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ABB completes upgrade of EPCC’s cement production lines in Saudi Arabia

Published by , Editor - Hydrocarbon Engineering
World Cement,


ABB recently completed an extensive upgrade of the extended automation system 800xA at Eastern Province Cement Company’s (EPCC) plant in Al Khursaniya, Saudi Arabia, about 165 km north of Dammam where the company is headquartered. The plant has a production capacity of 3.5 million tpa of clinker and 3.7 million tpa of cement.

EPCC decided to modernise the process control system in order to avoid unexpected shutdowns and improve the functionality of the cement production lines. The upgrade, complete with the latest operating features, will help EPCC produce at the highest level of efficiency and quality to meet various international standards. The contract was signed in June 2013 and commissioning was completed in December 2013.

The scope of supply included the upgrade of extended automation system 800xA licences, state-of-the-art computer, laboratory and raw meal proportioning system hardware, as well as project management, engineering and site services including training.

“ABB has completed the final upgrade onsite in record time during the planned maintenance shutdown of the plant,” said Mohammad Arif Khan, Electrical and Instrumentation Manager at EPCC. “The excellent teamwork between EPCC and ABB engineers made it possible to meet this challenge.”

The modernisation follows a previous process control system upgrade of the production lines no.1 and no.2 in 2003, as well as equipment deliveries for the extension of the plant with line no.3 in 2005.

“ABB‚s process automation solutions will allow EPCC to achieve optimal operational conditions,” said Albert Braun, ABB’s Market Segment Manager for Cement. “Our well established relationship with the customer, combined with ABB’s long-term experience with the cement production process, were major factors for winning this order.”

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/27032014/abb_completes_upgrade_of_epccs_cement_production_lines_in_saudi_arabia_959/

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