Polyvest

In the chemical industry, efficiency and sustainability have become paramount. Evonik has now made a remarkable stride towards digital transformation by successfully completing an ambitious digitalization project at its Marl site, launched as part of the e-DX (Evonik Digital Transformation) initiative. This project aims to simplify processes, save energy, and increase production capacities through the use of modern technologies.

The project was implemented over three years through close collaboration between the Polyvest operations, process engineering experts, and the Smart Operations department. The results are impressive: "Our investment costs ended up being less than two-thirds of the originally estimated amount," reports plant manager Petra Lomme-Roth. "And the savings effects already significantly exceed the investment in the first year." Additionally, CO₂ emissions were reduced by approximately 133 tons per year.

What is What?

e-DX

Evonik Digital Transformation (e-DX) is a comprehensive consulting approach for the structured implementation of digital transformation in production facilities.

APC

Advanced Process Control (APC) is a model-based control technique that calculates optimal operating points and controls process-dependent variables by adjusting process values.

HPG

The High Performance Graphics (HPG) system enables optimal graphical representation of overview images from all parts of the production facilities.

A central aspect of the project was the use of the e-DX method, which focuses on process control, visualization of plant status, maintenance, and data management. Sören Linke, head of the e-DX team, emphasizes: "Especially in the area of process control, significant savings can be realized in production facilities, for example, through improved control techniques using Advanced Process Control, or simply APC."

A group of Evonik employees in front of the Polyvest plant at the Evonik site in Marl, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. — The Marler POLYVEST team that successfully implemented the digitization project.

Explosion-proof portable devices

New APC systems have been introduced in the Polyvest operations, which, among other benefits, reduce ethanol consumption and wastewater costs. Additionally, the production capacity has been increased by 50 metric tons per year through the use of this technology.

The High Performance Graphics System further enhances the visualization of plant control, making work easier for employees. Preventive maintenance measures and the use of digital tools like the "Digital Fingerprint" help to further reduce costs and minimize downtime.

Another advancement is the so-called shift digitalization. It enables on-site employees to work with explosion-proof smartphones and tablets, allowing them to directly integrate the results of their plant inspections into digital systems.

This project demonstrates how digitalization in the chemical industry can not only boost efficiency but also achieve significant cost savings and ecological benefits.

What is POLYVEST?

With POLYVEST, Evonik offers a range of specialty liquid polybutadienes characterized by their low viscosity and resistance to saponification. These products have diverse chemical compositions and are highly reactive due to their unique microstructure. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, such as in the automotive, construction, and electronics industries. The unsaturated polymer backbone of these polybutadienes allows for various cross-linking options, including sulfur vulcanization and oxidative drying. Additionally, the functionalized POLYVEST variants provide further cross-linking possibilities and additional benefits.

Entschuldigung, hier ist die Übersetzung: "Long exposure shot of a group of business people walking in a bright office lobby, fast moving with motion blur, generative AI."

POLYVEST HT is intended for the adhesive and sealant industry. It is used in insulating glass sealants.

POLYVEST Eco

POLYVEST supports the transition to a circular economy and bioeconomy by offering our customers sustainable solutions under the brand name POLYVEST eCO. Through this, Evonik provides liquid polybutadiene products that meet the sustainability criteria established by ISCC, a voluntary certification and recognized standard.