ABB Ability™ based technologies are key ingredients in new greenfield sugar mill and biomass power plant of Mitr Phol Group in Thailand
Mitr Phol Group is the world’s third largest sugar producer and currently operates six sugar mills in Thailand. They plan to build five greenfield sugar plants and a biomass power plant by 2021 as part of the Government’s effort to expand the sugar industry.
Thailand is ranked as the world’s second biggest sugar exporter after Brazil. In order to grow exports, the Thai government has approved the building of 12 new sugar factories and has issued licenses for some of the current mills to upgrade their capacity.
The Mitr Phol Group has chosen ABB Ability™ technologies to help meet their goals of plant reliability and availability. ABB will deliver products that will enable total control of the processes at the sugar plants and biomass power plant, providing precise operational information to make the right decisions at the right time.
ABB low-voltage motors and ACS880 multidrives will be installed and controlled by ABB Ability™ System 800xA. The new technology of individual (pinionless) AC drives will be installed on each rolling mill, enhancing the ability to transmit power independently to each mill, allowing greater control and higher system efficiency. This innovative solution helps reduce initial investment, maintenance costs and increases energy savings at the same time. The first plant built will serve as a model for other future plants and is expected to start operations in early 2019.
ABB’s partner, Real Soluplus Company Limited, an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) company will supply the 24 ABB motors and four multi-drive cabinets as well as support installation and commissioning of the equipment.
ABB’s reputation as world class manufacturer was a key factor that led the Mitr Phol Group to select ABB products,” said Siroth Leerasetthakorn, Deputy Managing Director, Real Soluplus Company Limited. “ABB’s local and experienced service team and quick access to spare parts were also considered important aspects in their decision.”
“This delivery marks a significant entry of ABB’s advanced automation into the food and beverage industry, specifically the sugar segment,” said Prasit Kantakul, ABB’s Manager for Industrial Automation in Thailand. “Digitalizing Mitr Phol’s plant operations with ABB Ability™ solutions will help drive gains in plant performance, productivity, efficiency and safety.”
