Implementing PAT Capability in an Electrically Classified Pilot Plant
Overcoming Challenges of PAT Operation in Pilot Plants
Program Overview
- Transformation of data accessibility in pilot plant, allowing remote desktop connections for real-time monitoring and analysis from various locations, including home offices
- Centralized PAT data management system
- Importance of maintaining an electrically classified environment in pilot plants to minimize fire and explosion risks
- Fiber optic network that facilitate seamless data flow from PAT instruments to data centers
Operation of PAT equipment within an electrically classified pilot plant comes with challenges that are typically not encountered at the laboratory scale. These challenges include significantly larger instruments, congested processing areas, data transfer/ sharing issues, limited access to real-time data, and no provision for the PC Windows operating system to receive security patch updates.
This presentation discusses how a network was implemented to address these challenges and provided improved capability for use of various electrically classified PAT equipment. This network eliminated the need for a dedicated Operator Interface Terminal (OIT), which safely contains the PC used for PAT equipment control and data collection, in the processing area. Fiber optic cables were utilized to transfer data from the analyzer in the processing areas to a PC in an office area.
Additionally, a separate specific network was installed in the same pilot plan to allow the use of laboratory METTLER TOLEDO ReactRaman spectrometer. The analyzer was installed in a non-electrically classified area of the pilot plant while the probe is used in the electrically classified processing areas. Utilizing the principles of the other network, the laser signal for the probe is transferred to the analyzer via Raman specific fiber optic cables and data from the analyzer is transferred to the same office PC area utilizing an ethernet network.
Installation of a PAT network addressed previous challenges. The end result is a less congested operations area, seamless PAT data connectivity to iC Data Center, remote monitoring of PAT data via remote desktop, and up-to-date Windows security IT patches.
Target audience
This webinar is designed for professionals involved in chemical manufacturing, process engineering, and anyone interested in the applications of PAT in pilot plant operations.
Speakers
Mike Whittington
Merck
Mike Whittington holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University. With 27 years of experience at Schering-Plough and Merck, Mike has spent over 20 years as a Pilot Plant Operations Engineer. His diverse background also includes six years in laboratory-based roles, specifically within the Hazardous Reaction Lab and Process Safety Lab. Currently, he serves as a Process Engineer, representing Merck Research in the design of a new facility.
Brian Gould
Merck
With 25 years of experience at Merck, Brian Gould has dedicated 18 of those years to the role of Pilot Plant Facilities Engineer. His expertise encompasses equipment and facilities maintenance, and he has taken on significant leadership responsibilities as the Capital Project Team Lead for various capital investment projects. Additionally, Brian has served as the Pilot Plant PAT Life Cycle Management Lead and currently represents Merck Research as the Utility/Facility Lead in the design of a new facility. His extensive background in facility operations positions him as a valuable asset in ensuring the successful execution of complex projects.
