Quarterly October 2004 - Odfjell

A new location forOdfjell’s PID laboratoryIt has been a while since we have heardfrom the Petrochemical Industrial Distillation(PID) unit, the processing plant at OdfjellTerminal (Rotterdam). In this issue of theOdfjell Quarterly, we put the light on PID’slaboratory, which only a few weeks agomoved into new premises. We have spokenwith Nils Taal, Manager Laboratory, proudlyintroducing his department.Research“Before we can distillate a new product,we often have to execute a detailedinvestigation on how we can carry out theprocess in the best and most efficient waypossible and what the results are likely tobe. Such investigations are made at the PIDlaboratory. After the theoretical approach,the next step is a small-scale trial-distillationthat we carry out in our laboratory. In thisway we can closely monitor what the resultsof the process actually will be”, Nils explains.The samples taken during these trial-sessionsare being analyzed very minutely. Based onthese sample results PID specifies the qualityof the end products in the contracts with itscustomers.Process and quality controlThe PID laboratory ensures a continuoushigh quality of the products that are beingdistilled by the PID. Both the productscoming from the feedstock-tanks as wellas finished products are analyzed on theirspecific characteristics. “We also takesamples during the distillation process andanalyze those on key parameters. In this waywe can not only guarantee the quality of thedistilled products, but also the continuity ofthe process”.Nils continues his story: “In the PID-laboratorywe have two very experienced analysts, Anitavan den Bulk and Johan de Jong, and myselfas manager of the laboratory. The abovementionedactivities are done by Anitaand Johan during normal office hours. Butdistillation is a continuous activity, 24 hoursa day – 7 days a week. Outside normaloffice-hours the quality control is handedover to the PID-operators, working in shifts.Before leaving for the evening or weekend,the analysts make sure that all analysisequipment is ready for use by the operators”.Nils confirms: “By working in this way, theproduct quality is secured and guaranteedthroughout the entire distillation-process”.The PID laboratory’s new premisesMoving the laboratoryWednesday September 8th was an importantday for PID’s laboratory-personnel, whenthey moved into the same building asSaybolt. Saybolt is one of the world’s largestinspection companies, and it has an office andlaboratory in OTR’s new office building sincethe beginning of this year. Nils recalls: “Withthe help of a removal company, Saybolt-staffand our own people, all equipment, fittings,documents and administration were movedfrom the old laboratory to the new one.We have our own restricted area withinSaybolt’s laboratory, accessible for Odfjellstaffonly”. Coincidentally, Odfjell PID isalso an important customer for Saybolt, whoanalyses a lot of samples of finished productsat our request. However, Odfjell PID andSaybolt are two different, independent andstrictly separated companies. Nils stresses:“The process and research activities are fullyin our control and discretion, to protect ourcustomer’s interests by guaranteeing 100%secrecy and independence to them”.Beneficial for the customer“Operating next door to Saybolt offerssubstantial benefits”, Nils concludes. “Thelines of communication between us arevery short and consequently the time forprocessing of analyses as well. The result isthat our customers get the analysis-resultsand their processed product much sooner.Another big advantage is that we can useequipment from Saybolt, whenever needed.Preparing for a laboratory test distillationIn short: The relationship with Saybolt leadsto an optimal process control”.Whilst preparing equipment for a nextdistillation, Nils ends: “If customers orcolleagues are interested to see what the PIDlaboratory is all about, feel free to contact usor just pop-by. Also if you have any question,don’t hesitate to call us”.odfjell quarterly 18