Honeywell secures $4,7 million automation project at cement plant in West Virginia
January 2007
News
Honeywell announced a $4,7 million contract to design and implement the process control system for Italcementi Group's new production facility in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The new system is part of a larger expansion project that will help one of the world's largest cement producers meet growing United States demand while ensuring product quality.
The new system will be modelled after one that Honeywell installed at Italcementi's existing Nazareth, Pennsylvania production facility, which is located not far from the new site. By replicating that process control system, Honeywell will minimise engineering and design costs, as well as costs associated with employee training.
"Cement demand in the United States remains at record levels, and Honeywell will enable Italcementi Group to maximise productivity to meet that demand while minimising cost at the same time," said Guido Chelazzi, Italcementi Group process control manager. "Its local support network, proven track record for project delivery and ability to integrate with its existing systems made Honeywell the obvious choice for Italcementi."
The project includes Honeywell's proven process control and automation platform - the new Experion R300 Process Knowledge System (PKS) - as well as engineering and on-site services. The process control solution will manage the entire cement production process, covering the crushing, pre-blending, dosing and grinding of raw material, the burning phase to convert raw meal into clinker, and the final grinding of the various cement types.
By monitoring processes and equipment at each stage, the system will ensure quality correctness and maximise efficiency, identifying potential issues before they can cause any kind of problems.
"When responding to growing market demand, manufacturers cannot magically increase production levels," said Mark Neas, vice president and general manager of the Americas for Honeywell Process Solutions. "Determining the most effective way to increase output is a complex strategy that involves making processes and personnel more efficient. Experion achieves this by using best-in-class technology to link both."
For more information contact Honeywell Process Solutions, +27 (0) 11 695 8000.
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