Modernisation of specialty chemicals plant

AkzoNobel Functional Chemicals is modernising its production facility in Herkenbosch (NL) using Emerson Process Management’s DeltaV™ digital automation system Version 11. The plant manufactures specialty chemicals.
 

The entire scope of this project includes modernizing the process control of 7,000 I/O by replacing outdated PLCs. The first phase of the project includes 600 I/O for batch–related processes to ensure S88 compliance, along with 250 I/O devoted to Emerson's DeltaV SIS™ process safety system for plant-wide safety management.

The “built for purpose” functionality of the DeltaV system takes advantage of the open standards of commercially available products (such as switches) and then adds functionality that allows the components to function like other parts of the system with plug-and-play capability and full lifecycle support. The integrated batch functionality and safety system further improves the safety and reliability of the plant.

AkzoNobel worked jointly with Emerson Process Management to modernize the plant, which was built in the 1950s and currently runs on a PLC-based control system.

“The DeltaV system will help AkzoNobel in Herkenbosch to meet tomorrow's manufacturing needs today. This integrated control and safety system will run our plant with an improved reliability from a process automation perspective,” says Andreas Neumann, director of the Herkenbosch site.
Neumann adds, “The main driver for this investment is to replace the outdated PLC’s together with Emerson. Emerson is the strategic partner for process automation within AkzoNobel,”