INTRODUCTION

A client in the food industry needed to replace a legacy ABB MOD300 distributed control system without stopping production for longer than 12 days.

SOLUTION

Optimation designed a ControlLogix PlantPAx automation system to provide plant wide functionality. A functional specification and sample operator screens were developed in cooperation with the production team. Panels were built in a staging area for operators to be trained using a simulated model of their production environment. Concurrently, Optimation’s electrical installation team installed new conduit and pre-bundled electrical cables in advance of the shutdown window. Once the entire installation team was comfortable with the operation of the system in simulation mode, a round-the-clock dismantlement and install effort including over 35 electricians commenced.

RESULTS

Optimation completed the project on-time and on-budget. The replacement also increased production rate by 5%, more than justifying the cost of the project. The new system allowed faster response in changing over jobs and running campaigns.