For this project, Rheo designed and built a hard-wall containment isolator for use during a vessel charging process. The client required the ability to transfer free flowing hazardous powders out of drums into vessel via a vacuum conveyance process. Rheo also provided a Material Transfer Station [MTS] with rigid isolator and integrated vacuum hopper sitting on load cells for the Vacuum Conveyance System. The MTS’s integrated Drum Tipper and inflatable seal docking allowed for an efficient drum change-out process. The MTS allows operators to ergonomically unload and process drums into charge reactor.
Equipment was cleaned via clean-in-place retractable spray device located in the vacuum hopper and rotating spray ball atop the isolator, all also being transferred via the vacuum conveyance system and discharging into the reactor. Rheo provided a catchpot to knock any CIP fluid out from the vacuum line and keep the vacuum pump from flooding.
Rheo provided the controls for all the equipment, managed by the operator through a touch screen Pepperl & Fuchs HM. Atmosphere control (negative pressure and oxygen concentration) was managed in the isolator automatically via PID control loops. All equipment was designed for use in a Class I, Division 1 Group C&D area via a combination of intrinsically safe, purged and pressurized, and explosion proof components. Purging system also provided by Pepperl and Fuchs EPS 6000 Type X purging system. Fiber Optic communications allow MTS to safely communicate between vacuum conveyance receiver control panels, mobile vacuum pump skid and client plant control system.
The Vacuum Conveyance process was fluidized with nitrogen at the MTS product inlet and for pre-filter blow-off to avoid introducing oxygen into the client’s reactor. The Vacuum Conveyance Receiver is connected to a dedicated pneumatic control panel.
