Transforming Industries: Insights from eChemExpo 2024 on Decarbonization and Asset Integrity

Panel 1: Industry Trends in Decarbonization

The decarbonization panel was introduced by Steve Smith, Planning Team Chair at Eastman Chemical Company, followed by a safety moment shared by Don Elswick of Elsmart Associates. Lisa Lambert, Manager of Global Natural Resources at Eastman, moderated the discussion. Panelists included Peter DeWitt from Armstrong International, Robert Swim from Rockwell Automation, Eryn Devota from Siemens Digital Industries, Deanna Haines from Honeywell, and John Richmond from MarqMetrix, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific.

During her introduction, Lisa Lambert highlighted Eastman’s commitment to decarbonization, including their operational recycling facilities and expansion plans. Eastman, which recently began operating a recycling facility at its Kingsport headquarters, is currently working to establish another plant in France and a third one in Texas, she said. She expressed the collective effort in the industry: “Industrial companies are all on these pathways, and we are all trying to figure out how to get there.” Emphasizing the collaborative nature of these efforts, she added, “We as peers need to talk to each other. The exchange of ideas is crucial for our decarbonization journey.”

Peter DeWitt, Director of the Circular Thermal Business Unit, Armstrong International, shared details about Armstrong’s various efforts, saying there is a thermal decarbonization roadmap for every company. The first step to improve decarbonization is to study and evaluate a company’s impact, he said.

Robert Swim, Chemical Industry Manager of North America, Rockwell Automation, told attendees that the chemical industry is one of the top industries in CO2 emissions. Moving forward, Swim shared insights on how companies can support sustainable manufacturing, including smart devices/assets, process control and energy monitoring software, digitalization, and energy as a service/consulting. It is important for companies to determine where they are today and whether they have laid out a roadmap or initiated plans for the future, he added.

Eryn Devota, Head of Sustainability, Siemens Digital Industries, who spoke about scaling sustainability, said, “Chemical companies are under pressure to tackle key sustainability trends.” Siemens recommends companies develop a digital twin, which Devota said enables greater sustainability in the chemical industry and a way toward decarbonization.

Deanna Haines, Director, Innovation Leader of Sustainability, Honeywell, spoke of the company’s tools to improve decarbonization, and shared information about the company’s Rebellion camera, a real-time ammonia detection camera, and software to evaluate carbon footprint. Honeywell has developed strategies to accelerate the journey toward decarbonization, Haines said.

John Richmond, Senior Sales Manager, MarqMetrix (part of Thermo Fisher Scientific), shared information on MarqMetrix’s use of Raman spectroscopy and how it is used in decarbonization projects by monitoring and evaluating molecules.

The moderator said she was encouraged by Wednesday’s panel discussion and appreciated hearing how other companies are working to improve decarbonization.

Panel 2: Industry Trends in Asset Integrity

Georgia Niccum, Group Leader of Asset Integrity Programs at Eastman, led the second panel which included Dave Long from Worley Consulting, Thomas Mander from Baker Risk, Martin Gough from CalGavin, and Chris Roberts from Hargrove/Tormond. They discussed integrating safety and sustainability into asset management and operational integrity.

Georgia Niccum underscored the need for prioritization and effective resource allocation in asset integrity, stating, “If everything’s important, then nothing’s important. You have to prioritize and maximize resources.” She also emphasized the role of new technologies in making these processes more cost-effective.

Niccum said she took away a few things from the discussion, including the utilization of artificial intelligence and digitalization “to do this in a more cost-effective manner.”

One audience member asked where asset integrity will be in 30 years. Niccum later said her hope is that things get better. “Asset integrity is one of the key pillars of safety,” Niccum told the audience.

Thomas Mander said his company provides testing and investigative services regarding the design of buildings and how they could become impacted by various risks, such as explosions. “I get to build things and then blow them up,” Mander said. During the discussion, Mander said he also works with existing factories to determine how to improve and upgrade the safety of the structures. Practices include limiting occupancy of older facilities, moving people from hazards, and preparing for such incidents, Mander said.

Dave Long, a consultant, said one of his goals is to manage assets through lifecycles.

Martin Gough, who traveled from the United Kingdom, spoke briefly about how companies can learn from catastrophes. New companies and plants should not run into such predicaments due to new policies, he told the audience. With an increase in the use of hydrogen, Mander said he would not be surprised if an incident were to occur in the next decade. Long, however, said he hopes things continue to improve.

Georgia Niccum asked the panel about people getting involved in asset integrity and mechanical integrity. “Wear as many hats as you can,” said Chris Roberts, who added that those getting into the business should also be comfortable with telling people they do not know and look for an answer. “Be adaptive,” Long said. “Things are going to change.”

Georgia Niccum said she appreciated the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with others in the industry.

The day wrapped up with attendees visiting the exhibition hall, where approximately 150 companies showcased innovative tools and products, previewing the technological advancements poised to influence the future of the chemical industry. Wednesday’s activities also included a preview of the exhibits, which included numerous companies represented during the eChem Expo.

The sharing of ideas, tools, and solutions continued Thursday. New technologies were on display in the exhibit hall, four more panels shared ideas, and five new tracks allowed attendees to continue to discover what others are doing.