Chemical Processing Distilled

In this podcast episode, Dave Strobhar discusses an innovative approach to calculating operator needs and the impact of automation on staffing in the process industry. He emphasizes the importance of assessing the consequences of tasks not being performed rather than just counting tasks. Special conditions and cross-training are also explored as factors influencing operator requirements.

Chemical Processing Notebook is a new column and associated podcast presenting talking points from various industry experts on a wide range of topics. This first CP Notebook column focuses on the impact PFAS regulations are having on the supply chain, from the upstream chemical producers to the downstream manufacturers using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their products.

In this episode, we're tackling the misconceptions around alarm targets and operator workload. Dave Strobhar debunks the myth that hitting a specific alarm target means operators are maxed out. He emphasizes that these targets are tools to assess alarm systems, not workload indicators.

In the evolving world of chemical processing, companies face a formidable challenge as they strive to keep pace with ever-evolving industry demands, develop novel formulations and deliver innovative products to market. Meeting customer needs often requires adjustments to production processes, including new plants, facility expansions and equipment upgrades. The successful execution of such projects hinges upon comprehensive planning, particularly when it comes to evaluating process safety risks.

The physical properties of hydrogen differ highly from other gases. Plant operators are therefore faced with major challenges due to the necessary adaptations that need to be made. To help us understand the challenges and options available, Chemical Processing spoke with Frank Flow, head of analyzer products and chemical industry at Flexim Americas Corporation.

In this podcast episode, Traci and Dave discuss a study that shows advanced process control (APC) can lead to a degradation of operator skills. The study found that after just a week of using APC, there was a 10% loss in skill level, and after two weeks, there was a 50% loss. The data suggests that operators should periodically run the plant without APC to maintain their skills. The Center for Operator Performance is researching interventions such as simulators, micro-learning and improved graphics to address this skill degradation. The integration of APC into the operator's role is also discussed as a shift in the nature of their work.

Analytical equipment needs to be robust, reliable and responsive in order to detect change and enable corrective action. It also should be easy to use and provide high uptime.

When considering process organics monitoring, there’s a lot to unpack. To help make sense of all the capabilities, Chemical Processing spoke with Amanda Tyndall, senior product manager at Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions, which sponsored this episode.

Keeping workers safe in hazardous environments requires constant communication. Add to the equation that many locations are also harsh industrial settings means ensuring the right communication equipment is appropriately rated while providing the needed functionality is paramount.

To better understand how to select the right equipment, Chemical Processing spoke with Ryan Brownlee, product manager and hazardous locations expert at Pepperl+Fuchs.

In this final episode of our three-part cybersecurity series with Matt Malone, ICS/OT cybersecurity consultant at Yokogawa, we talk about team strategy and old notions.

 

Malware programs or endpoint protection programs are great tools. But in the same way that if you're a king sending an army out to battle, you're not going to have your soldiers storming the battlefield in a helmet and their underwear.