Evonik is a leading global speciality chemicals company and is active in over 100 countries. Through the partnership with Evonik in the field of animal nutrition, Sikla's team in Germany was able to successfully deliver the challenge of designing mobile chemical plants, made out of the siFramo modular system.
With this previous article, you were introduced to the scope and challenges of this project. Now you will find some additional information, by reading Evonik's testimonial about their experience with Sikla when running this job.
In the following interview, Frank Röll (Head of Mechanical Plant Planning in Hanau) brings you more details about challenges that had to be faced, flexibility and offsite requirements that had to be implemented and much more.
What challenges did you have to face in the pilot project?
"The plant was to be assembled in Hanau fully ready for operation so that operations in Antwerp would only have to be disrupted for the short period of installation and connection to the large-scale plant. For this, the plant had to be suitable for road transport. The external dimensions were therefore not allowed to result in the need for special transport.
Chemical plants are generally built vertically. This meant that it was necessary to construct frame racks that could accommodate the unevenly distributed weights of the equipment when full, as well as withstand the stresses of craning, repositioning and the vibrations that occur during transport. A tricky task that Evonik has taken on together with Sikla"
Module's transport and setup Hanau - Antwerp
Mr Röll, as the person responsible for mechanical plant planning in Hanau, you have already worked with Sikla several times. What made you decide to use Sikla in this project as well?
"We were looking for a partner who brought along the necessary structures - especially planning, product selection, and prefabrication support. As well as being able to design the frame racks, including the necessary static and dynamic calculations, independently. Sikla's commitment to wanting to work on the solution was clear from the start and offered us the security of being able to meet the requirements."
What requirements did the system have to cover in this project?
"The frame racks have working levels that have to be accessed by our colleagues in Antwerp. Thus, the frame racks fall into the classical steel construction and must also fulfil the requirements of the steel construction standard. Sikla is certified with siFramo according to EN-1090 and was able to provide us with the complete documentation so that we could properly carry out the placing on the market."
You were actively supported by our Project Engineering in planning and preparation. How did you perceive this support?
"As can be seen from my previous answers, Sikla was a great help to us. We did not have to juggle information between a component manufacturer and structural engineers. Sikla did all that for us. The cooperation was always very trusting and pleasant. Information we needed was provided to us promptly. We received full support from the start of the project and competent project management.
The frame did not have to be welded using conventional steel construction and can therefore be adapted at any time. What advantages do you expect in the pilot project as a result?
"We have already been able to use these advantages. The planning can still be as good as it is - nevertheless there are necessary adaptations or also additions in the course of the project. With siFramo from Sikla, this was very easy: unscrew and relocate brackets or screw-on new brackets - done! Everything without any problems."
The "time to market" is essential to be able to quickly counteract any additional demand that arises or to reduce production losses due to downtimes. To what extent has Sikla been able to support you here?
"The modular design as well as the stability and flexibility of the siFramo system give us the possibility to erect frame constructions for our mobile plants with fewer interfaces - and thus faster. In addition, the systems can be adapted onsite at any time.
With the mobile plants, we can react globally to any additional production requirements and reduce production downtime by operating them separately."
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Modular frames made of siFramo
Would you like to know more about this installation and how to apply similar principles to your project?
Please feel free to contact us at any time.
Thank you Evonik and Frank Röll for the testimonial and Sikla Germany for providing us with the original article on Sikla's Germany page.
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