The chemical-manufacturing industry has stringent requirements for process equipment. Production efficiency, product quality and operational safety for both on-site personnel and the environment are critical concerns for any manufacturer of specialty chemicals investing in new or better processes. For Sichem, located in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Mussafah Industrial Area, 30 minutes by car from the capital city of Abu Dhabi, and one hour from Dubai, the critical nature of around-the-clock production schedules and the challenging daily timelines common for any oil and gas project have become routine. “We manufacture specialty chemicals like drilling fluids and other chemicals like corrosion inhibitors, surfactants and detergents for use in oil and gas projects in the Middle East region,” said Ashiq Mohamed Salleh, manager of production and maintenance for Sichem. The company’s product line also includes scale inhibitors, scavengers, solvents, antifoams, thinners and biocides. Given the diverse chemicals in the product line and the potential volatility of those raw materials, safety during the production process has been a primary consideration for every aspect of the operation. The Sichem facility houses a range of chemical reactors, blenders and powder-processing agents, along with an extensive warehousing operation and a large purpose-built laboratory. The facility’s many specialized chemical operations require pumps that safely deliver products throughout the process while meeting daily deadlines.
A UAE company turned to air-operated double-diaphragm pumping technology to carefully and efficiently produce chemicals for the oil industry.
10/10/2014
The Sichem facility in the Mussafah Industrial Area uses 10 AODD pumps to transfer chemicals from drums, barrels and bulk containers to the chemical reactors.
The Sichem facility in the Mussafah Industrial Area uses 10 AODD pumps to transfer chemicals from drums, barrels and bulk containers to the chemical reactors.
The security of containment features and variety of elastomer options, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), makes these pumps a good choice for Sichem’s business operations in liquid chemicals.
The specifications and design versatility of the AODD pump adapts to a wide range of liquid chemicals, ensuring safe handling, higher yields, lower operational costs and reliable pump performance—all key considerations in the daily operation of chemical manufacturers like Sichem.
This article appeared in the July 2014 issue of Pumps & Systems magazine.