Emerson to automate glass plants in China

London - Chinese glass manufacturers Zhejiang Changxing Glass Co. Ltd. and Zhejiang Pinghu Glass Co. Ltd. have selected Emerson Process Management to engineer and install digital architecture, automation systems and intelligent field devices in new glass plants in the Zhejiang Province. The projects, claims Emerson, will be the first for plant wide use of FOUNDATION fieldbus in China’s glass industry.

Zhejiang Changxing Glass is investing Euro73 million in its new plant, which went into operation in March, 2008. This plant has a designed capacity of 450 tonnes per day of float glass to meet the rising demand for building materials created by China’s ongoing construction boom. The Zhejiang Pinghu plant is expected to produce 500 tonnes of ultra-thin glass per day, starting in June 2008, from a total investment of Euro55 million. Ultra-thin glass is used for LEDs and other electronics applications.

According to Emerson, its PlantWeb architecture with FOUNDATION fieldbus will provide installation savings and improve product output and quality through digital reliability and functionality, measurement accuracy and advanced diagnostics from the intelligent field devices.

“Emerson was chosen as our main instrument supplier to take advantage of its advanced fieldbus technology, high quality products, and the excellent integration capabilities of Emerson’s technical personnel,” said Zhejiang Changxing project manager, Yang Kuang. “In addition to project and commissioning advantages, we expect digital automation to give us sustained operations and maintenance advantages.”