Honeywell recently announced the successful completion of the factory acceptance test (FAT) on the contracted control and automation system for the Grootvlei Power Station that is being brought back on-line.
The R281 million contract, which was awarded in August 2005, was for the supply of a distributed control system (DCS). Honeywell supplied its Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) into the project. This covers field instrumentation, basic design, engineering, fire detection, training simulation, actuators, telecommunication systems, installation and commissioning services to the plant.
Michael Eksteen, Honeywell Southern Africa, business development leader - Eskom said: "Eskom's acceptance of the system after rigorous testing and inspection by Eskom's engineers is another milestone on this project for Honeywell.
"We are proud to have achieved the FAT as this is the first power station control and automation solution in South Africa awarded to Honeywell. It is a big breakthrough into the power station market for the company. We were able to deliver the system on schedule and it was delivered to site in the fourth quarter of 2006. Honeywell has successfully installed similar systems in over 1400 power stations around the world."
Honeywell believes it has a great deal to offer in the South African power station sector. Its PKS system provides advanced capabilities such as cyber security, integrated Hart capability and wireless instrumentation to name a few. Advantages for Eskom include the low lifecycle costs, lowest cost of ownership and good investment protection over the lifecycle of Grootvlei. Honeywell claims that the biggest advantage it has to offer to clients is ensuring that their investment is protected with upgrade paths to take advantage of technological advancements, as opposed to a 'rip and replace' philosophy. Honeywell also has many advanced solutions that support process control improvements with tangible economic benefits, operator and asset effectiveness, and business agility.
Jason Whitehead, regional general manager for Honeywell Southern Africa said: "The combination of Honeywell's solutions with our locally-based and international engineering and services team positions us well to support Eskom in its ambitious power programme of the future."
Eksteen continued: "We believe that Honeywell has established a productive and compatible relationship with Eskom, which will grow from strength to strength without a doubt. We believe that our attention to client detail and requirements, our tenacity, coupled with our innovative solutions will make Honeywell one of the preferred suppliers in South Africa of automation and control solutions for the power sector."
For more information contact Jason Whitehead, Honeywell Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 695 8000, hsa@honeywell.com, www.honeywell.co.za
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