27-02-2024

LyondellBasell selects Emerson to modernize automation technology at olefins production plants

Global software and technology leader Emerson has been selected by multinational chemical company LyondellBasell to modernize control systems and software at its Wesseling complex in Germany. The implementation of advanced automation technology will help to enhance operation of an ethylene cracker and butadiene production plant. Emerson digital tools and project engineering services will help to ensure a smooth transition during the planned plant shutdown in 2024.

The Wesseling site is LyondellBasell‘s largest manufacturing facility in Europe. As part of a global modernization program, LyondellBasell is standardizing its control system technology. Emerson was selected for the project after demonstrating that it could implement all hardware and software upgrades during the two-week turnaround period.

Emerson’s DeltaV™ distributed control system and DeltaV Live software will be deployed to operate the ethylene cracker safely and efficiently, with the company’s AMS Device Manager software supporting the start-up process and ongoing management of field instrumentation. The advanced automation solutions will significantly reduce engineering time for implementing control strategies aimed at improving efficiency. DeltaV Live software will provide modern user interfaces that simplify management of the plant, enable operators to identify issues earlier and maximize worker productivity.

Virtual DeltaV systems will be used throughout the project to support development, testing and training. An operator training solution using Emerson’s MIMIC™ process simulation software will help operators to familiarize themselves with the new control system prior to start-up, minimizing the risk of potential issues and optimize operator efficiency. Emerson on-site engineers will provide start-up support and consult on the implementation of modern control strategies.

Essential to meeting the timeline will be a range of digital tools that streamline system modernization projects. This includes Emerson’s REVAMP software, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to automate the task of identifying existing control system code to be used in the generation of DeltaV system configuration, eliminating errors and reducing engineering time. Cloud-based tools will support collaborative project planning and execution, streamlining the design, engineering and testing phases, while a range of digital tools will simplify the connection of existing I/O to the new control system.

“Emerson is committed to helping our customers to modernize and digitally transform their production facilities to enable operational improvements,” said Claudio Fayad, vice president of technology for Emerson’s process systems and solutions business. “AI, machine learning, cloud-based solutions and Emerson’s extensive project expertise will all help LyondellBasell simplify their control system upgrade, reduce project time and mitigate risk.”