May 5, 2007 - Metso Automation is currently producing a large shipment of Neles control and on-off valves for the new SABIC (formerly Huntsman) 400 000 tpa polyethylene plant in Wilton, UK due to come on stream in late 2007. The plant is being built by Simon Carves (a Punj Lloyd Company), which is based in Cheadle Hulme near Stockport, UK. The project is unique in that Metso formed a technical cooperation with Honeywell and Endress+Hauser to supply both the DCS and peripheral systems along with all the required valves and instrumentation.
A significant factor in obtaining a solution that would satisfy SABIC's needs was the participation of both Metso Automation and Endress+Hauser in Honeywell’s PKS Advantage Program, a collaborative effort to integrate automation suppliers’ products with Honeywell's Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS). The program gives the group the ability to see all process information, and the real condition of the process control equipment on which the control system relies. This is important to the maintenance team’s ability to ensure reliable plant performance.
According to Markku Simula, Vice President, Neles Product Line in Metso Automation: “The SABIC project shows the results of Metso Automation’s participation in Honeywell’s PKS Program, and demonstrates how Neles products can be integrated with automation systems chosen by the customer. It is also an excellent example of how inter-company co-operation can best serve customers with expanded performance benefits in terms of control, reliability and diagnostics.” SABIC's new plant will turn raw gaseous material into polyethylene chips required for the production of everyday plastic and packaging items. Because the process is highly reactive, the Experion R300 will monitor all control valves, motors and diagnostics to identify and rectify potential problems.
Metso Automation specializes in automation and information management application networks and systems, field control technology and life cycle performance services. Its main customers are the pulp and paper industry as well as the power, energy, and oil and gas industries. With 3,300 employees, Metso Automation operates worldwide through sales and customer support units in 34 countries across Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa. In 2006, Metso Automation’s net sales were EUR 613 million. Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2006 net sales of approximately EUR 5 billion.
Its 25, 500 employees in more than 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock and minerals processing, the energy industry and selected other industries.