ANDRITZ AUTOMATION
PROFILE
ANDRITZ Automation combines automation know-how with in-house expertise in process and mechanical design to develop unique customer-oriented automation products that meet customers’ technical and economical requirements. Complete automation systems from one source enable short start-up times and the smooth operation of ANDRITZ plants and technologies.
The global network consists of the Automation Solutions division as well as the automation units ANDRITZ HYDRO Automation, ANDRITZ METALS Automation, and the electrification and automation specialists in the PULP & PAPER, ENVIRONMENT & PROCESS, as well as FEED & BIOFUEL business areas.
ANDRITZ AUTOMATION:
Global network with approximately 1,000 engineers at 67 locations in 24 countries worldwide.
Global network with approximately 1,000 engineers at 67 locations in 24 countries worldwide.
The Automation Solutions division was established in late 2007 and provides simulation models, advanced process control technologies, and special sensors to improve customer plants as part of comprehensive lifetime services.
PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENTS
In 2008, the ANDRITZ Automation network continued to develop and implement new instrumentation and advanced process control solutions for the pulp and paper, mining, chemical, and glass industries. These developments are designed to achieve higher production rates, increased quality, and lower energy and operating costs, thus maximizing profitability of customer plants. SpectraVision™ optical sensors were introduced to measure fiber and pulp properties continuously and in-line without a complicated and separate sampling system. The ANDRITZ Process Control System, a DCS adapted to ANDRITZ processes, was developed and successfully implemented on three pulp lines in China.
ANDRITZ HYDRO Automation develops innovative digital protection, excitation, and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems with ergonomically optimized solutions for operators in power stations. The development of the new excitation system, THYNE1, was completed with the successful commissioning of two systems in Italy and Austria.
In the ENVIRONMENT & PROCESS business area, controls for filter presses, belt presses, and centrifuges were developed and successfully introduced to the market. Automation modules for belt dryers were standardized with reliable sensors and controls.
For the FEED & BIOFUEL business area, ANDRITZ Automation developed a new generation of automation modules. A unique hardware and software platform for single machines and total plant process controls was developed. The product features excellent ability for modularization and scalability and allows easy adaptation to customer requirements.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
ANDRITZ Automation successfully finalized the commissioning and start-up of three complete tissue plants with integrated automation solutions for process control, drive system, hydraulic system, and quality control system at ICT, Poland; KISA, Sweden; and FRIPA, Germany.
A major rebuild of a pulp screening, dewatering, and drying line with bale finishing was performed in minimum shutdown time at Celbi, Leirosa mill, Spain. ANDRITZ Automation supplied a power distribution system, drive system, and motor control center (MCC) for the entire pulp drying line and the integrated automation system BaleMatic™ for cutter, layboy, and baling line.
A pulp drying automation system with cutter control was handed over to Sappi Saiccor, Umkomaas mill, South Africa.
At the paper mills UPM Schongau, Germany, and Perlen, Switzerland, SpectraVision™ optical sensors in closed control loops were installed to continuously optimize the fiber and pulp properties.
A successful start-up of a pulp drying plant with BaleMatic™ for cutter, layboy, and baling line occurred at Hunan Tiger Forest and Paper Group, Huaihua mill, China.
Significant improvement of overall plant operation was achieved at the Brazilian Veracel pulp mill through the installation of a PulpDrying ACE™ solution. This advanced control and optimization solution helps to reduce downtime during pulp threading, optimize pulp flow, optimize steam flow, and reduce moisture variation after the dryer.
In the mining business, the use of IDEAS software for process design continued at BHP Billiton, the largest diversified resources company in the world. Several mining companies in Chile and Canada used the BrainWave® advanced control systems to optimize their SAG (Semi-Autogenous Grinding) mills and flotation circuits. Oil sand treatment in Canada continues to be a strong business for ANDRITZ, with companies choosing to use the IDEAS simulator to assist in the design of several new plants. Design work using the simulator began on the long-term PetroCanada Fort Hills oil sands project.
In the METALS business area, several important milestones were achieved in 2008 on projects involving process technology and AEI (Automation, Electrification, and Instrumentation). This included the first coil production on processing lines at Lianzhong Stainless Steel Corporation, China and North American Stainless, USA, as well as final acceptance certificates at Jiuquan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd., China and at OJSC Novolipetsk Steel, Russia.
Complete automation systems for municipal sludge drying plants were started up in Ashford and Tilbury, UK. The Changi, Singapore drum drying plant with the largest redundant PROFI bus system (1,200 nodes) in the Far East was successfully handed over to the customer in mid-2008.
IMPORTANT ORDERS
ANDRITZ HYDROAutomation received several orders for projects worldwide, including large control systems in Turkey and India, a SCADA system in Italy, protection systems in Austria and Germany, and large excitation systems in Asia. The existing excitation business with one of the leading suppliers of thermal power plants worldwide was successfully expanded.
In the METALS business area, Jindal Stainless Steel Limited ordered a hot-rolled strip annealing and pickling line with an inline reduction rolling mill, as well as a cold-rolled strip annealing and pickling line with three inline reduction rolling mills and one inline skin-pass mill for Hisar, India. ANDRITZ METALS Automation will deliver the process automation and instrumentation, and coordinate the overall electrification.
Wuhan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., China ordered a new electrolytic galvanizing process section for which ANDRITZ METALS Automation will supply the complete electrification of the process.
ANDRITZ METALS Automation will supply the complete AEI (Automation, Electrification, and Instrumentation) for a new electrolytic galvanizing line at Tianjin Tiantie Metallurgical (Group) Corporation Steel Plate Co., Ltd., and for a new continuous pickling line and cold rolling mill at Baoji Titanium Industry Co. Ltd., both in China.
ANDRITZ METALS Automation was able to further improve its position as a leading supplier of automation systems for cold rolling mills. Orders in the strategic markets of China and India covered the total plant control with AGC (Automatic Gap Control) and AFC (Advanced Flatness Control) for two 20-high rolling mills at Baoji, China and Jindal Stainless Steel Limited, India.
Level 2 automation and advanced technology packages for rolling mills were ordered for the modernization of ArcelorMittal stainless steel mill, Belgium.
Palm GmbH, Aalen, Germany entrusted the Automation Solutions division with the modernization of the deinking plant’s DCS and automation technology. A special service concept ("On-the-Fly" upgrade) will be employed to minimize production interruptions.