Press Release, Announcement: August 2nd, 2000
Chettinad Cements’ new plant at Karaikal will be the first cement plant in India equipped with medium-voltage drives based on Integrated Gate Commuted Thyristor (IGCT) technology. IGCT, pioneered by ABB, will replace the traditional slip power recovery systems. These new standard drives will offer benefits and advantages including easy operation, easy maintenance, simple trouble-shooting and energy savings. For the first time in the Indian cement industry, all field transmitters, drives and relays for the power system will be able to communicate to the distributed control system on a single Profibus platform. This will facilitate better plant monitoring and control with an easier flow of information for operators, faster fault tracing and reduced cabling cost. ABB is also delivering the LINKman optimization system. By using this knowledge-based solution, Chettinad Cements will be able to achieve continuous process optimization, thus improving the plant’s overall performance. By combining the powerful control techniques available in the LINKman toolkit, engineers will be able to use their experience and expertise to optimize each process -- from kilns and coolers to entire mills. Apart from reaping major benefits like better energy conservation, reduced refactory lining costs, improved product output and higher clinker quality, the Linkman technology will help realize environmental benefits, such as more efficient burning of waste fuel and reduced NOx emissions. In addition, all aspects of the expert system can be displayed, enabling engineers to work on the control strategy. The built-in Neuro-Fuzzy logic enables true optimization as it learns the relationship between key process variables and production operational constraints. The cement plant will also be equipped with ABB’s Advant Controller – a state-of-the-art, high-end process controller. Its high processing capacity and wide-ranging process and system communication capabilities make it the ideal choice for demanding applications. This system includes a PC-based operator / information management station offering information management system, process supervision and interaction in real-time. The order was won against stiff competition from Siemens, Alstom and L&T. The project is due for commissioning in August 2001. By virtue of its long-standing global experience in offering customized packaged solutions and local understanding, ABB’s competencies in providing innovative and value-added solutions will help Chettinad Cements attain greater efficiencies and quality in comparison with present industry levels in India. ABB Pulp, Paper, Metal and Minerals Industries, part of ABB Automation, provides integrated automation solutions, comprehensive services, leading-edge technologies and broad experience to worldwide customers. ABB Automation delivers Industrial IT solutions, including control products, systems, software, instrumentation, analytical devices, meters, robotics, drives, motors and machinery. The ABB Group, parent of ABB Automation, serves customers in power transmission and distribution; process industries; oil, gas, and petrochemicals; building technologies; and financial services. With novel applications, tailored software solutions, growing eBusiness and a fast-expanding knowledge and service base, ABB is building links to the new economy. ABB employs about 165,000 people in more than 100 countries. For further information, please contact ABB Automation Pulp, Paper, Metal & Minerals Division Manish Bhargava, Corporate Communications 110 067 New Delhi, India Tel: +91-11-685 4846 Fax: +91-11- 685 6151 manish.bhargava@in.abb.com