We come across it regularly in everyday life and yet we barely notice it: PLEXIGLAS®. The material is virtually unbreakable, weather-resistant, easy to shape and can be produced in almost any conceivable colour. The chemical company Röhm has been producing PLEXIGLAS® for nearly 100 years and distributing it to more than 100 countries from its largest production site in Worms.
PLEXIGLAS® is a special type of acrylic glass also known by its chemical term polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). PLEXIGLAS® is available in two versions: as a semi-finished product in the form of sheets and rods, which are usually further processed into many different products, and as a moulding compound used in injection moulding and extrusion processes. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is an important precursor of PLEXIGLAS®. This viscous liquid compound is used to produce building materials, adhesives and paints, among other things.
Previously, Röhm had installed a sensor with tuning fork that signalled when a mobile tank was full. However, the measuring result was often inaccurate and caused additional work: “To know exactly how much could still be filled into a tank, we always opened it and carried out a visual check,” explains Stephan Bettinger, who is responsible for looking after the electronic processes in Worms. With VEGAPULS 6X, that’s a thing of the past: The radar sensors measure continuously and provide an overview of the current level at all times. This allows much more proactive planning of the use of the small storage tanks.
VEGAPULS 6X delivers precise level data from many different tanks. In the outdoor area of the MMA plant, for example, this sensor type measures the levels in two tanks, each 30 cubic metres in size, in which the finished product is stored until it is shipped. As soon as the radar sensor reports that one of the tanks is almost full, the product is finally checked for quality, filled into drums and dispatched.
This radar sensor is suitable for tanks of all kinds. With the numerous process fittings and antenna designs that are available, it can be quickly integrated into the system. And it always delivers precise measuring results, regardless of
Another plus point: the sensor always comes with Ex approval. This means that Röhm uses one and the same sensor model for large storage tanks and for small mobile residue containers. “We now need to keep fewer instruments in stock because of its versatility. This is also an important contribution to optimising our MMA process. Because it enables us to work more sustainably, with less work and lower costs,” says Stefan Bettinger, citing another advantage that comes with using VEGAPULS 6X.