Customer story: Cement plant implements MPC platform

Buzzi Unicem USA has deployed ABB’s MPC based Expert Optimizer platform at their Signal Mountain cement plant near Chattanooga, TN.

By Control Engineering Staff February 6, 2008

Buzzi Unicem USA has deployed ABB’s MPC based Expert Optimizer platform at their Signal Mountain cement plant near Chattanooga, TN. This new system now controls the vertical raw mill and cement mill, helping alleviate production bottlenecks in both of these process steps.

Part of a larger plant upgrade project, Buzzi began the installation in September, 2007 and had the system fully commissioned about a month later. ABB reports that both the raw mill and cement mill increased production after the installation, helping improve areas that had historically caused a drag on production. This has translated into an increase in clinker production. Expert Optimizer has also improved process stability by providing a more consistent feed to the kiln.

Both the raw mill and cement mill increased production after the Expert Optimizer installation. Expert Optimizer’s MPC technology helped reduce restrictions by improving the mills’ performance. Scott Henninger, production manager at Signal Mountain reports, “We’ve been really pleased with how the installation went and, of course, with the outcome. Having Expert Optimizer installed with its MPC has been a real improvement to production and the business.”

ABB’s Expert Optimizer advanced process control software helps customers achieve continuous process optimization. Part of ABB’s collaborative production management suite, it coordinates the setpoints of the different parts of the process and immediately detects deviations across an entire operation. By expertly applying MPC, Expert Optimizer is able to stabilize and then optimize the process, which helps plant management to reach profitability and sustainability goals.

—Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com , Process & Advanced Control Monthly Register here and scroll down to select your choice of free eNewsletters.