ABB, a global technology company, has won an order to build a fully integrated electrical and industrial automation system for a greenfield pulp and paper mill located in Turmut, New South Wales, Australia. The contract, valued at US$ 35 million, was placed by Visy Paper, of Melbourne, Australia. The mill, which will have a production capacity of 250 000 t a year of unbleached pulp and paper, is scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2001.
Under the terms of the contract, ABB will supply a complete process automation system. This consisting of electrical motors and drives, sensors and instruments to measure variables such as paper thickness, and a process automation and control system that allows the customer to monitor all aspects of the pulp and paper process on a computer screen in realtime. ABB will also deliver the complete electrical installation for the plant, and is responsible for installation, commissioning and project management for the entire delivery. In addition, ABB will supply a power generation system, including an industrial steam turbine from its ABB Alstom Power joint venture.
The order is the largest ever for ABB's SmartPlant system, which monitors the mill's performance and automatically recommends changes to improve performance. The system can also implement the performance improvements automatically.
By allowing the customer to easily monitor and control the entire industrial process, ABB's automation system improves product quality, plant efficiency and safety. The system will also allow Visy to monitor air and water emissions in order to meet strict environmental regulations. In addition, ABB's 'open' automation software platform means Visy can link the new mill with software systems in other parts of their company - including systems from other suppliers - as well as with customers and suppliers, to achieve a fully-integrated business system.
In light of Visy's Australian content policy, Australian manufacturers and sub-contractors will be given the opportunity to participate wherever commercially possible.
ABB is the world's largest supplier of process automation systems for the pulp and paper industry and delivered products, systems and services to this sector in 1998 with a value of some US$ 1 billion.
ABB serves customers in power transmission and distribution; automation; oil, gas, and petrochemicals; industrial products and contracting; and in financial services. Power generation customers are served by the joint venture ABB Alstom Power. The ABB Group employs about 170 000 people in more than 100 countries.
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