Solvent distillation

The reprocessing of used solvents is an economical and enviromentally sound alternative to disposal. ControlCare Field-based Control System (FCS) from Endress+Hauser controls and monitors part of the distillation process.

A important customer from Italy, specialised in the reprocessing of solvents from, i.e. the pharmaceutical industry. During reprocessing, these are separated from dangerous by-products.

Everyday tankers carrying contaminated solvents arrive at the works. The contents of the tankers are transferred into the storage tanks for the columns. At the start of the process the solvent is slowly heated. In the subsequent re-circulation phase, the solvent vapour is continually pumped through the columns until the required degree of purity is attained.

The program configuration, which is implemented in both Field Controller and devices (e.g. in the valves), control the process. After completion of the process, the purified solvent can be reused, the residues are sent for disposal. The two columns that are controlled by ControlCare can be connected together to form a supercolumn, increasing the range of applications for which the product can be used.

33 devices operating in explosion hazardous areas are connected to six FISCO FOUNDATION fieldbus™ channels. The ControlCare Field Controller acts as linking device, interface to the visualization and is responsible for control and safety tasks.

Additional devices are to be found in safe areas. The digital signals for motor control are routed through two SFD 101 Remote I/O units that are also connected to the H1 bus.

True "Distributed Control": Many function blocks are operating in the valves and field instruments.

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The plant is operated and its status visualized by means of a SCADA system. Ease of operation was paramount in

its design. To increase safety, redundant interfaces to the controller were implemented.

Customer specific overview: ControlCare P View monitoring distillation processes.

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ControlCare Solvent distillation
Recycling of contaminated solvents at

"La Vichimica", Novara, Italy

Case Study

CS001S/04/en/12.05