Chemical mixing systems and craftsmanship
In the chemical industry, we might not talk all that much about craftsmanship, or the artistic nature and beauty of process equipment or industrial machinery.
Manufacturers expend tremendous energy and effort to make equipment shine with glistening stainless steel and brightly painted components, only to witness their precious systems installed in harsh chemical environments where the paint is eventually stripped bare by acetone and the glorious stainless framework is covered with factory dust that has glued itself to polyester resin that has saturated the framework and components over the years as maintenance has gotten in to do their work.
That said, it is with unique pride and, I believe, a certain joy that many manufacturers fabricate and deliver their processing, handling, pumping, mixing and homogenizing systems to the industry with this aesthetic in mind. I really started to think about this more when our photographer came in and became obsessed with the sleek and modern appearance of many of our own systems and with our third-party components, tanks and other process equipment we were adding to our overall process solutions to customers with some fairly high expectations.
The design and fabrication of inline blending and homogenizing systems provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate the artistry that goes into building industrial equipment. These system designs have to blend mechanical components, piping, safety devices, instrumentation, cables and electrical cabinets into a complete whole that all the while allows, as best as possible, access and ease of maintenance.
To allow for all of this while maintaining a physical aesthetic is a challenging yet rewarding task. It is quite satisfying for any manufacturing to behold an end result that conjures thoughts of sculptures or artwork.
Such systems will be pressed into service in the chemical industry to process silicones, cleaning solutions, acids and biocides, solvents, resins, coatings, adhesives and more. Making a system that can withstand that harsh environment and have XP hazardous area ratings is another layer of challenges. Fabricators of all stripes need to possess the knowledge and experience to design in equipment and components that meet Zone 0 – 2 areas, class 1 – div 1/2 area, and meet CE, Atex and CSA requirements for installations in EU, Canada and Asia.
We most certainly appreciate our vendors and suppliers of flowmeters, pressure sensors, pumps and valves, and their attention to detail, functionality and appearance. This helps chemical process systems stand out and withstand the aggressive conditions in which they must thrive.
Customers who visit our fab shop get a bit jazzed by the cool manufacturing equipment we use in the build process, such as our high-end orbital welders and pipe facing tools. Such equipment lends a hand to elevating the appearance and functionality of liquid mixing systems.
All in all, manufacturers who obsess over detail and appearance tend to impress their customers and we express gratitude for the acknowledgement of our efforts to deliver robust liquid process systems that perform well and have a certain sleek and modern appeal. Please wipe your systems down and keep them shining on.
Sonic Corporation
