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Midland Engineering, Limited (MEL) is experienced in
providing technical guidance, operator training, safety
reviews, and environmental assistance to process plant
owners and operators. This is a brief overview of our
services for ethanol plants.
MEL Statement of Qualifications for
Ethanol Plants
Technology and Due Diligence
MEL has carried out technical evaluations for new ethanol plants in six
states. These plants were designed to produce ethanol from
various feed stocks, including corn, wheat, and waste
cellulose biomass. In the rapidly changing world-wide
ethanol market, staying abreast of the latest technical
improvements - without getting too far ahead - can be a tricky balancing act. MEL engineers
evaluate your selected technology from the grain silo to the
final
ethanol product, and give you a complete report.
Ethanol is very flammable over a wide range of
concentrations in air. Because ethanol vapor is heavier than
air it presents unique safety concerns. Ethanol plants are
inherently dangerous. Ethanol is also
toxic and hazardous. Worker protection and asset
preservation are two major concerns for plant managers and
the local community. Additionally, the federal OSHA
regulation 29CFR1910.119 requires that a Process Safety
Management program be instituted where quantities of
designated chemicals exceed certain limits. Virtually all
ethanol plants are within the provisions of this statute
which requires that facilities having at least 10,000 pounds
of flammable material have a PSM program. In the case of
ethanol, 10,000 pounds is equivalent to less than 2,000
gallons.
MEL has instituted hundreds of PSM programs for clients, and
has audited existing PSM programs for compliance with the
OSHA regulation. MEL's PSM experience includes ethanol
plants as well as many other hazardous facilities.
Protection of the environment is on everyone's mind. In
fact a major case for the production of ethanol as a
gasoline offsetting fuel is based on better air quality,
with consequential benefits on the greenhouse gas issue.
However, every industrial and agricultural operation
generates by-products and wastes which must be managed
responsibly. Ethanol plants are no exception. Complying with EPA,
state, and local regulations can sometimes be a time
consuming effort.
MEL engineers have been instrumental in reducing discharges
to the environment - air, water, and land - for many years.
We focus on the proactive approach of reducing waste
generation. Optimized operations not only reduce waste
handling and waste disposal fees, but also reduce raw
material and utilities costs. We are also up-to-date with
the EPA regulations and provide audits for regulatory
compliance in all media. |
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Midland
Engineering, Ltd.
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