BASF upgrades process controls for flagship integration project

Offenbach, Germany, – BASF is installing Honeywell’s Experion process control system as part of a programme to consolidate two of its largest chemical production plants, located in Ludwigshafen, Germany, into one central control centre.

Under the contract, Honeywell will ensure the site operates seamlessly during the switchover from BASF’s legacy systems. The consolidation project, which began in August 2006 for completion in late 2008, includes project management, project engineering, hardware and software delivery, system upgrades and startup assistance.

According to Honeywell, its Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) will provide BASF with more powerful process control systems and improved human machine interfaces. Integrating the separate control rooms of the two plants into a single control centre will enable BASF to better use the manpower and skills of its operators.

“The solution we’ve delivered enables BASF to use its existing automation units for the next 15 years but allows the customer to benefit from a new generation of operator interfaces,” said Paul Orzeske, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Process Solutions Europe, Middle East and Africa. “In essence, this allows BASF to run a state-of-the-art system without the expense of a totally new system.”

The two BASF chemical plants in Ludwigshafen produce polymer feedstock materials. The German site is the world’s largest chemical production facility, covering ten square kilometers and housing 40,000 employees working from 2,000 buildings, including the company’s global headquarters.