ABB improves functionality of EPCC’s cement production lines
ABB recently completed an extensive upgrade of the Extended Automation System 800xA to the latest standards at EPCC’s three cement production lines in Saudi Arabia. Outdated hardware and software could impact the plant’s reliability and availability. To avoid unexpected shutdowns and improve the functionality of the cement production lines, EPCC decided to modernize the process control system. The evolution with the latest operating features will help EPCC produce at the highest level of efficiency and quality to meet various international standards.
The scope of supply included the evolution of Extended Automation System 800xA licences, state-of-the-art computer, laboratory and raw meal proportioning system hardware, as well as project management, engineering and site services including training. The modernization follows a previous process control system upgrade of the production lines number one and two in 2003, as well as equipment deliveries for the extension of the plant with line No. 3 in 2005.
The contract was booked in June 2013. Commissioning was completed in December 2013.
The Eastern Province Cement production facility is located in Eastern part of Saudi Arabia at Al Khursaniya, about 165 km north of Dammam where the company is headquartered. The plant started commercial production in 1985 with an annual production of 2.2 million tons of clinker and 860 thousand tons of cement. Today, the annual capacity reaches 3.5 million tons of clinker and 3.7
million tons of cement.
