Ammonia technology alliance announced

Yokogawa Electric Corporation and KBR have signed up to a technology alliance for a fertiliser automation package (FAP) that will form part of the ammonia process technology solutions that KBR offers to its customers worldwide. Under the terms of this alliance, KBR will incorporate Yokogawa’s high value-added process control solutions in the FAP.

The fertiliser automation package will couple KBR’s ammonia process technology expertise with Yokogawa’s knowhow in process control systems to streamline work processes, standardise configurations, and simplify product interfaces. Yokogawa will supply the CENTUM integrated production control system, the ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system, and selected solution-based software. KBR will provide knowhow for the enhancement of the distributed control system (DCS) configuration and advanced applications used in operation management, performance monitoring, advanced process control, operator training, and dynamic simulation at fertiliser plants. It is expected that this package will improve plant reliability, reduce energy, increase capacity and improve operator effectiveness in fertiliser plants. Further consolidation of these functions will reduce lifecycle costs for plant control, automation and management systems. Furthermore, it is believed that this alliance will provide measureable economic benefits and lead to improved process performance at fertiliser plants across the globe.

“This alliance is consistent with KBR Technology’s growth strategy for its fertiliser business,” said John Derbyshire, President, KBR Technology. “We are very proud that Yokogawa has agreed to partner with KBR and we look forward to pursuing opportunities to apply the fertiliser package in both our new and numerous existing facilities worldwide.”

“Through our alliance with KBR, Yokogawa is demonstrating its long-term commitment to providing high quality and innovative technology to the ammonia and fertiliser industry,” said Satoru Kurosu, President, Yokogawa Electric International.