- ABB's Advanced Process Control (APC) technology is set to significantly enhance production efficiency and product quality in methanol production through multivariable model predictive control and intelligent control systems.
- The development of an auxiliary startup and shutdown system for methanol distillation will shorten the startup and shutdown times, optimize production operations, and reduce energy consumption.
- This initiative aims to further improve overall automation levels, lower production costs, and meet the sustainable development needs of enterprises.
ABB has announced a collaboration with Yunnan Dawei Coking Co., Ltd. (short as Dawei Coking) to implement an Advanced Process Control (APC) system in the distillation section of its methanol production facility, aiming to enhance production efficiency and product quality.
Dawei Coking operates a methanol production facility with a capacity of 200,000 tons per year, which commenced operations in 2007. The facility has successfully utilized ABB's Distributed Control System (DCS), enabling real-time display, recording, and alarm functions for key process parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow, and liquid level. This system has significantly improved the operational reliability of the facility.
To further optimize process performance, increase yield and quality, and reduce energy consumption, ABB will introduce its Advanced Process Control (APC) to the facility. The predictive model of the APC can forecast changes in future parameters based on existing parameter variations, allowing for proactive instructions to be issued to related coupling loops for coordinated actions. This approach is expected to reduce the variance of controlled parameters by over 30%, enabling refined control and optimization of production operations while lowering operational intensity and energy consumption.
The implementation of APC is projected to significantly increase methanol yield and reduce steam consumption, further optimizing the production process. Additionally, the volatility of key process parameters will be effectively controlled, enhancing the stability and reliability of production. These results will provide strong support for Dawei Coking in improving production efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Business Manager from Dawei Coking stated, "Our collaboration with ABB has a long history, from the DCS control system to the 'Four Zone Separation' scheduling management platform project, and now to the APC. We have established a solid foundation of cooperation across multiple projects. ABB's deep understanding of our process and rich expertise makes them a trusted partner."
The goal of this project is to further enhance the overall automation level of Dawei Coking's methanol production, stabilize product quality, and reduce production costs to better meet its sustainable development requirements. The development of the auxiliary startup and shutdown system for methanol distillation will also shorten startup and shutdown times and reduce energy consumption during these periods.
Head of ABB Energy Industires Divison, Tony Fan said, "ABB is committed to using automation and digital technologies to help energy industry customers enhance operational efficiency, implement digital transformation, and reduce energy consumption. Through our collaboration with Dawei Coking, we will further promote the intelligent upgrade of the methanol industry, achieving a more efficient and sustainable production model."
China is the world's largest producer and consumer of methanol. In 2023, the production of methanol from coke oven gas accounted for approximately 11% [1] of the country's methanol production capacity. The utilization of by-products from the coking process to produce methanol contributes to resource utilization and reduces environmental pollution, playing a significant role in promoting sustainable development and a circular economy. Both parties look forward to achieving a more efficient and environmentally friendly production model through this collaboration.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and more than 105,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm
(ABB). www.abb.com ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
[1] https://m.sohu.com/a/766227361_730526/
