Page 201 - CW E-Magazine (3-12-2024)

Special Report Special Report

intermittent sources with traditional Additionally, smart instruments are from smart instrumentation and DCS optimizing energy use, adopting ad-
energy supplies becomes crucial. A DCS equipped with advanced diagnostics to predict equipment failures, optimize vanced technologies, and aligning with
can manage this balance in real-time, and communication capabilities, en- energy use, and suggest process global and national goals, the industry
ensuring that renewable energy is utili- abling them to interact seamlessly with improvements that human operators can make signifi cant strides towards
zed to its fullest potential without com- DCS and other control systems. This might overlook. reducing its environmental impact
promising process stability or effi ciency. interaction allows for a more integrated and contributing to a more sustainable
approach to energy management, where Digital Twins, which are virtual world.
The scalability of DCS also sup- data from various instruments is ana- replicas of physical assets, processes,
ports the gradual implementation of lyzed collectively to optimize the entire or systems, are another emerging tech- Energy effi ciency is not only a cru-
energy-effi cient technologies. As plants process. The predictive maintenance nology that holds great promise for the cial component of achieving Net Zero
upgrade their systems or incorporate capabilities of smart instrumentation chemicals industry. By creating a digi- emissions but also a driver of innova-
new energy-saving equipment, the also contribute to energy effi ciency by tal twin of a chemical plant, operators performance, safety, and reliability. As only reduces operational costs but also tion and competitiveness within the
DCS can be easily reconfi gured to reducing the likelihood of equipment can simulate different scenarios and the chemical industry embraces these ensures that the plant remains compli- chemicals sector. As the industry con-
accommodate these changes, ensuring failures that can lead to energy waste. predict the impact of changes before innovations, it will be better equipped ant with evolving environmental regula- tinues to evolve, the integration of
that energy effi ciency gains are realized implementing them in the real world. to meet the challenges of the future and tions. advanced technologies such as AI,
across the entire operation. In essence, Furthermore, smart instrumenta- This capability is particularly valuable contribute to the global effort to build a Digital Twins, and smart instrumenta-
DCS act as the backbone of energy tion supports the implementation of for optimizing energy use, as it allows more sustainable world. Retrofi tting existing plants to tion will play a key role in enhancing
effi ciency in chemical plants, enabling advanced energy management strategies, for the testing of various energy-saving improve energy effi ciency is another energy effi ciency and futureproofi ng
a holistic approach to energy manage- such as load balancing and demand strategies in a risk-free environment. Futureproofi ng the chemical industry important aspect of futureproofi ng. While operations.
ment that is essential for achieving response. By providing real-time data As the chemicals industry faces retrofi tting can be more challenging
sustainability goals. on energy consumption, these instru- The combination of AI and Digital growing pressure to reduce its envi- and costly than implementing energy- By embracing these opportunities
ments enable chemical plants to adjust Twins is expected to drive signifi cant ronmental impact, futureproofi ng ope- effi cient measures in new plants, it is and committing to a culture of sustain-
The role of smart instrumentation in their operations in response to changes improvements in energy effi ciency. For rations through energy effi ciency has often necessary to meet regulatory re- ability, chemical companies can not
energy effi ciency in energy supply and demand, thereby example, AI algorithms can analyze become a strategic imperative. By in- quirements and achieve sustainability only meet regulatory requirements and
Smart instrumentation is another reducing peak energy use and minimiz- data from a Digital Twin to identify vesting in energy-effi cient technologies goals. Advances in technologies and achieve their sustainability goals but
key component in the quest for energy ing costs. ineffi ciencies and recommend optimiza- and practices, chemical companies can funding opportunities can make retro- also position themselves as leaders in
effi ciency in the chemicals industry. tions. These recommendations can then ensure compliance with current regula- fi tting more feasible, allowing compa- the global effort to build a more sus-
These instruments, which include smart As chemical plants adopt digital be tested in the Digital Twin before tions, prepare for future ones, and nies to upgrade their facilities and tainable future. The journey towards a
sensors, transmitters, and controllers, technologies and move towards fully being applied to the actual plant, ensuring position themselves as leaders in sustain- reduce their environmental foot- sustainable energy future is ongoing,
provide accurate and real-time data on automated operations, digitalization that the most effective energy-saving ability. print. but with concerted effort and innova-
process conditions. This data is central will continue to produce data that will measures are implemented. tion, the chemicals industry can play
in identifying energy-saving opportuni- enable the optimization of energy use Futureproofi ng the chemicals in- In addition to technological up- a pivotal role in shaping a greener and
ties, optimizing processes, and prevent- across the entire value chain. This data- Moreover, these technologies dustry involves more than just adopt- grades, futureproofi ng involves foster- more sustainable world.
ing ineffi ciencies that lead to unneces- driven approach to energy effi ciency enable a more proactive approach to ing energy-effi cient technologies. It ing a culture of sustainability within
sary energy consumption. will not only help chemical companies energy management. Instead of reacting requires a comprehensive approach that the organization. This includes train- REFERENCES
meet regulatory requirements but also to ineffi ciencies after they occur, AI includes process optimization, digital ing employees on energy management 1. https://www.iea.org/topics/energy-
Smart instrumentation offers several enhance their competitiveness in a and Digital Twins allow for continuous transformation, and a commitment to practices, setting ambitious energy effi - effi ciency
advantages over traditional instru- rapidly evolving industry. monitoring and real-time adjustments, continuous improvement. Companies ciency targets, and promoting a mindset 2. https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/
ments. For one, they can detect even leading to more consistent and sustain- that embrace this approach will be bet- of continuous improvement. By embedding eu-climate-strategy-2030_en
the slightest deviations in process con- The future of industrial technology: able energy use. As these technologies ter equipped to navigate the challenges sustainability into the company’s 3. https://ec.europa.eu/clima/poli-
ditions, allowing for immediate cor- AI, Digital Twins, and beyond continue to develop, they will play a of the energy transition and thrive in a core values and operations, chemicals cies/eu-climate-strategy-2030/fit-
rective actions. This capability is par- As the chemical industry continues crucial role in helping the chemical in- low-carbon economy. companies can drive long-term change for-55_en
ticularly important in energy-intensive to evolve, the integration of advanced dustry achieve its energy effi ciency and and ensure that energy effi ciency 4. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal7
processes, where maintaining optimal technologies like Artifi cial Intelli- sustainability goals. One of the key elements of future- remains a priority. 5. https://unfccc.int/
operating conditions can signifi cantly gence (AI) and Digital Twins is set to proofi ng is the integration of energy 6. https://www.wri.org/our-work/topics/
reduce energy use. For example, a revolutionize how plants operate and Looking ahead, the integration of effi ciency into the design and operation CONCLUSION energy
smart fl ow meter can detect fl uctua- manage energy effi ciency. AI, with its AI, Digital Twins, and other advanced of new chemical plants. By incorporating The transition to a sustainable energy 7. https://ec.europa.eu/energy/topics/
tions in fl uid fl ow that may indicate a ability to process vast amounts of data technologies will likely become the energy-effi cient technologies and future is a complex and multifaceted energy-effi ciency/energy-effi ciency-
blockage or leak, allowing operators and learn from it, is being increasingly standard for industrial operations. practices from the outset, companies challenge, but it is one that the chemi- directive_en
to address the issue before it leads to used to optimize industrial processes. These tools not only enhance energy can achieve signifi cant energy savings cals industry is uniquely positioned to 8. https://www.controleng.com/arti-
energy losses. In chemicals plants, AI can analyze data effi ciency but also improve overall plant over the lifetime of the plant. This not address through energy effi ciency. By cles/advanced-process-control-apc/

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