Phoenix Chemicals plans to add fifth Siemens control system
15 Dec 2010
Bromborough, UK – Wirral-based chemical and pharmaceutical intermediates manufacturer Phoenix Chemicals is planning to extend its process control work with Siemens Industry Automation to introduce a fifth PCS7 system.
Phoenix manufactures its products to meet the needs of customers across international markets, with a typical example being the production of APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) for the highly competitive pharmaceutical industry.
Since 2002, Siemens has installed four PCS7 systems on various continuous production processes at the company, which now has plans in place to add a fifth system in the near future.
The technology supports Phoenix’s agile approach to manufacturing so that processes can be readily and speedily re-configured for different products. This meets an ongoing need to meet shorter times to market which can be critical in the pharmaceutical environment.
The PCS7 system has also resulted in the reduction in numbers of required operator personnel as remotely-mounted operator stations deliver the same operational solution. The control system has also enabled the business to reduce its ongoing service, maintenance and training needs.
Typical process control automation applications at Phoenix include a wiped film evaporation plant and a multi-reactor API plant, whilst another PCS7 application is dedicated to laboratory work where chemicals are developed in micro-bore piping.
Development and testing of the required applications by Phoenix engineers and process technology staff has meant that the designated applications and subsequent control system solutions have been linked to the company’s business needs. They are also designed to be fully understood by on-site staff.
The approach, said Siemens, has proven beneficial, particularly when further system enhancements have been made, as both testing and documentation can be delivered more effectively.
Profibus digital networks are used extensively on the Phoenix manufacturing site to communicate with intelligent motor drives and field instrumentation - including those installed by other vendors.
