Today's Automation News Headlines from Automation.com

July 19, 2011 – Honeywell has been engaged by PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) and the Bien Dong Petroleum Operating Company (BDPOC) to supply an integrated process control system for their new central processing platform currently under construction in Vung Tau, Vietnam. When fully operational by the end of 2012, the platform is expected to contribute significantly to meet Vietnam’s increased gas demands by providing 2 billion cubic meters of gasoline each year and up to 20,000 barrels of condensate daily. BDPOC is a subsidiary of state-run Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam).

Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS) will implement its Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) with C300 Controller and Foundation Fieldbus capabilities to fully automate the facility. Safety Manager will also be installed to improve process-safeguarding protocols, such as emergency shutdowns, fire and gas monitoring, and critical application control. By increasing efficiency and reducing downtime, the platform should be able to reach its optimal production volumes.

“In looking for the best automation system, we knew it was important to look not just at cost-effectiveness, but also the best technology that can survive a really tough environment where it is literally exposed to the elements,” said Phan Thanh Tung, PTSC MC Director. “HPS’ solution offered us the perfect partnership of economy and reliability while positioning us favorably for future expansion and development efforts because we’ll be building on excellence.”

“Given Vietnam’s rising gas demand, the country’s oil producers appreciate the importance of enhanced energy efficiency,” said Kelvin Tam, sales manager, Honeywell Process Solutions. “Using HPS’ technology, BDPOC's gasoline production and storage capacities can be improved and at the same time they should save quite a bit on maintenance costs.”

 Honeywell International is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. Honeywell Process Solutions is part of Honeywell’s Automation and Control Solutions group, a global leader in providing product and service solutions that improve efficiency and profitability, support regulatory compliance, and maintain safe, comfortable environments in homes, buildings and industry.