Veracel Celulose, a joint venture between Aracruz Celulose of Brazil and Scandanavian-based Stora Enso Oyj, has awarded Invensys Systems Brazil a multimillion dollar automation contract to supply Foxboro I/A Series automation systems plus advanced process control applications and associated services for Veracel's grassroots 900 000 metric ton per year bleached eucalyptus pulp mill now under construction in Eun polis in the State of Bahia, Brazil. The plant, which will be the largest single-line mill of its kind in the world, will incorporate state-of-the-art process equipment, fully automated process control systems, and advanced environmental protection installations.
"This is clearly one of the most significant grassroots pulp mill projects to emerge in many years," said Rick Haythornthwaite, Invensys' CEO. "Invensys is honoured to have been selected to participate in the project as automation vendor. In this capacity, we are fully committed to helping Veracel meet their ambitious schedule for start-up and, once the mill is commissioned, to help maximise production efficiencies."
As automation supplier for the Veracel pulp mill project, Invensys will provide the latest Foxboro control technology. This includes a large I/A Series system with all stations linked via a high-performance Switched Ethernet backplane in a high-availability 'mesh' network configuration.
Veracel's I/A Series system will also utilise Foxboro's latest Windows XP workstations, new high-performance controllers, and HART field communications with remote I/O. More than 7500 I/O points and 20 000 communication points will be integrated into the system.
Invensys' advanced process control (APC) solutions for pulp mill applications will be used to maximise performance, minimise emissions and reduce costs. Several of these applications will incorporate powerful Connoisseur multivariable predictive control (MPC) technology from Invensys' SimSci-Esscor unit. Connoisseur is a comprehensive suite of APC software that allows on-line data collection and analysis and offers realtime adaptive control to help users obtain peak performance from their operating units.
Invensys was selected for this important project based on its robust and well-proven control technology, advanced pulp mill applications, and strong local presence in Brazil. The mill is scheduled to commence production by mid-2005. All of Veracel's pulp production will be based exclusively on its own sustainable managed eucalyptus plantations. Wood from native forests will not be used, but will be preserved to ensure a balanced ecosystem in the planting regions.
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...Africa Automation Indaba 2026
News
A bold new chapter in Africa’s industrial evolution begins with the launch of the Africa Automation Indaba, set to take place from 13 to 14 May 2026 at the prestigious Radisson Collection Hotel in Cape Town.
Read more...EtherCAT Technology Group holds another Plug Fest
News
Recently, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) once again invited its members to a Plug Fest, this time specifically targeting developers and manufacturers of devices with Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) functionality.
Read more...BMG powers up at Nampo 2025
News
The BMG team was highly prominent at this year’s Nampo agricultural show, held near Bothaville recently. This prestigious event, which is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, is a highlight for manufacturers and suppliers of farming equipment, as well as for farmers, families and the entire community.
Read more...Epiroc rocks youth development programmes
News
Epiroc is not just building equipment - it’s building futures. Through its dynamic internship and learner programmes, the mining equipment and services specialist is shaping South Africa’s next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, industry knowledge and the confidence to launch successful careers.
Read more...Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
Read more...100 years of safety leadership
News
DEKRA Industrial and its adult-based education and occupational skills training division, the Institute of Learning (IOL) will showcase a milestone at A-OSH 2025, as the company celebrates DEKRA Global’s 100 years of safety leadership.
Read more...Drakenstein Municipality aces Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Impact Award Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Drakenstein Municipality in the Western Cape has won a Sustainability Impact Award for Schneider Electric’s Anglophone Africa region, shining the spotlight on its unwavering commitment to sustainable leadership and its forward-thinking approach to ensuring a sustainable future for its coming generations.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version