Mondikraft's Richards Bay mill is to implement some of the latest control system technology to enhance the intelligence of field instruments used in its RB720 project, scheduled for commissioning in the first quarter of 2005.
Profibus PA - with the protocol standard FDT/DTM (field device type/device type manager) - will allow Mondi's planned new version of DCS (distributed control system) software to present diagnostic information about the instruments to the planned maintenance function of the mill. This leads to better quality maintenance, resulting in more reliable systems that are optimally maintained when needed. Additionally, the resulting information boost will assist in verifying the health of the measurements, leading to more reliable monitoring and control of the mill.
The completed system will include in excess of 1300 devices connected to the DCS, making this the largest installation of Profibus FDT/DTM in South Africa.
Having successfully secured the framework contract for the supply of the DCS and instruments for RB720, Endress + Hauser - in partnership with Metso - supplied the Profibus system. Conceptually, it consists of a single centralised computer system (DCS), with networks connecting to the instruments and valves.
The system requires less cabling and engineering than the previous analog/digital approach, but requires a new set of skills to manage and maintain, demanding from the technical support personnel a knowledge ranging from basic configuration to advanced network trouble shooting. Richards Bay Mill has expressed its enthusiasm with regard to putting this new technology to full use, as a measure to secure its performance leadership in pulp and paper production.
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