this, including a job of surveying a 70,000m2 oil storage depot in Europe made up of 26 tanks, 22 pumps and 10 road loading bays; and it was surveyed in 4 days, a terminal this size would traditionally take at least a year to survey the pipework.
Our 4D Lizard EAM software has had a lot of NDT direction recently, with inspection reports being made available through our cloud software, allowing our clients to standardise the way that the NDT data is recorded, so it can later be used for better analytics and helping move companies away from the typical heavy traditional paperwork.
HOW ARE THE ISOS KEPT UP TO DATE?
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The isometrics are a live link to the 3D model, this means if the model is updated, then the isos will reflect those changes, which sounds like extra training and software, but it again has been proven that its quicker and easier to update a model than it is to update hundreds or thousands of 2D isometrics.
This article was written by Lewis Boxer, Technical Director of Advanced 3D Laser Solutions Group. T: +44 (0)1245 407552 m: +44 (0)7974835571 e: lewis@laseresurveying.com
8
THE ADVANCED 3D LASER SOLUTIONS GROUP ARE PROUD TO PRESENT:
A cloud based, easy to use, Model Driven Asset Management System.
3D scanning technology mapping sites for analysis, modelling & documentation.
Digitising your Industry A3D
Your EAM Smart Hub 4D LIZARD
Specialists in the Oil & Gas industry
Track assets using NFC technology.
Digitising process facilities
Actively monitor equipment and plan for future inspections or repairs using a 3D model interface.
Reduces your carbon foot print Advance from traditional P&ID’s to Intelligent P&ID’s Surveying is cost effective, faster, safer and accurate to +/- 1mm
lasersurveying.com
Enables Financial & Historical forecasting. Improve efficiency, reduce costs and revolutionise maintenance for the tank storage industry.
4dlizard.com Visit us at ChemUK on stand
F46 to hear more
DESIGNED BY ENGINEERS FOR ENGINEERS. Find us on stand F46 to meet the team and watch our live demonstration of 4D Lizard. Contact Colin Pittman for further information: colin@4dlizard.com / +44 (0)7435 760153
| news |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
BCMPA WELCOMES NEW RULES GOVERNING THE MANUFACTURE OF HAND SANITISERS IN THE UK The British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA) has praised the actions of UK Government agencies in relaxing rules over the manufacture of hand sanitiser. Due to the spike in demand caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, the HSE is temporarily allowing hand sanitisers containing Propan-2-ol to be sold in the UK, and HMRC has prioritised applications to use denatured alcohol in hand sanitising products. Rodney Steel, chief executive of the BCMPA, said: “We thoroughly applaud this move. Our members and the contract manufacturing and packing industry at large are experiencing unprecedented demand to produce hand sanitisers, bacterial wipes and other critical goods, with enquiries already up by over 100 per cent in March alone compared with the whole of last year. “The supply chain is critical at this time and, by introducing these measures, the Government has removed a number of potential barriers to the volume
production of hand sanitiser products.” Demand is anticipated to be long term as regular hand washing and sanitising become part of normal life in the fight against the spread of viruses. Mr Steel said that BCMPA members were showing extraordinary resilience and flexibility by adapting production lines and reorganising packing teams to suit the demands of this rapidly changing environment. “With the restriction on movement curtailing potential customer visits, brand owners and retailers are looking to the BCMPA to help find the right outsourcing partners for their manufacturing and packing requirements. Our enquiries have gone through the roof and brands are increasingly relying on our members to help meet unprecedented demands for a wide variety of products,” he said. “Whether it’s a requirement for hand sanitisers, antibacterial wipes, food parcels or kits, or increased pick & pack and e-commerce fulfilment demands, BCMPA members can and are already helping all they can at this time of need.”
10
We provide individual and tailor-made vacuum solutions to our customers.
www.buschvacuum.com
| news |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Scientists make gene breakthrough in fight against weeds A team of scientists from Rothamsted Research have successfully adapted genetic techniques developed for crop improvement to be used in weeds – allowing them, for the first time, to directly study the genetics responsible for herbicide resistance. Since the invention of weed killers, farmers have been caught in a never-ending arms race with weeds – from the moment of first spraying weeds start to develop resistance to the chemicals – and year on year, the armoury is shrinking.
grass into the lab and ask questions about how specific genes works like we have never been able to before.” Dr MacGregor’s team used two methods that were developed for studying crop plants, with both taking advantage of the pathways plants and their viruses use to fight one another. These are called Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and Virus-mediated overexpression (VOX). The team first inserted their gene of interest into a virus, and then infected the weed with it. During VIGS, the plant tries to defend itself and in the process shuts down production of all genes coming from the virus including the weed’s own copies of the inserted gene - whereas during VOX, both the virus’ and the inserted gene’s copies manufacture proteins for the plant.
Writing in the journal Plant Physiology, the group report they have used plant viruses to switch weed genes off, or alternatively, ramp up the production of specific proteins by weeds in the laboratory. This means that these researchers can now directly show that a specific gene is required for herbicide resistance, or else is sufficient to confer it.
Having shown that the techniques worked using the appropriate controls, including inducing loss of green colour and making the plants fluoresce, they then turned their attention to genes implicated in herbicide resistance.
Lead researcher Dr Dana MacGregor said the research was a ‘game-changer’ for weed genetics.
This time they used gene silencing to turn off a gene previously thought to confer herbicide resistance. This made previously resistance plants susceptible, thereby proving the involvement of the gene.
Her latest study focuses on blackgrass, a major weed of cereals and a previous joint study involving Rothamsted, showed that herbicide resistant blackgrass could cost £1 billion every year in the UK alone. Whilst researchers have previously identified genes that are over-represented in black-grass populations with herbicide resistance, there has been no way of genetically manipulating the weeds. This means scientists have been unable to show that the genes they have identified are even involved - or understand how they provide resistance in the plant. Dr MacGregor said: “Weeds are arguably one of the most economically important groups of plant species. They have major agronomic and environmental impacts and affect food security. To be able to design and deploy weed management strategies that are both effective and sustainable, we must first understand what genes allow black-grass to avoid the current control practices. “These virus-mediated techniques allow us to bring black-
They also managed to make previously susceptible weeds resistant to the weed killer glufosinate by introducing a gene for an enzyme that renders the chemical inactive. According to Dr MacGregor, although these techniques can be further improved, the VIGS and VOX techniques they have established offer a step change in the type of questions that can now be asked in weed biology. “Of main importance will be to apply these techniques to establish a link between specific genes and ability of black grass to circumvent chemical controls, and thereby to gain a molecular level understanding of what allows black grass to be such a successful weed.” This work was supported by the Smart Crop Protection Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, part of UKRI.
12
AMI Codes-II
AMI LineTOC
AMI CACE
AMI Sodium P
Swan, your dependable Solution Provider for Water Quality Analysis
te Wa
am C
yc l e s
C o o lin
gW a te r
s
Hi
gh
Pu
Ph
ar
m
er at W
ac
y
eu
rit
ti
ca
er at W l
r S te
a nit a r y
Potable
l&S
Wat er
Po o ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS
AMI Codes-II Colorimetric process analyser (DPD-method) for measurement and dosing control of disinfectants
AMI CACE Conductivity before andSYSTEMS afterENGINEERING cation exchange (CACE) with an EDI module for continuous resin regeneration
AMI LineTOC Online monitoring for Total Organic Carbon according to USP<643> EP 2.2.44
AMI Sodium P Analyser for the continuous determination of dissolved sodium for samples with pH≥7
To discuss your requirements in more detail or for a free trial evaluation get in touch with our Sales team on 01780 755 500 or sales@swan-analytical.co.uk For more information please visit: uk.swan.ch or www.swan.ch
Swan Analytical UK Limited ∙ Stamford PE9 4TD
| supply chain |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
14
| supply chain |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
ORDER BOOKS AND SALES REMAIN POSITIVE BUT FORECAST TO DECLINE RAPIDLY The latest Supply Chain Trends Survey from the Chemical Business Association shows a continuing positive trend for order books and current sales – though this trend is forecast to decline rapidly over the next three months. Sales Margins are neutral and are also forecast to decline in the immediate future. Employment and training trends remain positive. CBA’s Chief Executive, Peter Newport said, “This Survey reveals an industry emerging from three years of Brexit uncertainty and just prior to it beginning to experience the measures to counter the coronavirus.”
Peter Newport
“The cumulative impact of these measures will have a major impact on the chemical supply chain in the months to come and its ability to deliver critical chemical components to the UK manufacturing sector,” he added.
The CBA’s on-line Trends Survey was conducted during the two weeks from 4-17 March 2020 and is based on responses from 47 member companies.
ABOUT THE SURVEY CBA’s Supply Chain Trends Survey asks companies to provide information on order books, sales, sales margins, and employment, on a ‘better–worse–same’ basis. To measure short-term trends, the analysis ignores responses answering ‘same’ and focuses on the positive or negative balance provided by the difference between the ‘betterworse’ responses. CURRENT ORDER BOOKS – Remain positive Members are asked if their order books are better, worse, or the same than during the previous three months. The March survey shows a positive balance of +33% - an improvement from the +13% positive balance reported by CBA’s last survey in November 2019.
15
SALES VOLUMES – Improving but forecast to decline Respondents compare their current sales volumes with the preceding three months and indicate their expectations for the next three months. Current sales volumes remain positive (+32%). This is a recovery from the balance of +12% reported in the November 2019 survey. The outlook for the next three months, whilst remaining positive, shows a decline to +6% - a decline from +18% reported in our last survey. SALES MARGINS – Currently neutral but continuing decline forecast Companies compare their current sales margins with the preceding three months and forecast their trend over the coming three months. Current sales margins are now neutral (0%) and little changed from the +2% reported in the November survey. The outlook for future sales margins remains negative with -7% (-8% in November 2019) of companies expecting a continuing decline in the next three months. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING – Improving steadily Member companies are asked if their employment levels will be higher, lower, or remain the same over the next three months. The trend for employment in the current survey shows an improvement to +13% from the record low level of +2% reported in the November 2019 survey. Member companies were also asked if their employment levels and investment in training would be higher, lower, or remain the same over the next three months. Trends for both employment (+28%) and training (+42%) remain firmly positive.
| supply chain |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Combination GHS Labelling Use a single label instead of buying multiple labels to comply with GHS Regulations. Print your product information, transport diamonds, company branding and much more on one large format label - the perfect solution for drums and IBCs. The Neuralabel 600e handles continuous media, from a roll-to-roll format to fanfolded or sheet-fed media.
Dura-ID Solutions are the exclusive European distributor for the Neuralabel 600e. Example Label:
Speak to our Chemicals experts today to discuss your current labelling needs. Call us on: 0114 242 2111 Email: chemicals@dura-id.com Visit us: www.labels-for-chemicals.com
Leading edge powder processing technology
Automatic Reactor Dosing
Applications
Your benefits
• Safe docking of vessels • Process controlled feeding of reactors • Batch processes • Feeding below the liquid level • Pressurised conveying into a reactor
• Safe product handling with minimum emissions • Reliable vapour barriers • Complete insertion of products and quick wetting of the particles • High safety due to inert gas overlay
For more information on Gericke’s systems, components and industry leading experience, please visit www.gerickegroup.com Gericke Ltd, Victoria House, Cavendish Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, Oldham OL6 7DJ
16
0161 344 1140
| supply chain |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Univar Solutions is taking a customercentric approach to distribution – We know how to serve you better Forward leaning organizations expect more, and at Univar Solutions, we pride ourselves on being more than just a chemical and ingredient distributor. By talking regularly with our customers, listening to their unique challenges, and working hand-in-hand, we get to know their business and their market. Building this close relationship allows us to offer more value. In essence, we’re able to develop an understanding around their toughest challenges, provide support, and deliver technical solutions, while accelerating growth and ultimately saving the customer money. Today’s economic environment requires agilty and businesses need a responsive partner, one who can listen, learn, and appreciate the challenges they face in the industries they serve. More importantly, companies want a partner who can efficiently and effectively help them grow by bringing better performing and more sustainable products and solutions to the market. Centered around a responsive, solutions mindset, we work to address each customer’s specific needs from beginning to end and provide the flexibility to evolve as those needs change. With this, we: 1. Truly listen to a customer’s problems and pain points. Enabling us to gain valuable insights so that we can provide optimal solutions and exceptional experience. 2. Focus on accurately understanding each industry and its changing trends. We have a wealth of product, application, and market trend knowledge, and our sales and technical teams talk to hundreds of customers providing direct and indirect feedback. 3. Work with each customer to solve essential challenges while we help the business innovate and grow. Customers want a distributor who can provide safe and reliable chemicals, ingredients, and service. At the same time, they are looking to reduce costs and grow their business with improved formulations and product offerings. We are positioned to meet the needs of our customers,
offering holistic and innovative solutions. From our vast, expanding network of the world’s leading suppliers, to our advanced supply chain services and the application expertise found at our state-of-the-art Solutions Centers, we have the resources to tackle challenges even when our customers can’t. Through 46 Solutions Centers across the globe and more than 130 technical experts, Univar Solutions can offer an array of services for our customers. Each center is serviced with an incredible suite of capabilities. A dedicated team of experts organized around end markets, are assembled to deliver comprehensive solutions with a focus on sustainability and a passion for helping our customers achieve their goals. Specialty teams work in specific areas such as Beauty and Personal Care, Food Ingredients, Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers, as well as Homecare, and Industrial Cleaning. The chemists and technical experts at our global Solutions Centers are investigating, troubleshooting and delivering value to both small and large customers. By offering a nearly limitless amount of possibilities with our people, products, and technology, we’re built to serve customers better by responding more efficiently. Univar Solutions is about serving all customers better through strong technical support and smart solutions. Whether it’s quality testing, performance benchmarking, understanding unique chemistries, sustainable options, rapid prototyping, or the newest products to help kick start your next innovation, no challenge is too big for our teams of scientists, technical experts, product managers, and sales representatives. Let’s start a conversation and find a unique solution that is better performing, more sustainable, and meets the many emerging trends from around the world. Contact us at UnivarSolutions.com today.
18
Univar Solutions is puttingSolutions the customer first Univar is Listening, Understanding… Solving putting the customer first We’re here to help solve your biggest challenges Listening, Understanding… Solving with our global supply network and solution centers.
We’re hereustotohelp solve biggest challenges Contact start the your conversation. with our global supply network and solution centers. Contact us to start the conversation.
univarsolutions.com univarsolutions.com
000011915 Univar Corporate Advert - Listening, Understanding...Solving - Q1 2020 - v2.indd 1
12/02/2020 11:2
| chemuk 2020 |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
CHEMUK 2020 EXPO Update: In light of the current uncertainties regarding COVID-19, the organisers of CHEMUK have taken the decision to reschedule the show from 13-14 May to 16-17 September 2020 at EventCity. Manchester. Ian Stone, MD of the organising team, UK Industry Events, stated “The health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors, speakers, partners and staff is our top priority, and thus we feel this is the right decision to make at this time.”
With 270+ exhibitors and 100+ expert speakers confirmed to present, CHEMUK 2020 is the only large-scale trade show that brings together the UK’s chemicals, chemical processing and chemical product formulation industries. Stone continues: “CHEMUK received a tremendous response from industry last year, demonstrating the need for a national meeting place for the UK chemical industries to converge. We have had to move the event to the largest expo hall in the North, EventCity, to accommodate the
demand for stands, and the speaker line-up is packed with heads of industry bodies, federations, cluster groups, knowledge partners and key organisations that constitute and represent the multiple layers of the UK chemical industries . We look forward to welcoming industry back in September for what will be a fantastic event.” The full exhibitor list and speaker schedule is live on the website, and visitor registration is open. For those that have already registered, you should have been sent a revised e-badge, however, if you did not, please contact the team at info@chemicalukexpo.com and they will resend.
20
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
| chemuk 2020 |
2-DAY CHEMICALS INDUSTRY SUPPLY CHAIN EXPO CHEMUK 2020 will provide visitor groups with a diverse and impressive showcase of 270+ specialist exhibitors showcasing latest plant, equipment, materials and services supporting the chemicals industries, driving product innovation, plant & process performance, future-proofing, supply-chain fulfilment, safety, compliance and more. Key exhibition focus streams, featuring latest industry solutions, technology, innovations, partners and specialist services include: Plant, Process, Flow & Control
Including: Process Plant & Equipment / Process Engineering / Process Control / Process Automation/ Flow Management / Plant & Asset Mgmt / Plant Optimisation / Process Intensification/ Digitalisation & QC
Chemicals, Ingredients, Raw Materials
Including: Industrial & Supply Chain Chemicals / Chemical & Formulation ingredients & additives / Raw Materials – for Chemicals processing & product formulation sectors/Green Chemistry
Heath, Safety, Environment, Regulatory
Including: HSE/ Process Safety / Hazard Management / Environment Compliance & Regulatory Management / Responsible Care/Risk & Asset Mgmt / Security
Logistics, Storage, Handling & Fulfilment
Including: Logistics & Transport / Supply Chain Mgmt / Warehousing & Storage / Loading & Handling / Industrial Packaging /Contract Processing& Fulfilment Services
Laboratory, Research & Development
Including: Laboratory chemicals / Lab Equipment, Apparatus & Instrumentation / Lab Testing/ Research & Development Services, Sector Innovation
Business & Operations Management
Including: Engineering & Technical Services / Business Support Services / Trade & Business Performance / Operational & Asset Mgmt / Brexit & Regulatory Mgmt
Skills, Training, HR & Recruitment
Including: Chemical /Process sector Careers, Skills, Training & recruitment
More than 100 ‘brand new exhibitors’ join the show floor for 2020 Major industry players through to niche solutions & services suppliers, from all sides of the sector, have joined into the packed exhibitor line up for the CHEMUK 2020 Supply Chain Expo, benefitting from new biggest venue of ‘EventCity’ in Trafford Park, Manchester.
21
| chemuk 2020 |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
CHEMUK 2020 Speaker Programme The CHEMUK 2020 speaker programme will present over 100 speakers, providing 35 hours of ‘free to attend’ expert intelligence, case studies, best practice and tech-insight ‘snapshots’, to inspire and assist next level investment , as well as guide technical and operational strategies for attending industry groups across the UK chemicals & chemical product sectors. Packed this year with specialist highly topical contributions from 25+ separate trade, technical or professional bodies, three government departments, multiple centres of research/tech transfer, together with an exciting crosssection of leading chemical suppliers, technology partners & specialist service & consultancy groups, CHEMUK 2020 brings together an unrivalled blend of topical content & industry personalities.
Big Picture intelligence Reflecting the sector’s current BREXIT transition status, as well as wider global trends & pressures, CHEMUK 2020 gives a platform for key national chemical association heads to address the most pertinent and current issues, challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s chemical and chemical-user industries. Confirmed keynotes include Chemical Business Association Chief Executive, Peter Newport, Chemical Industries Association Chief Executive, Stephen Elliott. Additional ‘association & federation ‘executive-level’ keynotes can be heard from the likes of UKLA, BCF, EEMUA, TSA, IPA and others. At government level, feature sessions from both Defra and BEIS provide insight and Q&A around latest industrial strategy & sector policy making. The Department for International Trade (DIT) will be returning to discuss their work through the DIT global network in helping businesses to find new export markets and capitalise on trade opportunities in markets such as China and India. Centre stage will be critical themes such as process innovation, improvement & intensification, sustainability & responsible care, digitisation, new technology, plant & supply chain management, process safety & regulatory landscape, global trade, sector skills, Brexit and more…. Digitisation will feature heavily as the sector increasingly moves towards digitally based operational models. ABB Energy Industries will be discussing how to implement an effective digital project and why technology alone is not enough. Accenture will be hosting daily feature sessions including ‘The Digital Reinvention of Operational Risk Management’ and, together with Dupont, discuss ‘Connected Industrial Workforce’ (CIW) in a DuPont European manufacturing facility. Siemens will be presenting on both days, considering the security challenges of industrial digitisation plus discussing ‘Evolution of a digital twin’. One of the ‘digital’ track highlights is the GAMBICA -hosted ‘panel session’
titled ‘The drive towards digitalisation - The future of digitalisation in UK process industries’. With wider topics including digital asset management, condition monitoring, proactive maintenance and more... Process Innovation, Improvement & Intensification will be core to the 2020 programme. Process Intensification Network (PIN) & PI Group at Newcastle University are hosting daily feature sessions exploring ‘Process
22
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
| chemuk 2020 |
Intensification’ key themes. Tom Higley of Calgavin, presents ‘Retrofit heat transfer solution improves product retention’. Peter Brown of Maelstrom Advanced Process Technologies talks on ‘Overcoming Inline Mixing Challenges’. Other topics on the 2020 agenda include innovation in catalysis, thermoplastic valves, vacuum system technologies, closed returnable chemical systems, minimising waste in chemical formulation and more... Dr Zsuzsanna Gyenes of the IChemE Safety Centre will be contributing to the process safety theme - ‘Maximising your process safety metrics!’. Carolyn Nicholls, Operations Director of RAS Ltd, will be presenting ‘Confusion Over Risk Criteria’. Other notable contributors across the HSE & Regulatory/Compliance landscape include the National Chemical Emergency Centre (NCEC), Newson Gale, REACHLaw and Method Process Safety. Sustainability and the move towards a circular economy remain a critically important theme. BASF will be leading a dedicated panel entitled ‘The Materials Circularity and Recycling Opportunity’. Dr Sarah Hickingbottom, CEO of BioVale will be hosting a Green Chemistry panel discussion entitled ‘Tackling the plastic pollution challenge? Dr Peter Clark from The KTN presents on ‘What are the critical technologies we need to deploy in order to make chemicals for a Net Zero World and do we have the capability in the UK to scale them? CHEMUK 2020 welcomes The HazChem Network who will be contributing to the supply-chain management, operational and logistics programme, expected to cover such themes as regulation interpretation, COMAH warehousing and the obligations of the consignor. Executive Director for the Tank Storage Association, Peter Davidson, will be discussing ‘Cyber Security for Senior Managers’. Rodney Steel, Chief Executive at The British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA) will be discussing the business case for contract processing, packing and fulfilment in the chemicals sector.
Supporting the Skills, Training and Professional Development theme will be The Royal Society of Chemistry who will be presenting on both days and running their CV checking service. Head of Workforce Development at Cogent Skills, Neil Smith, will be joined by representatives from the HSE and Environment Agency presenting a feature session around process safety management competence. CATCH will be discussing the skills gap in the chemical industry highlighting the importance of school engagement, apprenticeships and upskilling.
Supply Chain Expo
Innovation Innovation is central to the continued success, growth & competitiveness of the sector. This is reflected in a cross section of featured contributions this year including a feature panel session on ‘Future of Innovation and Collaboration’. Dr Darren Budd of BASF Plc talks on ‘Post Horizon-2020 - The UK Innovation landscape in the post-Brexit world’. Dr Graeme Cruickshank, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) will be discussing the UK Innovation ecosystem. Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) will host daily ‘Emerging Technologies scheme’ feature sessions… and more
CHEMUK 2020 will provide visitor groups with a diverse and impressive showcase of 270+ specialist exhibitors showcasing latest plant, equipment, materials and services supporting the chemicals industries, driving product innovation, plant & process performance, future-proofing, supply-chain fulfilment, safety, compliance and more. Just some of the major names across the CHEMUK 2020 show floor include: Atlas Copco, Azelis, Brenntag UK, BTC UK, Busch (UK) Ltd, Calgavin, Edwards Vacuum, Emerson, Endress+Hauser, George Fischer Sales, GRUNDFOS Pumps Ltd, HRS Heat Exchangers Ltd, IMCD, Monarch Chemicals, Siemens Plc, VEGA Controls Limited…to name a few.
Registration: Attendees can register for their free badge, providing access to all presentations and exhibition floor. The speedy team registration is also available through the site. For full and current speaker listing and full exhibitor information, please visit
www.chemicalukexpo.com
23
| xcellr8 |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
YOUR GUIDE TO IN VITRO SKIN CORROSION TESTING Skin corrosion is a more serious outcome than irritation, defined as the production of irreversible damage of the skin; namely, visible necrosis of the epidermis and into the dermis, following the application of a test chemical for up to four hours. That’s why we all take the testing of potentially corrosive substances seriously. In worst case scenarios, inaccurate or unreliable results can lead to chemical users being exposed to real harm, whilst being too risk averse can mean companies spend thousands on unnecessary hazard labelling, specialist storage and delivery. If you’re confused about how to approach skin corrosion testing for your substance, whether for hazard identification/labelling for regulatory compliance or within the new product development process, XCellR8 is here to help you develop your strategy.
IATA ON SKIN IRRITATION AND CORROSION We recommend that you always start by looking at the OECD’s Guidance Document 203: Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment (IATA) on Skin Irritation and Corrosion, which includes a flow diagram summarising the 3 essential parts of the assessment: review of data, weightof-evidence analysis and additional testing. It isn’t always necessary to conduct additional testing, but when it is, it’s important to consider whether you expect your substance to be corrosive / irritant or not, and to adopt the “top-down” or “bottom-up” approach respectively.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SKIN CORROSION TEST FOR YOUR NEEDS Three skin corrosion tests have full regulatory approval: Reconstructed human epidermis (OECD TG 431) Membrane barrier (OECD TG 435) known as Corrositex® Transcutaneous electrical resistance (OECD TG 430) The following table shows the predictive capacity of the 3 in vitro skin corrosion tests vs the Draize test. Sensitivity
Specificity
Accuracy
TG431: RhE
>95%
>90%
>82.5%
TG435: Memb. Barrier
86%
68%
81%
TG430: TER
88.1%
72.4%
79.4%
TG404: Draize
N/A (reference)
N/A (reference)
N/A (reference)
TG 430 isn’t a true in vitro method as it requires animal sacrifice to provide the rat skin, and in some countries may be considered an in vivo animal experiment due to the shaving, washing and treating steps for 4-6 days prior to sacrifice. As an animal-free lab, we don’t provide this test at XCellR8. Our recommended approach focuses on choosing either or both TG 431 and TG 435 depending on subclassification needs and the nature of the test substance. The reconstructed skin model method is suitable for a wide range of substances and formulations and is able to distinguish between corrosive sub-categories 1A vs 1B/C.
ANIMAL-FREE METHODS SHOULD BE THE DEFAULT It’s important to note the regulatory expectation for these in vitro tests to be fully utilised for the assessment of skin corrosion. Recently-updated statistics on animal testing, released by the EU*, state “There is a concern with the uses of animals in areas where alternative methods have reached regulatory acceptance (for example in areas of skin irritation/ corrosion, serious eye damage/eye irritation and pyrogenicity testing), which requires further attention by the authorities authorising projects for these use purposes.” In the UK, more than 110 rabbits are still used in Draize tests annually. Ultimately, we need to ensure adoption of animalfree methods is accompanied by the retirement of old tests, to prevent their unnecessary use and drive uptake of the more human-relevant models that have full OECD approval.
FURTHER READING The XCellR8 Guide to Skin Corrosion testing is available to download from the Knowledge Hub of our website www.x-cellr8.com, or you can request a free copy by emailing us at info@x-cellr8.com. It was first presented as a webinar for the Chemical Hazards Communication Society (CHCS) in January 2020 and a recording of the webinar is also available online. * 2019 report on the statistics on the use of animals for scientific purposes in the Member States of the European Union in 2015-2017
The Corrositex® method can sub-categorise 1A, 1B and 1C but is only applicable to substances of very high or low pH (typically excluding pH 4.5-8). If you’re not sure which is the most appropriate strategy for you, we’re always happy to discuss this.
24
| technocover |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Ensuring resilient operations with accredited asset protection From predictive operations to climate change, the right choice of physical security can help address multiple issues and challenges for sites that process, handle and store chemicals. The state-of-the-art high security door, enclosure and access cover offer much more than defensive muscle against a gang of assailants with crowbars and power tools. As well as adding value to site efficiency, health and safety, service continuity and whole life planning, they set the bar in tested performance to meet the demands of an ever-changing risk landscape and regulatory framework. Terry Batten of Technocover highlights four essentials to the procurement of physical security that will maximise the protection of your premises and plant, employees, business continuity and the bottom line.
LOOK FOR ADAPTABLE AND DEPENDABLE PROTECTION WITH THIRD PARTY APPROVAL Investing in high integrity certified physical security offers many benefits to manufacturers as they strive for business continuity, predictive operations and effective cost control while maintaining regulatory compliance. Third party approved security doors, enclosures, cabinets, escape hatches, access covers and associated physical protection are no longer viewed as the preserve of high risk critical infrastructure. In providing a tested standard of security performance for a full range of risk levels, certification marques like LPCB are becoming a staple across many industries in managing the three Rs – business resilience, risk and reputation. Updated to Home Office edicts on security risk, LPCB certification is widely approved by insurers who have significant influence on operational viability and the bottom line. LPCB certification ensures that equipment will resist attack and infiltration for a predictable length of time, during which the assailants will give up or first responders will arrive. This prevents potentially significant business disruption and damage to assets and the associated costs, as well as eliminating the possibility of hazardous substances being compromised with risks to the safety of personnel and the public. As the basis for long-term business resilience, consider using a LPCB specialist with the technical expertise and product scope to extend, relocate and adapt solutions as regulations and your operations evolve. Technocover has developed a range of versatile, modular solid panel and mesh enclosure systems that can be scaled up, expanded and even retrofitted with roof systems, new access gates and additional panels – all within their certification. This provides a cost-effective approach to adapting physical security to specific business growth requirements as well as maintaining a consistent standard of security to underpin operational continuity.
ENHANCE OPERATIONAL SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH CUSTOMISATION Compatible options and accessories can add significant functionality to security equipment to help improve safety management, site efficiency and extend the lifespan of the facility. Fundamental to this is the scope to coordinate new security doors, kiosks and enclosures with house security. Technocover manufactures bespoke products that are designed to meet the existing security protocols for each site, incorporating the preferred access control systems and linking to CCTV and alarm networks, while adhering to structural and LPCB requirements. Tested and certified access control furniture options, such as emergency panic bar exit, vision panels and internal override handles to secure roof hatches, will help support security management and emergency planning considerations. The installation of acoustic insulation, for example, may be required within a large assembly of plant room access covers, to reduce intrusive noise affecting the comfort and performance of personnel in adjacent workspace. Many access cover applications will also need an assisted lift mechanism, safety stays and fall protection to properly safeguard the operative. Drawing on a wide range of options and accessories, Technocover can adapt the scale and functionality of its modular buildings, to meet detailed requirements. Kiosks can be easily configured with full M&E services, including heaters, and fitted with racking systems, aesthetic interior wall panels, and different floor finishes including anti-slip. With the benefit of our own in-house manufacture, we can quickly create fully functional, secure extensions that enable clients to add capacity with minimal impact on operational continuity.
INTELLIGENT DESIGN WILL OFFER MINIMISED DOWNTIME AND BEST WHOLE-LIFE RETURNS With the emphasis on keeping assets live, clients increasingly want ‘plug and play’ kiosks which are built and customised offsite, then lifted in and hooked up to services the same day, where possible. Technocover is adding value to the delivery of physical security solutions by offering offsite construction and cranein solutions. Where site access is constrained or possession is limited, these can be assembled and fitted with M&E services offsite for quick and simple lifting into position, minimising or even eliminating asset downtime.
Technocover uses high quality steel, galvanising and paint processes to provide 25 years’ service life of products. This underpins a maintenancefree security system and extends the time to replacement to assist with reliable cost forecasting and resilience planning. 26
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
| technocover |
1
3
1 Technocover is meeting demand for large-scale, fully fitted modular security buildings that provide a ready-touse, rapid solution to site expansion with minimum disruption 2 Security rating (SR) 3 or 4 LPCB certified mesh enclosures can be readily adapted and expanded to changing site security needs and irregular footprints 3
An UltraSecure roof escape system designed with high security locking, weather sealing and internal stair access UltraSecure LPCB security door system with SR3 vision panel windows and third size additional hinged section that can be opened when full access width is required 4
5
Modular LPCB SR3 mesh enclosure, preassembled and lifted in for rapid protection of plant in tight space with minimum disruption
2
4
5
Security retrofit or upgrades can call for unusual shapes to fit existing plant or constricted space, such as a hexagonal access cover for a tank, or a mesh enclosure with bespoke footprint to wrap around existing assets. Early consultation allows us to work with the client on both high security solid panel buildings, and on complex mesh enclosures that allow instant visibility and ventilation of plant. We also engineer large scale, elaborate access cover assemblies for underground plant or tanks, with integrated ladders, personnel hatches, and fully removable support beams allowing flexible maintenance access. Operational issues can typically be identified and resolved in the design that may otherwise lead to delays or difficulties in completing routine inspection and maintenance tasks, or even emergency procedures.
service disruption if it succumbs to storm damage or water inundation in extreme weather. Within the envelope of LPCB certification, Technocover is consistently evolving the weather resilience of its security solutions with a range of features. These include domed, water-shedding covers and roofs, raised thresholds to walkin kiosks, and high-performance water sealing. A potentially life-critical physical security system also needs a high-quality finish; this means a post-galvanised zinc coating to properly corrosion-proof steel. Clients must closely scrutinise system finish as it may not meet service life expectations or could be of compromised quality in order to lower price. The outcome can be a product that meets the security specification but needs replacing after, say, as little as three or five years.
As well as avoiding specification errors, early collaboration helps to eliminate risks associated with health and safety and asset failure through attentive design – all within the parameters of the certified performance. There is opportunity to ‘build in’ maximum functionality and necessary contingencies so that reactive maintenance, unplanned interventions and service disruption are minimised.
Technocover uses high quality steel, galvanising and paint processes to provide 25 years’ service life of products. This underpins a maintenance-free security system and extends the time to replacement to assist with reliable cost forecasting and resilience planning.
LOOK FOR UNOBTRUSIVE DESIGN BUILT TO WEATHER THE ELEMENTS
Technocover is a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of LPCB certificated physical security solutions for assured protection, efficient operation and long life of buildings, assets and processes.
The accelerated ageing of operational assets and their vulnerability to disruption from the effects of climate change are now key concerns for industry. Existing external protective structures may be susceptible to structural weakening, corrosion or failure from factors such as high winds, water, background atmospheric corrosion and temperature extremes that exacerbate the degradation of infrastructure. Security equipment that is not sufficiently ‘climate-proof’ will be a drain on maintenance budgets as well as risking
27
A range of colour finishes, including wood effects, are available on doors and kiosks to blend with site design and other aesthetic considerations.
tel: 01938 555511 www.technocover.co.uk
| big interview |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
28
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
| big interview |
SETTING THE SATNAV TO THE RIGHT DESTINATION
Digitalisation is a journey and the starting point, a carefully planned digital roadmap. ABB Energy Industries global head of technology for chemical and refining points HELEN COMPSON in the right direction.
29
| big interview |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Responsible for developing the very strategies and innovative technologies chemical and refining industries need to digitalise and automate, Zied Ouertani cuts straight to the chase. “What’s really important is that people understand digital transformation is a journey,” he said. “You must know that if you are starting from scratch, you can’t go from one to 10 instantly. If the digital readiness of an asset is at one or two today, the next step won’t be five or six, it will be three or four.” For some reason, though, the chemical industry has been tardy off the blocks – very slow, in fact. “I don’t think it’s because they don’t believe in digital technology, however it is a very selective industry,” he said meditatively, “but yes, it is a sector that has been noticeably slow to react.” However, for those who are about to embark on this particular journey, Zied has some timely advice. “It is important they have a big vision,” he said, “and yet, it is even more important to start small and run an agile organization to drive the development and execution of digital solutions. “That might sound like contradictory advice, but it is important to build confidence, to demonstrate capability first, in order to move to the next level - because it is not only about the technology, it’s about technology, processes and people. Digitalisation is really about solving problems for clients. “No matter how good the technology, if the workforce doesn’t believe in it, it will never be adopted.” And the only way to breed belief in new technologies is to provide evidence of the impact they could have on the bottom line. “It’s not only about sensors or algorithms or infrastructure or computers,” he said. “It’s also about having the right technology and right processes and changing the mind-sets of the people who will be using them.” If a piece of software noticeably improves the safety and/or efficiency of an engineer on the front line, then job done! ABB has a proven track record in helping companies navigate the digital landscape, avoiding many a possible pitfalls along the way. Its aim is to help clients upgrade and modernise their assets and infrastructure in as holistic a manner as possible. Zied stated: “The infrastructure is not all new in the chemical industry, of course - there are quite a few aging assets – and every asset has had a different journey. “But even if the asset is quite old, there is an opportunity to leverage digital technology in order to move to the next level.
Zied Ouertani
“It’s about understanding where you want to go, where you want to be.” Key in ABB’s armoury is the ability to optimise the operational efficiency of an asset, even when it is past the peak of its performance. Thanks to the solutions, services and products available, some of that peak performance can be recovered. At ground level, ABB can keep the rotating machinery, such as pumps, generators and compressors, working at full capacity, not to mention electrical equipment such as transformers, switch gear and sub-stations. “If the equipment is not running optimally, it has an impact on performance,” Zied said. “If, say, you are in an industry batch-producing, then ABB can provide automation solutions that will ensure the process not only runs smoothly, but also monitors the assets, ensuring they continue to operate at an optimum level, while capturing and analysing the data that provides the right insight to the operator – what is going right and what’s going wrong.
“No matter how good the technology, if the workforce doesn’t believe in it, it will never be adopted. It’s not only about sensors or algorithms or infrastructure or computers. It’s also about having the right technology and right processes and changing the mind-sets of the people who will be using them.” 30
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
| big interview |
“That way, informed decisions can be taken rather than having to rely on gut feeling, which is something we see quite often, even today - operators will then be able to make decisions based on facts.” Another area in which ABB supports customers is in achieving the connectivity they need in the first place to gather that data and to actually connect people to the assets.
In turn that can trigger a message to the operative, checking they are OK. “It’s a safety feature,” he said. “Keeping people safe in the chemical industry is a priority.” Sustainability is another priority. The breadth of ABB’s services range from gauging CO2 emissions through the use of renewable energy to make chemical products to enabling the very creation of clean energy.
He said: “When you have engineers moving around the assets, either looking at problems or to do routine maintenance, with a mobile device they want to gather data on, they need to be able to do just that, standing in front of the asset.
“In this particular area, we are also active from an instrumentation perspective, such as mobile gas analysers for measuring methane,” he said. “There are more powerful microprocessors and better sensing technology on the market now than of old, and by ‘old’ I mean just a couple of years ago!
“They need to know they are in the right location and that they are getting the correct readings, because what you are reading on site is not always the same as the readings in the control room.”
“Instead of having a stationary analytical measure, we can put it on, say, the top of a car or a drone and keep it moving around or above a complex, logging the measurements on Google Maps as it goes.
Importantly, the engineer has often needed to work through a paper-based checklist of tasks in compliance with operating procedures. There was an unsafe disconnect in waiting till s/he was back in the office to upload the results.
“In so doing, we are leveraging the digital technology making the most of it – in the name of sustainability.”
Zied said: “Think about what an improvement it is if the engineer can work through all the procedural steps in situ on a mobile device, potentially with a voice-operated system that’s telling you ‘ok, step six, is the temperature less than 50 degrees? Open valves …. ‘ “The engineer clicks on the button in real time, saying ‘yes, I’ve done that’. In this way, the right information is uploaded in the right order at the right time.” Also, if a procedure has been done many times over, the time each step takes could be analysed. That helps when, A, a new field operative is being trained, and B, if someone doesn’t upload the information in a timely manner.
31
Whatever the project, whatever the problem to be solved, it is about working in a joined up eco-system for the benefit of all concerned. But as for where to start, Zied’s best advice is … to get the best advice. “It’s about bringing in the right knowledge and expertise first,” he said. “It’s no good bringing in a company that might have a fantastic sensor but has never worked in a chemical plant before. “ABB has the extensive experience required to put chemical companies on the right track.” www.abb.com
Technology
Industry knowledge
Analytics
— Safe, reliable, efficient delivery, for your chemical projects With over 5 decades of experience in the delivery of complex projects within the chemical and refining industry, ABB provides products, solutions and services that enhance the productivity and energy efficiency of a broad range of chemical processes. Our work has covered the smallest batch plant to the world’s largest continuous petrochemical complex Sadara in Saudi Arabia. Whether you need chemical process consultants, batch control, modular systems, automation, electrical or telecommunication experts, ABB will support you and address your needs. Our integrated solutions offer the industry’s best availability, quality, risk reduction and information flow. For further information please visit: abb.com/chemicals
| news |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Deadly degrees of difference How small changes in temperature can impact productivity Temperature plays a crucial role in everyday life. One small change could impact something simple such as a morning coffee or larger aspects such as seasons and personal health. In manufacturing, temperature can mean the difference between productivity and costly mistakes, particularly when working with thermal oil. Here, Clive Jones managing director of thermal fluid supplier Global Heat Transfer, explains how temperature can impact the performance and life span of a heat transfer fluid. In June 2019, Müller UK recalled two Cadbury desserts from supermarkets after discovering the possible presence of listeria monocytogenes. To kill off listeriosis in food, manufacturers must ensure products are heated to at least 74 degrees Celsius. Just one- or two-degrees difference will compromise food products and could be dangerous to consumers, as Müller discovered. Food manufacturing is not the only industry that demands precise temperature control. Any industry that requires indirect heating processes should ensure that their system operates at the optimal temperature. For example, an inaccurate temperature could prevent chemicals from blending in medications, stop a plastic from forming or could put the safety of workers on an offshore oil rig at risk. Once products or facilities are compromised, manufacturers may have to throw away entire batches of products or evacuate and drain the heat transfer system, incurring high costs.
ARRHENIUS’ LAW Manufacturers can avoid operating at the wrong temperature by selecting the correct thermal fluid for an application. Heat transfer oils are designed to have a specific set of characteristics to ensure it is thermally stable and performs well at high temperatures. Arrhenius’ law suggests that increasing temperature by just ten degrees can halve the expected lifespan of a fluid, so manufacturers should always look at operating temperature when selecting thermal oil. Thermal fluid manufacturers will outline the entire operating temperature range of a fluid. Engineers should select a fluid that can safely and efficiently reach the temperature required for the application. Heating a thermal oil to higher temperatures than its specification will speed up degradation, as Arrhenius’ law suggests, decreasing thermal stability and productivity.
EFFICIENCY All heat transfer fluids degrade over time, but the speed of degradation will increase if the temperature exceeds the recommended range. At high temperatures, the bonds that exist between hydrocarbon chains start to break, resulting in a process known as fouling, caused by the production of carbon in the system. As the concentration of carbon increases, sludge starts to accumulate on the inside of heat transfer system pipework. This build up reduces the efficiency of the heat exchange. As soon as this impacts the product, such as an inconsistently cooked food or chemical that does not blend, manufacturers need to cease production and drain, clean and flush the entire system.
Operating a new thermal fluid (left) at the incorrect temperature can speed up degradation and carbon production (right), leading to costly downtime
MAINTENANCE IS KEY Choosing the correct heat transfer fluid from the outset ensures that temperature will not impact production. However, once the fluid enters the system, the correct fluid will still be operating at the high temperatures that will eventually lead to degradation. Engineers should implement a preventative maintenance schedule, such as Global Heat Transfer’s Thermocare, to regularly sample heat transfer fluid and monitor the system. Engineers should sample fluid when the system is hot, circulating and closed to get an accurate representation of fluid condition inside the system. Results analysis can detect any issues, allowing engineers to plan maintenance so that it does not negatively impact production. Whether a coffee is too hot or too cold should not make much of a difference to the rest of the day. However, as Müller UK learnt, temperature can make much more of an impact in manufacturing. Carefully choosing a fluid based on its properties and implementing regular monitoring and maintenance is the only way to ensure that temperature does not negatively impact a production line.
33
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
SPECIALISING IN INK CHEMICALS
ANTIOXIDANTS CROSSLINKERS PHOTOINITIATORS SURFACTANTS PLASTICISERS
INFO@OQEMA.CO.UK T +44 1993 843081 WWW.OQEMA.CO.UK
KNF DIAPHRAGM PUMPS LEADING SPECIALISTS Outstanding performance for demanding applications. Our pumps start with your specs and are then designed to fulfill the demands and complex challenges of industrial process conditions – fit for special tasks: n Uncontaminated
transfer, compression and
evacuation of valuable and hazardous processing media at temperatures up to 240 °C n ATEX-compliant n Sample
analysis www.knf.com
34
design
gas pumps for mobile/stationary process gas
In need of a temporary full steam solution?
Atlas Copco Rental now provides custom-made temporary steam installations for all your industrial needs. We added boilers ranging from 1.3t/h to 16t/h to our rental �eet, which come with PLC, burner and feedwater pumps and can also be equipped with superheaters, feedwater tanks (hot wells), pressure reducers and a variety of accessories. We can take on design management, transportation and all services concerning your project.
Steam boiler 6t/h Maximum capacity (feedwater at 103°C)
6600 kg/h
Design pressure
28 barg
Electrical requirements
30 kW
Dimensions (l x w x h)
9300 x 2500 x 3000 mm
Tare weight
24000 kg
Fuel
Dual fuel burner: natural gas & light fuel oil
We still provide compressed 100% oil-free air too! We rent out 100% oil-free air for critical applications in various segments such as Chemical, Petrochemical, Pharmacy, Food & Beverage, Textile, etc.
For more information on our steam or oil-free air solutions visit our website www.atlascopcorental.com, get in touch with our team at 0800 – 169 661 or e-mail us at industrialrental.uk@atlascopco.com
| health and safety |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Risk and Tolerability Criteria: Are we comparing apples and pears? Risk is a somewhat nebular concept, particularly in the context of major accidents. Although we are often driven to try to make it as precise as possible, there are inevitably several assumptions required to narrow down the inputs to a single number. A lot depends on the outcome of risk assessment; including how we focus resources to manage our more significant hazards. It is important to understand the results of an assessment and where they come from. How risk is presented is vital in how it is perceived and managed, but how can an intangible concept be made into something more material? TOLERABILITY AS A DRIVER
HSE ALARP Triangle
One driver for presenting risk as a number is to compare it to tolerability criteria. When presenting the outcomes of risk assessment, a clear understanding of what is being assessed or calculated is required. Aggregated (or societal/group) risk determines the total risk based on the number of people affected and the frequency of the relevant event, whether that is one scenario or multiple hazards. Individual risk, however, considers the total risk to a single person from all hazards on an establishment.
Zone A - Intolerable IE-03 /yr - workers IE-04 /yr - public
HSE guidance is helpful in providing tolerability criteria for individual risk, often referred to as the ALARP triangle, however there is less clarity for societal risk.
Zone B - Tolerable if ALARP
An F-N graph can be developed to illustrate criteria for societal risk using HSEs ‘Guidance on ALARP Decisions in COMAH’. The graph plots the cumulative frequency of events at an establishment per year (F) against the number of fatalities from all events assessed (N), allowing for the position of the assessed risk against the societal risk criteria to be presented.
IE-06 /yr Zone C Broadly acceptable
It is important to consider that the risk criteria provided by the UK regulator are intended for the judgement of facility risk. Thought should therefore be given to whether or not adjustments are required for single and representative scenarios. By far the majority of risk assessments conducted are for single scenarios, and so direct comparison to the HSE tolerability criteria is not appropriate.
COMMUNICATING RISK It doesn’t matter how detailed a risk assessment is if it cannot be communicated to decision makers and those exposed to the risk. Communicating a risk assessment should be more than a pass or fail against tolerability criteria. In many contexts, the go-to for risk presentation is a matrix. Matrices are simple and visual, but it should be remembered that they are most appropriate for societal risk and can be misleading if tolerability is defined based on individual risk. A matrix certainly presents a risk picture, but it is only useful when the resolution and the tolerability criteria presented reflect its purpose. Employers must share safety information with whomever it might affect. How this information is shared can be proportionate to individual roles and their responsibilities for risk management. Presenting risk against tolerability isn’t necessarily the best way to help decision makers allocate resources in the right places and is less helpful to other roles that may simply need to know the key hazards and what to do in an emergency. Consider the most appropriate way to ensure that the message is being received. Is a high-level awareness of hazards enough for the wider workforce, and how can the competence of leaders in understanding risk
be assured? Note the focus on leadership by the COMAH Competent Authority this year means that, more than ever, these assurances must be in place and auditable. The consequences of misunderstanding risk can be significant and so the method used to present risk must adequately reflect what has been assessed. It must be aligned to the correct tolerability criteria and reflect the scale of hazard being assessed. Separating the concepts of risk tolerance and risk management can help make understanding of risks accessible and provide greater assurance that resources are focussed in the right places. Carolyn Nicholls & Jennifer Hill enquiries@ras.ltd.uk
36
RAS RISK & HAZARD MANAGEMENT
Understanding and facilitating the effective management of risk is our core business. Our expertise covers the full range of risk assessment and management services across:
Safety Risk
Business Risk
Environment Risk
Only when the risk facing an organisation is well understood can it be effectively managed.
Key to the successful identification, assessment and management of risk is engagement with the right
people, using the right processes at the right time. We believe we are different to many of our competitors and our approach is distinctive, we don’t always walk the well-trodden path but look at each client’s particular risk context and develop a tailored solution, working in partnership with our client. We work across all aspects of risk, from Quantitative Risk Assessments and Predictive &
Consequence modelling, through to the ‘softer’ risks which may affect an organisation’s reputation.
+44 (0) 1244 674 612 • enquiries@ras.ltd.uk • www.ras.ltd.uk
hfl
consulting Safety Sustainability Profitability
Supporting sustainably safe and profitable operations. Most would agree that good business performance is linked to good operational and process safety performance, built on sound practices and procedures. At HFL Consulting, we provide a unique blend of leadership, management, consulting, engineering and training services, that makes us the natural partner of choice for many of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prominent chemical manufacturing and chemical using companies. Find out more about how we can help improve your performance. T 0161 304 5902 E info@hflconsulting.uk W hflconsulting.uk
People Plant Process Productivity HFL Consulting is now part of SLR; a global leader in environmental and advisory solutions. Together, we provide world-class solutions and advice to our clients.
HSD Safety half-page ARTWORK.pdf
1
25/08/2016
12:08
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
| health and safety |
Subscribe for free! Simply use the link below and get all the latest chemical industry news â&#x20AC;&#x201C; either digitally or in print. www.chemicalindustryjournal. co.uk/subscribe
39
| news |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
INEOS ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BUILD A FOURTH HAND SANITISER PLANT New plant to open in Etain, North East France. INEOS also announces that it has delivered on its ten day promise and has started French production of one million bottles of hand sanitiser a month at its Lavera site. Hand sanitisers are a critical weapon in the fight against the Corona virus and remain in short supply across France and Europe. Sister plants are all now in full production in UK, Germany and France. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of INEOS says, “I am extremely proud of the INEOS team who have already built three production facilities in literally a few days, with a fourth following next week. I believe these hand sanitisers will play a key role in the fight against the Coronavirus and will help protect hospital front line staff who deserve all the help we can give them.” INEOS, one of the world’s largest manufacturing companies, has today announced that it is to build a fourth hand sanitiser plant. The plant to be built in Etian will be located to serve the hard hit hospitals in Paris and North Eastern France as well as meet the needs of Belgium. The company has also announced that it has met its ten-day target to build a hand sanitiser plant in Lavera France and has today started production of 1 million hand sanitisers a month. Hand to mouth contamination is one of the main ways that the Coronavirus infects people and there is a critical shortage of hand sanitisers across France and the rest of Europe. INEOS is focusing on meeting the needs of front line medical and care services as well as making “pocket bottle” hand sanitisers available for people’s personal use. These will be produced to World Health Organisation (WHO) specifications.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of INEOS says, “Now that production of the INEOS hand sanitiser has started, we are working on the fastest way to get them to where they need to be. I am confident that within a few days our sanitiser will start to be seen in hospitals, surgeries and people’s homes”. INEOS is the leading European producer of the two key raw materials needed for sanitisers – isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and ethanol, producing almost 1 million tonnes. The company is already running these plants flat out and have been diverting more of this product to essential medical use including in the new INEOS factories. INEOS takes its corporate and social responsibilities extremely seriously. Its products are essential to the production of essential healthcare products from rubber gloves, to PVC saline drips, syringes, ventilators, medical tubing. Its products purify the public’s drinking water. It produces raw materials for soap, phenol for aspirin and paracetamol, and its acetonitrile is being used in pharmaceutical analysis essential in procedures necessary to find a vaccine. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of INEOS adds, “INEOS is a company with enormous resources and manufacturing skills. If we can find other ways to help in the Coronavirus battle, we are absolutely committed to playing our part” For more information please go to our website: www.ineoshandgel.com
40
Find an outsourcing partner for your chemical projects R&D
GRANULATION
FORMULATE
BLEND & FILL
ISO 9001
TOLL & CONTRACT MANUFACTURE DISTRIBUTION
ISO 14001
BULK STORAGE
COMAH
EXPORT PACKING
Whether you are searching for companies to help with formulating new products, blending, tolling, filling, repacking from bulk, export packing – or handling your storage & distribution – there is bound to be a BCMPA member who can help. Search our database of members and the services they provide on bcmpa.org.uk
CHEMUK2020 16th & 17th September 2020, EventCity, Manchester, UK
The BCMPA is a Founder Supporter of CHEMUK Come and visit us on stand L15 Exhibiting BCMPA members include: Cod Beck Blenders, Grotech Production, Hydropak (Maker-Rakem Group), Libra Speciality Chemicals
| news |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
PCR Biosystems continues to scale up operations for COVID-19 test reagents PCR Biosystems, the UK-based PCR experts, are continuing to scale up operations to ensure the critical enzyme mix for COVID-19 tests remain available to the UK and global healthcare systems as demand for testing rises. To meet current and upcoming requirements and ensure supply chain security, PCR Biosystems has already significantly increased – and will continue to increase – manufacture of qPCRBIO Probe 1-Step Go and all other critical reagents for rapid and sensitive RT-qPCR. PCR Biosystems has the capacity to manufacture enough reagent daily for 4 million reactions – which is sufficient for millions of diagnostic tests. Recent changes at PCR Biosystems include implementing shift-based working for production, assembly and order fulfilment, with three separate teams working seven days a week. In addition, two commercial teams have been fully trained in reserve to provide operational support if required. The company is working closely with customers, partners and suppliers, and is ready to implement further contingency plans if necessary, to ensure uninterrupted supply of PCR reagents to customers around the world. Alex Wilson, Co-Founder of PCR Biosystems, explains, “These are unprecedented times, and, as a global PCR company, we are ideally placed to support the scientific and healthcare communities in their response to COVID-19. When the enormity of COVID-19 testing requirements became apparent, we immediately started scaling up production of the critical components. We already have capacity to supply 4 million reactions’ worth of reagent
every day – and we have the option to scale up further if needed to ensure we can always meet global demand.” qPCRBIO Probe 1-Step Go is a universal probe kit designed for fast and sensitive probe-based RT-qPCR. It’s PCR Biosystems’s recommended product for COVID-19 diagnostic tests, supporting the detection, quantification and typing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. All that’s required is the addition of specific primers and probes, together with the swab extract and water. qPCRBIO Probe 1-Step Go is compatible with all qPCR instruments and is engineered for use on a wide range of probe technologies including TaqMan®, Scorpions® and molecular beacon probes. In March 2020, PCR Biosystems introduced bulk pack sizes of this key product, to further support customers in high-throughput COVID-19 testing. In the UK, public health experts have been calling for mass community testing for COVID-19 to ensure those infected strictly observe quarantine measures. In addition, it’s thought that there are NHS staff currently in isolation who could return to work following a negative test result. While other nations have been testing in higher numbers, there is increasing pressure on the UK Government to follow suit. Indications are that this is likely to happen over the coming weeks and it’s crucial that there are adequate tests and reagents available. Measures already implemented by PCR Biosystems will ensure they remain able to supply the healthcare system with the RT-qPCR reagents and expertise they require in the global fight against COVID-19.
New production method predicted for chemicals Lux Research predicts synthetic biology could be used as an alternative production method for chemicals. Technology limitations, as well as the real and perceived ill-effects of traditional petrochemical synthesis, have led to alternative models of chemical production, including synthetic biology (synbio for short). Synbio has enabled the creation of organisms that use fermentation to produce a wide variety of chemicals from renewable feedstock, which Lux predicts in its new report, Strategies for Synbio Success, will evolve this decade from creating niche, environmentally friendly products to creating new molecules not available with current technology. “Synbio will propel companies that understand the right strategy for the distinct value propositions it offers at each step in the production life cycle,” said Lux analyst Gihan Hewage.
“Companies with products in the ideation and early development stages will differentiate most from flexible production and the ability to create novel products, whereas products in later stages of development can leverage the environmental and marketing benefits of the technology.” Synbio value propositions apply across all industries, but for chemical production, the environmental benefits of reducing one’s carbon footprint and using less-toxic compounds are the most applicable. Companies can use synbio to create novel, niche products, but Lux cautions that these products are best utilized in specialty applications because challenges with scale and market developments have led to numerous failures when trying to use fermentation capabilities to produce new products for commodities. Instead, Lux recommends using synbio for the creation of specialty chemicals, where numerous value propositions, including the rarely applicable cost savings, are used in commercialized developments.
42
Chemical solutions. Made easy.
"we enhance lives through chemistry"
We are a purpose-led, values-driven business. The products we make, help to enhance lives. Whether it is the manufacture of hand sanitising gel to reduce the spread of infection, or the products used to aid the bio-fermentation process that help our customers manufacture anti-cancer drugs, solving everyday chemical problems for our customers is what we do. Our ethos runs through our whole business; from the sourcing of sustainable products, and the investment in the professional development of our staff, to the lasting connections we make with our suppliers and our local community, we always remain focused on being a fair, trusted and responsible business.
You can rely on us to build value throughout the chemical supply chain and enhance your life! Actikem Ltd, Lilford Street, Bewsey Industrial Estate, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 0LE, UK
01925 593900
sales@actikem.com
www.actikem.com
| siemens |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Analyse This How Siemens’ total integrated automation and process solutions with data analytics are helping optimisation of acrylamide and polyacrylamide production at Kemira’s Bradford factory. CHALLENGE Water is one of the most important resources to sustain life, it is used in everything we produce or use. A global expert in chemical solutions with a manufacturing presence in over 40 countries, Kemira serves water intensive customers in the paper, oil and gas, mining and water treatment industries. On its Bradford site of approximately 50,000 sqm the company produces a range of polyacrylamide products which are used for the cleaning of municipal and industrial wastewater. Polyacrylamides are powdered solid products that act as flocculating agents, binding with impurities and small particles to speed up the separation of solids and liquids in a multitude of industrial processes. Acrylamide is the essential raw material in the polymerisation process via which polyacrylamides are manufactured, and for many years the acrylamide was sourced from a Kemira plant in The Netherlands, with up to ten tanker loads per day making the journey across the North Sea to Bradford. To improve the use of resources and minimise waste the company set out to bring the manufacture of acrylamide on site.
SOLUTION For a plant that operates 24/7 and is a worldwide distribution hub for over 3000 customers, selection of the technology solution was key, but the solution was not difficult to find; two of Kemira’s polymer production sites in North America and Europe were successfully using Siemens distributed control system (DCS), SIMATIC PCS 7, for plant automation. This prompted the Kemira UK team to engage with Siemens in the country to tender the solution. “There were a number of factors that led to this project,” explains Graham Scarborough, Process Technology Team Leader for Polymer Manufacturing at Kemira. “We knew that the acrylamide unit at the Dutch plant was nearing the end of its life, so it made sense to remove the reliance on a long-distance supply route and eliminate the associated environmental and financial costs. In addition, we had a role model in the Kemira site at San Giorgio in Italy, which was already producing its own acrylamide through a much more energy efficient enzyme-based process.” SIMATIC PCS 7 is a fully integrated and engineered DCS solution used in chemical and process plants across the world. Management and control of processes are at the core of the solution, ensuring there is consistent performance, high availability and safety.
Graham Scarborough
Paul Turfrey
The Bradford project involved planning for the safe offloading and storage of the raw material, acrylonitrile; creating three reactors in which acrylonitrile would be converted to acrylamide; and constructing two large tanks to store the acrylamide that was produced. The SIMATIC PCS 7 system was integrated into the new plant alongside Siemens intelligent field instrumentation for accurate process measurement. This provided a fully integrated Siemens solution that covers both the control and measurement aspects of the process. The Profibus communication protocol was used for data communication between field devices and the DCS, creating the perfect opportunity for Kemira to gather data to provide key insights into their production process.
OUTCOME The selection of the technology vendor and solution, alongside the collaborative way of working, was a significant factor in the project’s success. “We found the whole team to be extremely supportive and that was a significant factor in our decision to select PCS 7” added Scarborough. A workstation located in the new building enables the acrylamide plant operator to view every aspect of the plant functionality. This computer is connected to the site control system network and linked with an archive software that collects and stores detailed operational data. “Information and the ability to run the process and to look back at our historical data is very important,” says Paul Turfrey, Technical Manager. “We can use this information to track our daily activity and aim for continuous improvement.”
“Information and the ability to run the process and to look back at our historical data is very important. We can use this information to track our daily activity and aim for continuous improvement.” Paul Turfrey, Technical Manager.
44
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
| siemens |
Digital model of the plant
Scarborough added, “The SIMATIC PCS 7 system allows us to drill down at each step of the production sequence to see detail such as the opening and closing of valves, flow rates, temperatures and pressures. The use of Profibus instruments connected to PCS 7 means that for almost any issue that arises we do not just get an alert, we also understand the exact nature of the problem, which represents a significant step forward from the more traditional hard-wired systems.” The new plant began producing acrylamide in June 2017 and, by capturing and analysing data from the PCS 7 system, Kemira has been able to drive significant improvements in the efficiency of the process, achieving a near 50% increase in peak production rate. Cycle time has been significantly reduced and new weekly and monthly site production records have been set. “We are self-sufficient in acrylamide production and we have eliminated a yearly total of 1600 tanker deliveries. In addition, the process is quicker and runs at a lower temperature. With a safe and efficient plant, we can focus on improving the manufacturing process and reducing batch times further,” concludes Scarborough. There is designated space for future expansion within the new plant, with the potential to add a fourth reactor and additional processing equipment. The chiller plant has also been designed with one eye on potential future demand
45
and the scalable design of the control system means that any new instrumentation can quickly and easily be incorporated. “Siemens was able to supply a complete solution, and with the strong relationship we’ve built during that time, we further look forward to helping Kemira develop the acrylamide plant in the future,” comments Ian Elsby, Head of Chemical Industry UK and Ireland at Siemens Digital Industries. “From training and implementation through to maintenance we are committed to full lifecycle support, enabling Kemira to make further improvements.” “The combination of Kemira’s process expertise and the Siemens integrated solution has created efficiency and enabled Kemira to exceed targets” says Steve Leech, Business Manager for Process Control Systems at Siemens. “Furthermore, the capture of key manufacturing insight by the Kemira team, creates the foundation for future information led decision making and production assessments.” www.siemens.com
| plant / cyber security |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
46
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
| plant / cyber security |
Cyber Resilience – Readiness, Response & Recovery A cyber attack is any attempt to expose, alter, disable, destroy, steal, gain unauthorised access to or make unauthorised use of an asset. defences. It also involves preparing a business impact analysis (BIA), business continuity plan (BCP) and crisis management plan (CMP).
Isaac Wheatley
Ricardo’s Crisis Management Team
According to the UK Government’s ‘Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2019’1, 32% of businesses reported having a cyber security incident in a 12-month period. For businesses that lost data or assets after breaches, the average annual cost was up to £22,700. However, the direct cost is just one aspect of such incidents – indirect, long-term and intangible costs tend to be overlooked (e.g. lost productivity, reputational damage, and the effects on the operating environment and people). This means that organisations may not fully appreciate the full consequences of breaches and fail to make adequate provisions. Ricardo recommends a three-step framework to increase corporate cyber resilience – readiness, response and recovery.
READINESS Individual readiness builds the foundation of corporate preparedness and comes in the form of basic good housekeeping (e.g. password protocols, user education, awareness raising and training). Corporate preparedness includes adopting an organisational security standard, raising information security awareness, educating staff, establishing resilient cybersecurity policies and creating an IT-specific risk assessment – backed with investment in IT teams and
47
Cyber readiness should go hand in hand with IT system testing, including penetration testing. Working with IT team members to ensure they can anticipate, assess, prevent, prepare, respond, contain and recover systems quickly.
RESPONSE The response to a cyber attack should be measured by its scale and the extent to which it cross contaminates systems. It must be addressed operationally, tactically and strategically, and be led by the BCP and CMP. Business continuity plan A BCP enables critical activities to continue and starts with preparing a BIA. A thorough BIA identifies the people, systems, equipment and workspaces required to support and deliver critical activities. It sets recovery time objectives (RTO) based on the maximum tolerable period of disruption (MTPoD). Mitigation strategies in the BCP should ensure critical products and services are not affected by an incident, and that robust and rapid recovery mechanisms are in place or that workarounds can be implemented. Crisis management plan CMP ensures wider coordination of a response to reduce impacts on people, the operating environment, assets and reputation. CMPs mitigate the potential for these impacts by putting in place structures and systems to ensure a coordinated, coherent response.
| plant / cyber security |
During the WannaCry cyber attack, many NHS hospitals managed without IT systems for more than 72 hours. While IT teams worked to identify affected systems and install patches, hospital command teams coordinated the operational response, ensuring patient and staff safety without access to the usual systems and processes. The effective coordination of staff, clear communication to all stakeholders and their coherent response strategies ensured the NHS looked after its patients and maintained its reputation throughout the cyber response.
RECOVERY Following the initial response to a cyber attack, it is crucial to map the recovery of business and IT systems to reduce the long-term impacts. The BCP and CMP should outline separate processes for tactical and strategic operations during the recovery phase. Initial tactical recovery should be driven by the BCP, ensuring that critical activities are brought back online as a matter of urgency. Tactical recovery should endeavour to prevent any system reaching its own MTPoD, so minimising wider business effects. After the initial phase, the CMP focuses on long-term effects and wider thinking following leadership decisions made at a strategic level. Strategic recovery concerns wider corporate recovery and short-term business continuity. Longer term reputational impacts should be assessed and mitigated through effective stakeholder management and communication to rebuild trust in the organisation. Tactical and strategic lessons learnt from a cyber attack should be embedded into the BCP and CMP to improve readiness, response and recovery for any subsequent incidents. Training and exercising Training and exercising will enhance readiness, response and recovery in an organisation. All resulting learnings should be included in the BCP and CMP. Training for an operational response should focus on non-technical skills, which are the core building blocks to successfully tackling incidents:
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Leadership – leaders should be strong and assured, and work within the flexibility and adaptability of the BCP, CMP and their own leadership styles. Leaders should react to the situation, consult others when required, and operate a command and control system as appropriate. Communication – effective, efficient, timely and clear communication in a common language is crucial. Exercising your cyber response Exercising should be conducted at all levels, from ensuring the IT team has appropriate responses for specific threat types through to strategic leaders focusing on wider stakeholder management, communication and decision making. It helps to improve the skills of the responders; assess the performance and vulnerabilities of IT security features, the BCP and the CMP; and test the effectiveness of workarounds.
HELPING YOUR ORGANISATION IMPROVE ITS CYBER RESILIENCE The response to each cyber attack is complex and unique – with impacts crossing stakeholders, lasting years, and touching every part of corporate and social establishments. Fortunately, the cyber industry continues to develop new security methods. However, with the increasing reliance on cyber systems, the threat increases and so do the challenges for corporate response, which relies on having plans in place and non-technical skills developed. Ricardo is committed to working with its clients to mitigate the challenges posed by any incident. We use a bespoke methodology to enhance readiness, response and recovery with innovative training and exercising to build the most effective response at operational, tactical and strategic levels. For more information about crisis management, visit www.ricardo.com/crisis-management or contact enquiry-ee@ricardo.com or +44 (0) 1235 753654.
1 Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/
Situational awareness – this is your ability to collect and process information, and then make projections about potential impacts; looking for the worst-reasonable and most-likely future states. Decision making – decisions should be timely, effective and defensible. They may not be easy to make or correct (with hindsight), but must be justifiable given the information available at the time they are taken.
48
| plant / cyber security |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Technological innovation: the induction-based electronic key The latest-generation electronic key combines the advantages of a cable-free electronic access control system with the benefits of a mechanical option in a single smart key. The key comes with a simple, adaptable software suite, meeting the need for flexibility and security, and is approved to ATEX II 2 G Ex ib IIB T4, providing guaranteed safety and security to the chemical industry. Locken’s permanent quest for innovation has been an important factor in becoming the market leader for access control solutions based on smart electronic keys, with over 150, 000 buildings equipped throughout Europe. This latest hardware, designed by the Iseo Group, a European manufacturer of keys, which acquired Locken in 2016, combines the advantages of a traditional mechanical lock with a state-of-the-art electronic solution, managed by Locken software. This combination offers an unprecedented standard of reliability and efficiency.
MAGNETIC INDUCTION ACCESS CONTROL Based on the contactless induction technology patented by the Iseo Group, Locken’s electronic key provides the fastest opening times of any access control system and exceptional ruggedness with no direct contact between the key and cylinder when transmitting the access rights. The key and cylinder exchange information through magnetic induction rather than electrical contact. Proven yet revolutionary in the access control sector, this technology offers two major advantages: It makes life easier by opening doors almost instantaneously, with information exchanged between the key and electronic cylinder in less than 80 milliseconds, i.e. the time it takes for a regular key to recognise a mechanical cylinder. It ensures unrivalled durability with contactless communication between the electronic key and cylinder, making it immune to dust, wear and tear and oxidation caused by humidity or salt.
control, reaching standards of security that are usually only available from on-line access control systems. This latest key does not require any on-site cabling or batteries for the lock, because the key supplies the cylinder with the energy and the information required to open the lock. In this way, users working on large infrastructures or complex sites with multiple points of access can make do with a single key. The solution is made even more flexible by its purely mechanical component, which can be used to open conventional mechanical cylinders, wherever the two types of locks co-exist within the same system. The Locken electronic key is the first and only one in the market to use induction technology as part of an access control system. This complete advanced solution meets ever more stringent demands of big companies, in term of robustness, security, performance and traceability. For further information about LOCKEN visit www.locken.eu, find us on LinkedIn or telephone 0203 691 1610.
Also included is a Bluetooth module, which means the mechatronic key communicates with the user’s smartphone using the MyLocken app. It is therefore capable of offering centralised control and case-by-case, real-time access
49
| plant / cyber security |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Cyber Risks Recent research and surveys indicate the threat to UK business from Cyber-crime continues to grow; not least because of the need for businesses to work to ever-tightening margins, do more with less and try to compete against businesses with lower overheads, often overseas. Human involvement (whether negligent or malicious) is a significant factor; the 2019 Code42 Global Data Report revealed that 69% of the data breaches experienced in the previous 18 months had been caused by employees 1. Additionally, 63% of the respondents admitted to bringing data from past employers to their new jobs; with greater employee mobility now being the norm, the threat from insider data theft is only going to increase. According to Verizon’s 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report, 43% of Cyberattacks target small businesses because they are more likely to succeed 2. The increased use of contractors and freelancers, as well as flexible working becoming more common, means more electronic devices in more locations. SME’s also face the risk of being hacked by cyber criminals looking to access organisations up the digital supply chain, and according to IBM’s 2019 study, the average cost of a data breach has risen 12% over the past 5 years 3. Potential data breach fines from The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) are now approaching levels that could put many smaller enterprises out of business.
We outsource IT, so we won’t be exposed to an attack
So, there’s never been a more important time for SMEs to have the right cybersecurity strategy in place.
We’re too small to have a Cyber attack
SO WHAT CAN UK SME’S DO TO PROTECT THEMSELVES? For many small to medium-sized businesses, it’s just not feasible to spend a significant proportion of their profit on a Cyber protection strategy that could withstand attempted hacks from Anonymous or a rogue nation state. However, you can: Educate your employees about cybersecurity; creating an environment where they take responsibility for safeguarding the company data and the integrity of the system. This includes only using secure systems for communicating with colleagues wherever possible, and not sharing information via personal email, as well as the obvious avoidance of clicking on links you’re not 100% certain about. Minimise the threats posed by malicious employees – from restricting access to sensitive data, banning the use of removable memory hardware and limiting BYOD use. Keep your security software and operating systems up to date
WHAT ABOUT CYBER INSURANCE? According to research by the Federation of Small Business and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in 2019, SME’s are subject to 10,000 Cyberattacks per day 4, however only around 11% of UK businesses currently buy Cyber insurance 5. This is despite 60% of medium businesses reportedly* 6 suffering a system breach that incurred an average cost of £9,270 to remedy. Here’s a sample of some of the reasons businesses don’t believe they need Cyber Insurance:
We don’t collect or store any sensitive data, so Cyber Insurance isn’t necessary We’re already covered under other insurance policies However, for many thousands of businesses, the reality is that they were targeted; their systems weren’t robust enough to prevent a breach, and there was no insurance cover in place to help cover the costs. Cyber insurance is valuable tool to consider in your Cyber strategy; pricing has improved in recent years, and many policies can be tailored to provide cover for the areas that most businesses are concerned about – social engineering, phishing, and ransomware. Some of the policies can also provide access to specialist support in the event of a system breach, help identify why and how the breach occurred, as well as advise on preventing further breaches. Insurers also actually pay claims – also according to the same ABI report, 99% of claims made on their members policies were settled in 2018. Given that your IT system is probably vital in keeping your business trading, can you really afford not to have access to expert advice and a financial safety net should that lifesupport get interrupted? www.oamps.co.uk 1 https://on.code42.com/go/2019-data-exposure-report-g/ 2 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2019 3 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2019 4 https://www.governmentcomputing.com/business/cybersecurity/fsb-researchcyber-attacks 5 https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2019/08/cyber-insurance-payoutrates-at-99-but-uptake-still-far-too-low/ 6 Department For Digital, Media, Culture & Sport Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2019
We’ve never been hacked before We’re compliant with GDPR, PCI DSS and other regulations, so we’re secure We’ve invested in IT Security, so we don’t need Cyber Insurance
OAMPS is part of Pen Underwriting Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 314493). Registered Office: The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AW. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 5172311.
50
THINK YOU KNOW WHAT WE DO?
NOT ONLY DO WE OFFER INSURANCE TO THE FUEL INDUSTRY, BUT WE ALSO HELP PROTECT BUSINESSES OPERATING IN THE MANUFACTURING, DISTRIBUTION, IMPORTING, WHOLESALE OR BLENDING OF CHEMICALS’ & LUBRICANTS
BUSINESS INSURANCE FOR THE CHEMICALS SECTOR INCLUDING: • CYBER LIABILITY • ENVIRONMENTAL IMPAIRMENT LIABILITY • PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY • TERRORISM • DIRECTORS & OFFICERS LIABILITY
• PROPERTY (INCLUDING BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) • EMPLOYERS, PUBLIC & PRODUCT LIABILITY • PRODUCT RECALL • MOTOR FLEET
OAMPS is part of Pen Underwriting Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 314493). Registered Office: The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N SAW. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 5172311.
| plant / cyber security |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
Intelligencia Training commence delivery of new high profile counter-fraud apprenticeship Intelligence training specialists Intelligencia Training have recently included the Government’s new Counter-Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship Standard to its portfolio of established, innovative intelligence and risk apprenticeships. The new Counter-Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship Standard was developed by a consortium of sector specialists from within a range of high profile organisations including Cabinet Office, HMRC, NHS Counter-Fraud and many local authorities to recognise the skill set and experience required to operate within these challenging roles. The ability to professionalise and formalise the way in which many organisations operate delivers significant advantages. The Fraud Investigation Standard was developed to provide a recognised and robust pathway for fraud investigators that would allow for parity across sectors and comprehensive development of all knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with being an effective and competent investigation professional. Building on from their success in delivering cutting edge intelligence and analytical training within both public and private sectors (including Government agencies, public sector departments, law enforcement and custodial sectors, local authorities and the banking / insurance sectors) Intelligencia Training are confident their exposure and experience gained within existing counter-fraud departments will provide tangible benefits.
Intelligencia Training’s Commercial Director – Nick Atkinson, commented, “We are proud to announce that we have added this long awaited Apprenticeship standard to our portfolio of cutting edge training programmes to further support of growing number of high profile public and private sector clients. Our engaging delivery models and highly skilled tutors, that include those who have operated within senior intelligence and counter-fraud roles, will bring significant new skills, knowledge and behaviours to benefit those who, previously, may have not been offered formal counter-fraud training. We are confident that those organisations who have previously utilised our widely publicised intelligence analysis apprenticeship will now look to offer even more role specific programmes to their wider business” You can read more about Intelligencia Training at
www.intelligenciatraining.com
The Rotronic Universal Monitoring System – RMS
Monitoring environmental conditions in any industry requires a fully integrated continuous monitoring system. The modular Rotronic Monitoring System – RMS is the perfect solution. It provides installation flexibility and full data availability, anywhere, and on a variety of devices. Rotronic can meet all your requirements, incorporating multiple sensors for parameters on a secure network. We can service the entire system. www.rotronic.co.uk/rms ROTRONIC Instruments (UK) Ltd, Crompton Fields, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9EE T: 01293 571000, instruments@rotronic.co.uk
52
A PST Company (www.processsensing.com)
A SMART INVESTMENT FOR EFFICIENT SYSTEMS.
A system can only be as efficient as its parts.Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we place great importance on reliable, high-quality components that can be configured and combined to create the perfect solution for your needs. Learn more. www.ksb.co.uk - 01509 231872
Pumps Valves Service
| reach |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
COVID-19 ON BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS & FURTHER STEPS IN TURKISH KKDIK IMPLEMENTATON As a direct consequence of the COVID-19, the manufacture and supply of disinfectants to meet the needs of European citizens and especially hospitals, healthcare professionals are now supported by ECHA through derogations from the normal regulatory requirements for biocidal products. It is now possible to access the market faster by applying for permission to the relevant national authority and by relying on Article 55(1) of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), if companies want to place disinfectants that contain an already approved active substance. The provision allows national authorities to allow derogations for a limited time from the standard product authorisation requirements in situations where there is a threat to public health. Companies must contact each of the individual EU countries to determine what the procedures are in order to place their products on the specific EU countries temporarily. ECHA is constantly supporting EU/EEA authorities for the application of derogations from the normal procedures. Meanwhile, pre-registration phase for Turkish REACH-like regulation, KKDIK, still continues at high speed despite Turkey being also a country struggling with the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Several thousands of pre-registrations are already completed by Turkish manufacturers, importers, Turkish subsidiaries of multinational companies and local Only Representatives. More importantly, an IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance) project co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey started on 1 November 2019. Although the anticipated date for the completion of this 1,5 million EURO worth project is 31 October 2021, it is now closely followed by the potential registrants whether the project finalisation will be impacted and at which extend the chemical industry will suffer from this unexpected pandemic conditions. IPA is a European programme for EU candidate countries. The beneficiary of the project; ‘Technical Assistance to Conduct Chemical Safety Assessments under the scope of REACH Regulation’ is the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanization (MoEU) and the Chemicals Management Department who are responsible for the implementation of the KKDIK Regulation. The main objective of the project is to strengthen the existing capacity of the governmental and industrial institutions in the area of chemical safety assessments. Below are the most important actions to be taken in the light of the project to bring chemicals management in Turkey in line with EU’s REACH Regulation. Integration of the chemical safety assessment tool Chesar into the existing online chemicals registration system; KKS Upgrading of the existing registration system, KKS, in accordance with the latest IUCLID version Update of outdated KKDIK Guidance documents to bring them in line with the latest versions of ECHA Guidance documents Translation and harmonisation of additional, new ECHA Guidance documents Organisation of seminars for regional authorities and industry to create and raise awareness amongst major groups and decision makers
The Chemical Safety Assessment (CSA) ‘train-the-trainer’ course for 30 including study visits to ECHA and an EU Member State. The ongoing IPA Project, as well as continuous updates to the KKDIK, SEA Regulations and online KKS system are efforts to harmonise Turkish chemicals regulations with the EU. Initial Substance Information Forum (SIEF/MBDF) communications have already started for some of the substances. Multinational companies are ahead of the game as they have REACH experience and data ownership which gives them a mission to act fast with hundreds of substances to register for KKDIK compliance. RGS has been acting as the Only Representative for the last 12 years of more that 450 customers within EU REACH, and as the Only Representative and consultant of over 400 manufacturers within Turkish KEK/SEA/KKDIK regulations for manufacturers over 40 countries. The team of experts of RGS Group transferred years of experience into practical solutions for non-Turkish conpanies to comply with Turkish chemicals regulations. Do not hesitate to contact RGS, if you need more details on our services. We can assess your compliance status and build tailor-made solutions for your company within our due diligence approach. Dr.Yaprak Yüzak Küçükvar REACH Global Services Group Director, Global Regulatory Affairs & Product Stewardship www.reach-gs.eu
54
EUROPEAN UNION • TURKEY • JAPAN • CHINA • KOREA • TAIWAN RGS S.A. - Belgium Head Office + 32 (2) 234 77 77
RGS A.Ş. - Turkey Subsidiary + 90 (212) 454 09 93
info@reach-gs.eu
www.reach-gs.eu
| reach |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
REACH Article 22: new implementing legislation on dossier updates expected soon At the time of writing, logged on the ECHA’s website1 was a record of 99,268 registrations for 22, 877 substances from 15,418 companies. With the final REACH registration deadline for phase in substances 31 May 2018 now passed, ECHA seeks to check the compliance of all relevant dossiers and address its decisions to all registrants with non-compliant dossiers. vote. The Commission then decides on adoption of the regulation. If adopted, entry into force is within 60 days from its publication in the Official Journal.
Abisola Elegba ReachReady
The European Commission is legally required to review some elements of REACH and publish a general report on its implementation every five years, the Commission and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a joint action plan2 on REACH evaluation to tackle issues around quality of dossiers. This plan was in response to the conclusions of the second REACH Review. Conclusions of the second REACH review showed that extensive use of alternatives to animal testing led to hazard information not being generated to the extent predicted. Additionally, it showed that adaptations to standard information requirements used by registrants are often considered to be insufficiently justified. According to the Commission, data gaps and or other data quality issues in dossiers hamper the identification of priority substances for any further regulatory action that may be needed. In terms of dossier compliance checks, the minimum target was recently raised from 5% to 20% for each tonnage band, meaning that around 30% of all registered chemicals will be checked by 2027. An interim goal for ECHA is to conclude for all high tonnage substances by the end of 2020 whether; they are a priority for risk management, need more data for a judgement to be made or are of low priority for further action. For those substances where data gaps prevent from concluding a potential risk, ECHA aims to perform a compliance check by 2023. Similar conclusions will be drawn on lower tonnage substances, with a view of having full clarity on all registered substances that are part of the “chemical universe” by 2027. Separately, to tackle the quality of information in the registration dossiers, the Commission has also drafted an implementing regulation to clarify the requirement of updating registration dossiers and is considering an amendment of the REACH Annexes to clarify the information requirements. For this reason, in relation to Article 22 of REACH, the Commission put forward for consultation, a proposal for the Implementing Regulation on the duties placed on registrants to update their registration dossiers under REACH. The intention of this regulation is to further specify by which timelines the updates should be made. Implementing regulations are usually issued when further measures are necessary to ensure uniform implementation of a given legislation by the Member States. The feedback period for this consultation was 18th December 2019 to 15th January 2020 which has now passed.
Article 22 of REACH stipulates several “further duties of registrants”. These duties can be divided into duties that registrants are expected to do spontaneously under their own initiative and those required by ECHA during the evaluation process. The Commission’s draft Implementation regulation states that “a deadline of three months should be specified for updates of a more administrative nature and deadlines of six or twelve months for more complex updates, such as those requiring the generation of data or changes to the safety assessment”. Detailed in the Regulation also are specific deadlines for: (i) changes in a registrant’s status or in their identity (ii)changes in the composition of the substance (iii) changes in tonnage band (iv) new identified uses and new uses advised against (v)new knowledge of the risks to human health and/or the environment (vi) changes in the classification and labelling of the registered substance (vii) updates or amendments of the chemical safety report (viii) testing proposals prior to conducting a test listed in Annex IX or Annex X (ix) changes in the access granted to information in the registration (x) updates of joint submissions. With an increased focus on evaluation and an expected increase in the number of evaluation decisions in future, ECHA has also invited enforcement authorities to prioritise the enforcement of evaluation decisions going forward. At this stage it is important that companies take stock of the situation on quality of dossiers and the recommendations provided by ECHA on how to improve registration dossiers. The responsibility to maintain registration dossiers remains a key aspect of REACH compliance that requires attention and an appropriate level of resources within companies. With ECHA and Member States under great pressure to accelerate evaluation and the upcoming implementing regulation on dossier updates coming down the line, it is vital that businesses keep their registration dossiers up to date. Contact us at enquiries@reachready.co.uk if you need guidance and support regarding REACH, CLP or BPR regulations.
1 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-statistics-infograph# (Accessed 11th March 2020) 2 REACH Evaluation Joint Action Plan https://echa.europa.eu/ documents/10162/21877836/final_echa_com_reach_evaluation_action_plan_ en/0003c9fc-652e-5f0b-90f9-dff9d5371d17 (Accessed 11th March 2020)
Following the public consultation on this Implementation Regulation, the REACH Committee (In which every EU country is represented) will be required later this year to adopt an opinion on the regulation by a qualified majority
56
What can REACHReady do for you? Our strong reputation and extensive experience of the chemical and down-stream industries makes us the best choice for REACH, CLP and Biocides services. We offer a one-stop shop for all your REACH, CLP & BPR needs.
Helpdesk Our experts answer your REACH, CLP and BPR queries via email or telephone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fast
Consultancy Support at any stage of the compliance process â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a service tailored to your needs
www.reachready.co.uk
Training An ongoing programme of events designed to help you tackle every aspect of REACH and CLP
enquiries@reachready.co.uk
Matchmaker Finding you trusted service providers to help you comply with REACH, CLP and the BPR
| reach |
| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |
What impact will the possible divergence of EU & UK environment strategies have on the UK chemical Industry? Over the last decade, environmental and chemical policies have started to play a larger role across the globe. The UK previously played a major role in setting policy and performing evaluations in the EU. Due to the impact of Brexit, the UK may take a more international viewpoint when developing its own environmental and chemical policies. This may ultimately lead to divergence between the UK and EU, which will have a huge impact on the chemical industry as companies will need to ensure compliance with both regimes. This may create stumbling blocks for companies supplying chemical products to the UK and EU, and manufacturing companies with sites in both jurisdictions. EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STRATEGY: In December 2019, the European Commission revealed its new EU Green Deal, which sets out numerous ambitious targets including being carbon neutral by 2050, zero pollution and making decisions on environmentally responsible projects. By the summer 2020, an EU chemicals strategy for sustainability is expected to be launched to support these targets. The aim of this strategy is to ensure a toxic-free environment and will highlight how the regulatory framework needs to reflect scientific evidence on the risk of endocrine disruptors, combination effects and very persistent chemicals.
UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STRATEGY: In parallel, the UK government has been working on its 25-year Environment Plan since January 2018. Progress has been slow, but it is now expected that work will ramp up on the chemical strategy during 2020. Defra has announced that there will be a call for evidence in late spring 2020 and the final document due for release in 2022. This chemical strategy aims to tackle chemicals that are of national concern while building on existing approaches with the top three actions concerning polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR INDUSTRY: It is probable that, due to Brexit, the UK will have to implement its own versions of existing EU chemical specific regulations such as REACH, CLP and BPR which may lead to similar parallel systems with the same goals. The UK government does not want a second-best chemical regime; this will have knock-on effects for industry, in particular, the cost of accessing data to support their submissions in the two separate jurisdictions. The UK government has previously stated that it would review all EU authorisations in the future with the view to including them in its own authorisation list, while concurrently reviewing data on its own priority list of substances. This may be the first area to diverge between the two systems. There could be similar impacts to the chemical waste sector regarding the European BREF note and BAT conclusions guidance document which is currently being consulted on. It is likely that the UK could potentially diverge from such requirements.
also important to note that companies that are placing on the market in both the UK and EU will need to ensure that they follow the developments of these regimes closely to be able to remain compliant in the years to come. WSP UK provides services that give clients easier access to market, increased reputation, and reduced reporting obligations, supporting manufacturers, downstream users, and producers of consumer products to help them meet their chemical and environmental obligations. If you want to understand what chemical policy changes will mean for your business, please get in contact Jenny Butcher Principal Consultant Product Stewardship REACH@wsp.com | + 44 (0)1223 389680
WHY YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS SO CRUCIAL The EU green deal and the UK 25-year environment plan will influence and shape the supporting chemical regimes in those countries. Industry should, where possible, provide comments and feedback during consultations of these strategies to ensure a variety of viewpoints are heard. It is
58
Bring IChemE trainers to your organisation
The course couldn’t have been run any better in my opinion.
“
“
In-company course attendee
The Institution of Chemical Engineers’ in-company training service can bring our training expertise directly to your organisation. We offer a range of training courses in process safety, process operations, personal development, commercial and project management and sustainability which can be delivered to your organisation at a time and place to suit you. Any course from our catalogue can be delivered to your team in-house. Alternatively, you can request a customised course which meets your requirements. Our expert course leaders will take the time to understand your training requirements so that we can provide a solution that fulfils your objectives. If you have a team of people to train, an IChemE in-company course is ideal. Our unrivalled industry knowledge makes us the clear choice to help you deliver your training requirements to your team.
www.icheme.org/incompany
thin film
palladium catalysts
nickel foam
perovskite crystals glassy carbon III-IV semiconducto europium phosphors Nd:YAG
buckyballs 1
MOFs
Li Na
2 1
4
MOCVD
Be
2 8 1
12
Mg 24.305
20
Rb
40.078
2 8 18 8 1
38
85.4678
Cs
Sr
56
Ba
Fr (223)
2 8 18 8 2
39
Ti
2 8 18 18 8 2
57
Ra
Francium
(226)
La
2 8 18 9 2
40
Zr
Ac (227)
Radium
50.9415
Vanadium 2 8 18 10 2
41
91.224
2 8 18 18 9 2
72
Hf
138.90547
89
V
Nb
2 8 18 32 10 2
73
Ta
178.48
Actinium
104
Rf (267)
24
Cr 51.9961
2 8 18 12 1
42
Db (268)
Rutherfordium
Mn
2 8 13 2
26
Fe
54.938045
2 8 14 2
27
Mo
2 8 18 13 1
43
95.96
2 8 18 32 11 2
74
W
gallium lump quantum dots
Ce
2 8 18 19 9 2
140.116
Th 232.03806
Thorium
Pr
2 8 18 21 8 2
140.90765
Cerium 90
59
Tc
106
Sg (271)
2 8 18 13 2
44
(98.0)
2 8 18 32 12 2
75
183.84
Dubnium
Praseodymium 2 8 18 32 18 10 2
91
Pa 231.03588
2 8 18 32 20 9 2
Protactinium
transparent ceramics refractory metals
60
2 8 18 22 8 2
Re
Ru
2 8 18 32 32 12 2
107
Bh (272)
2 8 18 15 1
45
101.07
2 8 18 32 13 2
76
186.207
61
2 8 18 23 8 2
62
144.242
(145)
U
Uranium
2 8 18 32 32 13 2
Os
108
Hs
Cu
30
2 8 18 32 14 2
77
2 8 18 32 21 9 2
93
Np (237)
94
Ir
(270)
2 8 18 24 8 2
63
2 8 18 16 1
46
Mt (276)
47
106.42
78
Ag
79
195.084
Meitnerium
110
Ds (281)
48
Au
80
Ga
2 8 18 18 2
49
In
Hg
Rg (280)
Roentgenium
81
112
Cn (285)
Tl
113
Nh (284)
Copernicium
Eu
64
151.964
95
Gd
2 8 18 25 9 2
65
157.25
158.92535
Gadolinium 96
Tb
2 8 18 27 8 2
2 8 18 28 8 2
Dy
67
162.5
Terbium
97
66
Neptunium
(244)
Plutonium
2 8 18 18 3
50
Sn
68
82
Pb
99
Er
(243)
2 8 18 32 25 8 2
Americium
(247)
2 8 18 32 25 9 2
Curium
(247)
2 8 18 32 27 8 2
Berkelium
rhodium sponge
(251)
2 8 18 32 28 8 2
114
100
Californium
(252)
Einsteinium
(257)
Fermium
51
Fl (289)
S
52
Bi
84
208.9804
Br
Po
Mc
Moscovium
116
53
I
85
At
Lv (293)
117
Ts (294)
Tennessine
39.948
36
Kr
2 8 18 8
83.798
Krypton 2 8 18 18 7
54
2 8 18 32 18 7
86
Xe
2 8 18 18 8
131.293
Xenon
Rn (222)
118
Og (294)
GDC
dielectr
2 8 18 32 18 8
Radon 2 8 18 32 32 18 7
Invar
2 8 18 32 32 18 8
CIGS
Oganesson
silver nanoparticles ITO 2 8 18 30 8 2
69
Tm
2 8 18 31 8 2
168.93421
101
Md (258)
Yb
2 8 18 32 8 2
71
173.054
Thulium
2 8 18 32 30 8 2
70
Lu
2 8 18 32 31 8 2
Mendelevium
102
No (259)
2 8 18 32 9 2
174.9668
Ytterbium
Lutetium 2 8 18 32 32 8 2
Nobelium
103
Lr (262)
nanoribbons
2 8 18 32 32 8 3
mischmetal
Lawrencium
chalcogenides
biosynthetics rare earth metals CVD precursors deposition slugs
flexible electronics
The Next Generation of Material Science Catalogs
platinum ink superconductors
state-of-the-art Research Center. Printable GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheets. Thousands of new products. And much more. All on a secure multi-language "Mobile Responsiveâ&#x20AC;? platform.
InGaAs zeolites
optical glass pyrolitic graphite Ti-6Al-4V
American Elements opens a world of possibilities so you can
www.americanelements.com
mesoporus silica 99.99999% mercury
2 8 8
Argon 2 8 18 7
(210)
Over 15,000 certified high purity laboratory chemicals, metals, & advanced materials and a
carbon nanotubes
Ar
Astatine 2 8 18 32 32 18 6
h-BN
Neon
Iodine
2 8 18 32 18 6
2 8
20.1797
126.90447
Livermorium
Now Invent.
graphene oxide ultra high purity materials
18
79.904
(209)
2 8 18 32 32 18 5
2 8 7
Ne
Bromine 2 8 18 18 6
Te
scandium powder
laser crystals
35
Polonium
115
(288)
2 8 18 6
127.6
2 8 18 32 18 5
10
35.453
Tellurium
Bismuth 2 8 18 32 32 18 4
Cl
78.96
Sb
83
17
osmium
Helium
2 7
Chlorine
Se
121.76
2 8 18 32 18 4
2 8 6
Selenium 2 8 18 18 5
He
Fluorine
32.065
34
2
4.002602
18.9984032
Sulfur
Antimony
Flerovium
Erbium 2 8 18 32 29 8 2
2 8 18 18 4
207.2
2 8 18 32 32 18 3
2 8 18 5
As
Lead
167.259
Holmium
P
16
74.9216
Tin
2 8 18 32 18 3
2 8 5
Arsenic
118.71
Nihonium
164.93032
Dysprosium 98
Ho
2 8 18 29 8 2
33
F
15.9994
30.973762
2 8 18 4
9
Oxygen
Phosphorus
72.64
204.3833
2 8 18 32 32 18 2
15
Germanium
macromolecules 2 8 18 25 8 2
Europium 2 8 18 32 24 8 2
Ge
Thallium
Pu Amstabilized Cm Bk zirconia Cf Es Fm yttrium
2 8 18 32 22 9 2
32
114.818
200.59
111
Si
Indium 2 8 18 32 18 2
2 8 4
2 6
O
14.0067
28.0855
2 8 18 3
8
Nitrogen
Silicon
69.723
Mercury 2 8 18 32 32 18 1
14
Gallium
Cd
Gold
Darmstadtium
31
112.411
196.966569
2 8 18 32 32 17 1
2 8 18 2
Cadmium 2 8 18 32 18 1
2 8 3
2 5
N
12.0107
26.9815386
Zinc
Silver
Platinum 2 8 18 32 32 15 2
2 8 18 18 1
C
7
Carbon
Aluminum
65.38
107.8682
2 8 18 32 17 1
Pt
192.217
109
2 8 18 18
Palladium 2 8 18 32 15 2
Zn
Copper
Pd
Iridium 2 8 18 32 32 14 2
63.546
Nickel
102.9055
Hassium
Samarium
gold nanocubes OLED lighting
hotovoltaics
29
Al
2 4
TM
endohedral fullerenes
spintronics
Ni
2 8 18 1
cerium oxide polishing powder
sputtering targets
tungsten carbide
2 8 16 2
58.6934
Rhodium
190.23
150.36
Promethium
Rh
Osmium
Bohrium
Nd Pm Sm
238.02891
28
Cobalt
Ruthenium
Rhenium
Seaborgium
Neodymium 92
2 8 15 2
58.933195
InAs wafers epitaxial crystal growth 58
Co
Iron
Technetium
Tungsten 2 8 18 32 32 11 2
55.845
Manganese
Molybdenum
180.9488
105
25
Chromium
Tantalum 2 8 18 32 32 10 2
2 8 13 1
6
10.811
3D graphene foam
ultralight aerospace alloys
Niobium
Hafnium 2 8 18 32 18 9 2
2 8 11 2
92.90638
Zirconium
Lanthanum 2 8 18 32 18 8 2
23
47.867
Yttrium
Barium 88
Y
2 8 10 2
Titanium
88.90585
137.327
Cesium
2 8 18 32 18 8 1
22
44.955912
87.62
2 8 18 18 8 1
Sc
2 8 9 2
Scandium
Strontium
132.9054
87
21
Calcium
Rubidium 55
nanodispersions
2 3
ferrofluid
Boron 13
isotopes
39.0983
AuNPs
2 8 8 2
Ca
Potassium 37
2 8 2
Magnesium 2 8 8 1
B
surface functionalized nanoparticles
9.012182
Sodium
K
5
2 2
Beryllium
22.98976928
19
organometallics
99.999% ruthenium spheres
6.941
YBCO
EuFOD
H
Lithium 11
metamaterials 2
1.00794
anogels
alternative energy additive manufacturing
1
Hydrogen 3
diamond micropowder
Now Invent! metallocenes
li-ion battery electrolytes
solar energy
Š 2001-2020. American Elements is a U.S.Registered Trademark