Optimize IT Expert Optimizer to optimize fuel consumption and improve product quality for cement burning and grinding
Baden, Switzerland, June 15, 2004 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announced that it has implemented Optimize IT Expert Optimizer system for the control and optimization of the cement kiln at Cement Australia’s Gladstone Works and the cement mills at the Bulwer Island Works, Australia.
Cement Australia Pty Ltd. (www.cemaust.com.au) is owned 50 percent by Holcim, 25 percent by Hanson (UK based ready-mix and aggregate company) and 25 percent by Rinker (Australian and US heavy construction materials group) and is a result of a merger in 2003.
Optimize IT Expert Optimizer is a computer-based system for controlling, stabilizing and optimizing cement production processes. The principal concept is that Expert Optimizer mimics the actions of an “ideal” cement plant operator, while focussed on achieving particular targets. It implements automatic on-line set point adjustments to achieve the targets.
This project is delivered within ABB’s global frame agreement with Holcim Group for the supply of expert system applications to their cement works globally. This project is the first one completed of several planned in the Australasia region.
The kiln system was commissioned in late 2003 at the Gladstone works, with the cement milling system subsequently commissioned at the Bulwer Island works in Brisbane. Results show that Gladstone now has improved kiln stability, particularly when burning SBF (Solvent fuel). Due to the improved kiln stability and free-lime standard deviation, the free-lime target can now be increased from 1% to 1.5%, which allows a net improvement in energy used per ton of clinker produced. Increases in average daily tonnage have also been achieved. The cement mills are also demonstrating improved production throughput without compromise to the energy consumption or quality.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 113,000 people.