In March, our Commercial team had a transatlantic rendezvous at the Leuven Headquarters for an action-packed week of team building and strategic planning. The real highlight, though, was our trip to the INOVYN Lillo facility—right at the center of the Antwerp chemical cluster.  

INEOS Inovyn is a major player in Europe’s chemical landscape, supplying products that touch nearly every aspect of modern life. With a longstanding partnership, INOVYN relies on TenForce software to streamline their EHSQ processes across global sites.  

This visit was eye-opening for many of our team, marking their first encounter with a chemical plant. It provided a unique opportunity to witness the inner workings of a chemical facility, helping us to gain a better understanding of the challenges encountered by EHSQ and plant managers, and their teams. We gained valuable insights into the practical application of our software, showcasing how it overcomes the challenges encountered in real-world scenarios. 

Boasting 150 personnel, The INOVYN facility in Antwerp operates a world-scale electrolysis plant, achieving large annual production volumes, focusing on three core products: chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide.  

The site delivers chlorine to industrial clients in the Antwerp chemical cluster through dedicated pipelines. Sodium hydroxide is distributed to numerous customers via pipeline, truck, ship, and sea-vessel. Hydrogen, another key product, is compressed on-site and integrated into a major industrial gas company’s transnational hydrogen network. 

Six memorable observations from our visit 

#1 Security first 

At the entrance we immediately noticed the robust gate control process, highlighting the importance of stringent security measures. With so many workers and contractors navigating through the reception, the need for efficient control systems such as TenForce was clear. A digital solution proves instrumental in simplifying complex contractor management processes, ensuring a secure and streamlined entry. 

#2 Decoding personal protective equipment 

Until we began to clamber into the personal protective equipment (PPE), we hadn’t really considered the variety in sizing or the importance of branding. Once the tour began the significance of this different branding became clear, as it made it possible to visually identify people’s roles at a glance. 

#3 Connecting chemical sites across Europe 

The fact that Inovyn Lillo is connected with other plants throughout Belgium and Europe was a big surprise amongst the group. Many had thought of chemical sites as operating individually. So, it was interesting to learn that beyond the pipes visible on site, others were stretching long distances to connect with other facilities around the Antwerp Cluster and further across Europe.

#4 Pipes, pipes, and more pipes 

Speaking of pipes, the site was filled with them! Along with countless tanks – which was to be expected. However, what made the experience truly remarkable was witnessing the membrane electrolysis process in action. This process takes place in a hall, hidden from view, and it’s not something you think about until you see it for yourself. 

Notably, the electrolysis process involves 18 electrolyzers consisting of more than 2200 single elements, placed at height. With electricity and brine (salt + water), the core products are produced at the anode or cathode through a membrane of the single element. This design is integral to the chemical process: pipes must enter and exit the electrolyzers, and valves and measuring equipment are ergonomically positioned for operation, ensuring the safety of workers. Within the controlled environment of the building, we saw compelling examples of an effective lockout-tagout system! This setup provided a tangible demonstration of the importance of safety protocols in a complex industrial setting.

#5 Art amongst industry 

Discovering small statues and art prints amid the industrial setting was quite a surprise. It added a human touch to an otherwise strict environment, reminding us that even in highly regulated spaces, there’s room for creativity. 

#6 The importance of maintenance

The Lillo site is big, with work ongoing across newer and older areas. What caught our eye is that even in those older areas, everything is exceptionally well maintained. The continued works and plans for the future underscore their commitment to continuous improvement, guaranteeing the site’s sustained longevity and continued relevance in the industry. 

A huge shout-out to Dirk Gyzels for his thorough presentation, engaging tour, and unexpected book signing! Dirk went above and beyond, giving the TenForce team a firsthand look at the practical application of EHSQ software in a real-world industrial setting. This experience deepened our understanding of the software but reminded us of the critical role of safety and efficiency in the manufacturing world.