Current Sustainability Trends in Measurement and Control Technology
Measurement and control technology plays a central role in the implementation of sustainable practices in the chemical process industry. Precise measurements and digital transformations can optimise processes and significantly reduce resource consumption.
The chemical process industry faces the challenge of utilising energy and resources efficiently. This is where measurement technology comes into play. Modern, digitally networked systems record and process handle data in real time, which leads to optimised plant management. The implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) makes it possible to utilise data not only for process control, but also for asset management. This leads to a reduction in operating costs and an increase in plant availability without making fundamental changes to the plant design.
The digital transformation offers considerable potential that goes beyond technical plant management. By networking devices and information, processes can be organised more efficiently and resources can be conserved. The digital transformation with new measurement and control technology is therefore making a decisive contribution to climate neutrality in the chemical industry.
Special attention is paid to process optimisation through precise measurements. Various measuring instruments, such as differential pressure measuring cells, thermometers and flow meters, play an important role in monitoring and controlling processes. These instruments help to increase energy efficiency and ensure product quality.
Innovative Approaches and High-End Technologies
Another important area of measurement technology is the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Processes such as Direct Air Capture (DAC) make it possible to separate CO2 directly from the ambient air. This process consists of two main steps: the capture step and the regeneration step. The precise measurement of parameters such as pressure, temperature and flow rate is crucial to making these chemical processes safe and efficient.
Measurement technology also plays a decisive role in the field of chemical recycling. Processes such as pyrolysis, in which plastic waste is broken down into its basic chemical building blocks, require precise analyses in order to guarantee the quality of the starting materials and end products. Methods such as ICP-OES emission spectroscopy are used here to monitor and analyse element concentrations. These analyses help to identify impurities and ensure the quality of the recycled products.
Raman spectroscopy has established itself as an economical and effective method for process optimisation. Compared to conventional analysis methods, it offers fast and reliable results in real time. Applications can be found in various industries, from the pharmaceutical industry to biotechnological plants. Raman technology not only supports quality assurance, but also process optimisation and the design of new processes.
Although useful alternatives exist for certain applications, Raman spectroscopy offers advantages in terms of safety and cost reduction, particularly in demanding scenarios. Concepts such as PAT (Process Analytical Technology) and QbD (Quality by Design) are supported by this technology and demonstrate its potential for a sustainable future.
Source: “Chemietechnik” magazine
Photo: Studio Wilkos
