ABB delivered advanced automation and digital technologies to Votorantim Cimentos as it embraces Industry 4.0 in cement to simultaneously optimize production and decarbonize operations.
Digital solutions ABB Ability Expert Optimizer and ABB Ability Knowledge Manager were recently installed in Votorantim Cimentos’ plants in Spain, Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco with proven impacts for enhanced productivity, streamlined processes, reduced maintenance and energy savings.
Expert Optimizer, deployed in Votorantim plants since the 1990s, ensures optimization of the complete process and reduces emissions significantly while Knowledge Manager helps in standardizing and ensuring consistency in collecting and analyzing laboratory data across the plants.
Expert Optimizer will minimize energy costs while maximizing the use of alternative fuels and at the same time maintaining and improving the quality of the product. Working closely with Votorantim in engineering and project management, ABB also provided the Expert Optimizer RMP module to the raw mix to enhance the quality of raw material products going to the kiln. Regarding cement, discrete lab data is combined with continuous process data to optimize production while maintaining cement quality.
“Votorantim Cimentos has committed to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030,” said Juan Antonio Gimenez Soriano, maintenance and sustaining CapEx manager, Votorantim Cimentos Europe, Asia and Africa Region. “We are increasing our efforts to drive energy efficiency to meet our emissions targets. With the recent ABB installations showing better than expected results, our other plants are also pushing for the implementation of the ABB solutions.”
ABB has the expertise to ensure higher efficiency in the cement industry using tailored processes and laboratory reporting products. The variability of the feed and fuel will be optimized with the main aim to save money for the plant. During all this, the emissions will be controlled and reduced making the process more environmentally friendly.
