Zurich, Switzerland, March 27, 2008 – ABB won a $53-million contract from Dubai Aluminum Company Limited (DUBAL) to upgrade electrical and automation systems at the company’s 480-hectare smelter complex in Dubai.
DUBAL operates one of the largest single-site aluminum smelters in the world, having produced approximately 890,000 tonnes of aluminum in 2007. It is one of the largest non-oil contributors to Dubai’s economy.
“ABB’s comprehensive service and product portfolio gives customers like DUBAL the solutions they need to grow capacity while using energy more efficiently,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “Backed by extensive experience and expertise, we are a leading player in the metals industry.”
Under the terms of the contract, ABB will replace 16 high-voltage regulating transformers (rectiformers, used to convert alternating current to direct current) with five larger units, rated at 86 megavolt amperes, to increase capacity and combine two smelting potlines.
ABB will provide design, installation and commissioning services for the project, and dismantle the existing equipment. The delivery includes control and protection systems, 250-kiloampere field-oriented measuring equipment, and upgrades to existing high-voltage cables, low-voltage and control cables, fire detection and fire-fighting equipment.
This order follows a similar contract awarded by DUBAL in 2006. ABB was commissioned to deliver a similar scope of supply for an earlier expansion of this smelter complex.
Commissioning of the new units is scheduled for completion in late 2009.
ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs more than 110,000 people.
