The Evonik Antwerp site produces highly functional silane liquids, including “Si 363.” These products are used, for example, in the manufacture of so-called “green tires.” To ensure that the silanes are filled into different containers efficiently and in a manner that is compliant with calibration requirements, the site relies on an automated solution from Kestermann in combination with weighing technology and software from Systec.
Precise filling for Evonik Antwerp
The system is designed as an automatic weighing machine and enables the gravimetric filling of IBCs, drums, and canisters via a roller conveyor. At the heart of the control system is the robust “IT8000E” weighing indicator from Systec in conjunction with the “FILL E” application software. After the operating personnel have selected the product number and entered the target weight, the terminal takes over control of the filling process using the under-level method. Sensors detect the respective container and ensure its transport to the filling station. Here, an optical camera system detects the bunghole. The coordinates are transmitted via the PLC to the filling lance, which automatically enters the opening.
Dosing takes place in several stages: a quick coarse filling brings the medium rapidly close to the target weight. The system then automatically switches to fine flow to achieve the remaining quantity exactly within the specified tolerances. Meanwhile, the weighing indicator continuously monitors weight, flow, and limit values and controls valves and filling lance accordingly.
Performance data of the filling solution
With a throughput of up to 15 IBCs or 60 canisters per hour, the system meets the requirements for industrial series filling. For 1,000-liter IBCs, the filling accuracy is up to 0.5 percent. The recorded weighing and process data is transferred to the higher-level control system via a Profinet interface. There, it is stored for batch documentation and evaluated for quality and audit processes. Traceability is ensured at all times.
Robust technology for demanding environments
The “IT8000E” weighing indicator is designed for continuous operation and has a stainless steel housing with a high degree of protection. It can be used as both a non-automatic and an automatic scale and is available in various designs. Appropriate variants are available for potentially explosive areas.
The “FILL E” software supports different container sizes and allows flexible product changes. Adaptations to customer-specific requirements are possible. The modular design of the entire filling system keeps maintenance requirements low, and the stainless steel construction also makes cleaning easier.
Increased efficiency for Evonik Antwerp at the chemical park site
Evonik Antwerp, with several production units, belongs to the Advanced Technologies segment and is located in the Lillo chemical park in the port of Antwerp. Automated silane filling helps to make processes at the site more efficient and reproducible. The combination of gravimetric dosing, calibratable weighing electronics, and an integrated data interface enables precise, documentation-secure, and economical filling. The solution thus provides sustainable support for Evonik Antwerp's production requirements in daily operations.
