China chemicals maker adds GE Fanuc process control technology

Echternach, Luxembourg –   Chinese energy-to-chemicals group Xinneng Energy Ltd has implemented GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms' recently released Proficy Process Systems at a new dimethyl ether (DME) plant in Zhangjiagang. The 1000-ktpa facility currently operates three production lines with another two lines scheduled to come on line this year.

“Proficy Process Systems easily met our requirements of an affordable price and a commitment to fully support us during system installation,” said Yuantong Ma, Xinneng Energy general manager. “And, because this is built on proven technologies, we can count on the stability of the system as well as limited maintenance.”

Xinneng Energy has installed Proficy Process Systems in a high availability architecture. The system configuration includes a Proficy HMI/SCADA  technology option for its operator consoles, a system server leveraging Proficy historian technology, and redundant processors with reflective memory. The architecture also includes Ethernet I/O networking with racked-based remote I/O leveraging RX3i high availability remote I/O stations.

According to GE Fanuc, its Proficy infrastructure combines the benefits of traditional DCS and PLC/HMI systems, without many of the historic limitations of those approaches. The multi-disciplined PACSystems controllers feature "powerful memory and execution rates, as well as the ability to implement multiple control disciplines and programming languages in a single controller," the vendor claims.

DME is typically used as an aerosol spray propellant, a cryogenic freezing agent when combined with propane, and as a clean burning alternative to liquified natural gas, diesel, and gasoline. DME, which can be produced from methanol, is emerging as an important potential fuel with the increasing use of natural gas, particulalry in South East Asia.