Valmet to modernize automation at olefin production facility in Finland
Valmet will modernize an automation system at Borealis Polymers Oy's olefin production facility in the Kilpilahti industrial area in Porvoo, Finland. Valmet's delivery is part of a project in which Borealis will invest EUR 40 million to modernize the olefin unit processes at its Porvoo production facility. The investment will improve the unit's performance by increasing propylene production capacity and enhancing energy efficiency. The project is expected to be finalized during the third quarter of 2017.
The order is included in Valmet‘s third quarter 2016 orders received. The modernized automation system will be commissioned in October 2017.
Valmet‘s delivery includes the final stage in the modernization of the existing Valmet DNA automation system in the olefin unit. During the work, over 20 years old process connections will be replaced with new ones.
“The replacement project requires a lot of installation work. But we can carry it out during a short shutdown since we have prepared the work well and use thoroughly tested installation modules. The replacement work and installation modules were tested in one input/output (I/O) cabinet with good results, in the spring of 2015. Most technical details about the process connections were solved earlier this year during the basic engineering phase which Borealis acquired from Valmet before placing the main order. This planning made it easier for us to start the project right after receiving the order,” says Kari Karppinen, Sales Director, Automation, Valmet.
Technical information about the delivery
The Borealis project is the first one in which new Valmet DNA ATEX process connection units are being used. A total of about 2,000 units will be installed into the system in addition to 1,000 normal process connection units. The process connections will be modernized in 35 data IO cabinets.
Valmet will test the installation modules and I/O units thoroughly before delivery. Process and control stations as well as system maintenance equipment needed in the test environment will be built into virtual servers. The test equipment will be built for three test groups that operate side by side.
In addition to the equipment, installation and commissioning, the delivery includes a high degree of engineering. I/O circuit diagrams of the process connections will be renewed. The I/O cabinets will be modernized. However, the I/O cross connections will remain as they are with the help of I/O adapters.
