ABB delivers power and automation system

ABB was selected by Drake Cement in 2008 to be the main electrical and automation contractor (MEC and MAC), and provide a turnkey integrated power and automation solution for the entire site and cement making process. The comprehensive scope of supply includes detailed engineering, design, supply, installation and commissioning, as well as the complete scope of electrical, control and instrumentation products and systems.

Among the many ABB products and systems in the solution are medium and low voltage motors, a low voltage multidrive system, transformers, switchgear, a power factor correction system, instrumentation, emission monitoring system, and the company’s flagship plant automation system, System 800xA.

A key benefit of the ABB solution is the integration of the process automation and electrical automation systems into a common control platform. Based on ABB’s System 800xA extended automation system, the platform provides Drake Cement with full plant integration by also interfacing with the plant laboratory, emission monitoring system, SAP system, and the company’s corporate headquarters in Peru.

The System 800xA provides the plant with a single automation environment for operations, engineering, maintenance and management, and enables seamless collaboration between the various control and information systems. This in turn improves process and energy efficiency, increases equipment availability and plant productivity, and reduces maintenance, engineering and life cycle costs.

Drake Cement’s US$300 million investment is now in full production and is expected to have an operating life of between 50 and 100 years.