Automation technology to be used in infrastructure projects in South America

Metso has been awarded contracts to deliver its automation technology for a hydroelectric plant in Brazil and a dam project in Caracas, Venezuela.

February 24, 2012

Metso will deliver its automation technology to two major infrastructure projects currently under construction in South America: Belo is the world’s third largest hydroelectric plant in Brazil and the TUY-IV project in Venezuela is a dam project aiming to supply water to Caracas. Both orders have been placed together with orders for Metso crushing and screening plants.  

"Automation technologies are gaining in popularity for mining and construction applications as the demand to improve production process efficiency has been increasing due to the scarcity of raw materials and energy sources and their ever-climbing costs. These two orders are good examples that indicate the growing development of this trend," says Product Manager Mikko T. Mäkinen from Metso Automation.

Metso’s scope of delivery to both customers will include complete automation: Metso DNA will control and monitor the primary, secondary and tertiary crushing and the loading area. The plant can be operated by using graphic screens on desktop PCs or local control boxes spread throughout the field.

Metso DNA is an automation system for all functions – process, machine, drive, and quality controls. It also covers information management and mechanical and field device condition monitoring. Metso DNA is scalable from one stand-alone controller to mill- and plant-wide systems in global organizations. 

The 11,233 MW Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant is scheduled to begin commercial operation in January 2015. Delivery to the Venezuelan dam project is scheduled for the first quarter of 2012, and project startup is expected to occur the same year.

Consorcio Construtor Belo Monte is a consortium of 10 construction companies, hired by Norte Energia S.A., for the construction of the Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant. Norte Energia S.A. is the company responsible for the implementation, construction and operation of the UHE Belo Monte project.

Camargo Corrêa Group is one of the largest private business conglomerates in Brazil. The group is a diversified company with operations in infrastructure, engineering, construction, power generation and distribution, public service concessions, real estate, industrial and marine oil and gas. In the industrial sector, the group operates in cement, steel, footwear and textiles. 

Metso

www.metso.com