SAFETY RETROFIT FOR TOTAL

Pilz is responsible for the risk analysis and detailed studies. We are responsible for the actual installation of the safety retrofit. And for Total Ertvelde, a plant that meets the most recent safety requirements.

Total is an oil and gas company—one of the largest in the world. The French company has nearly 5,000 employees in Belgium, spread across various locations.

In Ertvelde, they have a lubricant filling plant: five mixers, seven filling lines, a central conveyor system, a fully automated warehouse, and loading docks. Safety is an absolute priority that Total takes into account every day. Their goal: facilities that comply with the strictest safety requirements.

Top priority: the conveyor system

For the risk analysis and safety concept, Total turned to Pilz, a specialist in industrial automation. Pilz places a special focus on machine safety and, in addition to products, offers comprehensive services in this area. The risk analysis revealed that the central conveyor system was the top priority.

The other areas of focus will be addressed in subsequent phases. All pallets from the filling lines converge on this conveyor system, where they are then transported to the loading docks or the warehouse.

Various specializations under one roof

Together with Total, Pilz set out to find a partner capable of carrying out the retrofit. We at IMA emerged as the winner. Our expertise in mechanics, control systems, and the actual installation work was the deciding factor. And that combination was essential.

This retrofit was quite complex: the risk-reduction measures to be implemented involved a combination of mechanical structures and electrical systems. We installed the safety guards, integrated the PLC, installed the light curtains and electrical panels…

Weekend Work

We carried out all the preparatory work for this retrofit outside of working hours and on weekends. This allowed us to keep the disruption to Total employees to a minimum, ensuring that production could continue at full capacity. The switchover itself took place between Christmas and New Year’s.

The result of this retrofit for Total Ertvelde is another step toward a plant that meets the most stringent safety standards. And for us: an official partnership with Pilz.