Refinery upgrades electrical and process control infrastructure

ABB to provide integrated electrical and automation solutions to optimize production at Elefsina refinery in Greece.

By Peter Welander December 31, 2009

Hellenic Petroleum SA has awarded an order worth $26 million to ABB to provide an integrated power and automation system for its Elefsina refinery, west of Athens. The environmentally friendly facility aims to improve its ability to manufacture products in accordance with best-in-class technology and global standards to minimize environmental impact.

ABB says it will design, supply, install, and commission the electrical and automation system to power the refinery. The turnkey electrical solution intends to strengthen the reliability and quality of power to the refinery, while improving energy efficiency and reducing overall electricity consumption and costs. The project is expected to be completed in 2010.

The project scope includes medium-voltage equipment including the latest ZX2 gas-insulated switchgear and ZS1 Unigear air-insulated switchgear. Hellenic wants intelligent low-voltage switchgear and automated power management with load shedding capabilities. All the functions, including refinery process control, will be built on a System 800xA automation platform using IEC 61850 compatible communication networks. Integrating electrical and automation systems on a common platform provides additional benefits including reduced maintenance, engineering, and overall lifecycle costs.

Hellenic Petroleum SA one of the largest industrial groups in Greece and engaged in refining and marketing petroleum products, petro-chemicals, power production, and natural gas. The company operates three refineries in Thessalonica, Elefsina and Aspropyrgos, accounting for nearly 75% of the total refining capacity in Greece.

 

-Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com
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