Expereince with technicians from OFRU Recycling GmbH.

CODELPA (Colores del Pacífico) is a company dedicated to meeting the demand for paint products, including water-based synthetic enamels, oil paints, among others. It holds iconic brands within its portfolio, such as CERESITA, SOQUINA, SIPA, CHILCORROFIN, PINMOR, and JOTUN.

(Learn more about CODELPA)

During my time at CODELPA, I had the opportunity to complete my technical internship at the CERESITA facilities. Subsequently, I was transferred to the SOQUINA plant, where I worked as an industrial maintenance mechanical technician. Throughout this period, I was able to gain practical experience, learn, and apply the academic knowledge I had acquired.

Thanks to a recycling project (solvents and solutes) evaluated by the then-Plant Manager of SOQUINA, Claudio García, I had the chance to exchange experiences with foreign technicians, in this case from Germany. They visited the plant to initiate and conduct training for the operation of the distillation equipment of their represented company, OFRU Recycling GmbH.

(Learn more about OFRU) 

Everything was progressing well until the communication aspect arose. Due to my previous technical background as an English-Spanish interpreter, I naturally took on the responsibility of being the communication bridge between the foreign technicians and the local technical team. This role allowed me to learn, apply, and enhance my technical knowledge of new equipment, as well as further test my English proficiency once again.

This is the OFRU distillation equipment, model ASC 300, which has a production capacity within an optimal range of 100 to 160 liters per hour. (Note: The only difference from the actual model is that it features a handwheel valve with manual opening, whereas the real model is equipped with an automatic opening using a pneumatic cylinder.)

This is the equipment already installed in the plant. The general idea is that it takes a mixture of liquid solvents (including a portion of water [not recommended]) and other solid or more viscous substances, which are introduced through suction or negative pressure (using a vacuum pump). The temperature of this mixture is raised, causing the various elements to begin evaporating. Some of these elements include Xylene, turpentine, synthetic and natural resins, which ultimately form the "solids". It should be noted that the evaporation process is not precise; one must monitor the amount of energy supplied to the equipment and the negative pressure for gas extraction, followed by condensation.

As a result, a mixture of solvents is obtained, separated by their density or specific weight. These solvents are then reused in processes mainly for cleaning lines, pumps, and agitation tanks. This leads to more efficient resource utilization, reduces solvent purchases, and allows the reuse of solids in other usable products.

For this equipment to function properly, it requires a supporting unit known as a "chiller" or cooling system. This system provides a constant flow of cold water (if I recall correctly, around 250 liters per hour at 13 - 15°C) to aid in the condensation process at the most prominent bend or tube located at the top of the equipment.

 

In this image, we observe Thorsten Wulf, engaging in a comprehensive explanation of the machine's functions and operational processes. Furthermore, he assumed responsibility for meticulously inspecting the electrical circuits and overseeing the entirety of the installation, ensuring strict adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines. Notably, the distillation equipment's operational procedures can be flexibly programmed to suit the unique requirements and nature of the "raw materials," encompassing a diverse composition of solvents and pigments.

 

 

 

In this context, we find ourselves engaged in an educational exploration of the equipment's components and operational mechanisms, guided by Pascal's expertise. At this juncture, serendipitously, I assume the pivotal role of a communication conduit between the two technical teams, adeptly utilizing my proficiency as an English interpreter to facilitate seamless interactions.

In this instance, we can already witness the involvement of individuals from various departments. At that time, "Rodrigo Fernandez" assumed responsibility for overseeing the equipment's operation, while Christian Ojeda, serving as the Head of the Technical Department, provided support to ensure operational efficiency. This collaboration extended to his team of skilled technicians.

Note: This experience took place at the Soquina plant in January 2015. It's worth noting that some of the individuals mentioned here are no longer with the company, including myself.

Conclusions:
This was a profoundly enriching experience that also fostered the establishment of bonds of friendship and camaraderie with the representative technicians.
Despite working against time constraints to complete the project, the technical team exhibited remarkable cohesion. The project was executed successfully during its initial phase and subsequently fine-tuned based on the recommendations received.