Safe and sound operations for fine chemicals

Published: 25-Jul-2022

In the fine chemicals industry, the number one priority is health, safety, and environment (HSE), but it is important to remember that safety has many levels in the context of fine chemical production

First off is the safety of the manufacturing process and the employees. Then there is the safety of people living in the vicinity of the plant. Finally, there is the safety of the end product itself, which could be, for example active pharmaceutical ingredients that will be used to manufacture medicines.

In order to ensure the safety of the overall process, plant safety systems are employed to track critical parameters. If a deviation is detected that would cause an unsafe situation, changes are automatically implemented to return the plant to a safe situation – which of course disrupts production. In addition, to ensure the safety of the end product, other parameters that affect product quality also need to be carefully monitored.

All the instruments that are part of this safety process need to be accurately calibrated to ensure they are working properly. Safety systems also need to be tested on a regular basis to guarantee they are functioning correctly. This is where automated calibration solutions can help. The Beamex solution breaks the process down into four simple steps:

  • Step 1:  A work order is created in the maintenance management system and automatically sent to the calibration software to select the appropriate calibration procedures.
  • Step 2:  The device information and calibration procedures are then sent to a documenting calibrator or tablet, and the calibration is performed.
  • Step 3:  The device automatically documents and stores the results, and the user signs off on them electronically.
  • Step 4:  The results are automatically transferred to the calibration software for storage, and the work order is closed in the maintenance management system.

This provides a full and easily searchable digital record of each transmitter being calibrated, the person who performed the calibration, and a fully traceable audit trail including a digital signature and approval of the calibration.

The Beamex system also enables you to include checklists as part of the calibration procedure, which is very important for the safety systems used in fine-chemical production facilities. For example, in ATEX (explosive atmosphere) environments there are very clear procedures that need to be followed to ensure safety.

But technology alone is not sufficient to ensure safety – industry knowledge is also needed to make sure all relevant factors are taken into account. Because Beamex has extensive expertise and a long history of working with customers in the fine chemicals industry, we are well placed to recommend the right solutions, processes, and procedures to help you manage safety effectively in your plants with trustworthy calibration that meets your needs, now and in the future.

Download our whitepaper to learn more.

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