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Borealis Polymers says it will invest one million dollars in a contract with Honeywell to provide a process simulator to train operatorsin its ethylene factory in Porvoo, Finland.
The UniSim simulator will train operators to take the correct action during normal andexceptional process conditions and avoid unplanned downtime. The system is scheduled for startup in October 2006.
“The Porvoo plantis currently being renovated, so a number of new plant operators willbe trained during the next few years,” says Jari Vettenranta, Borealisproject manager. “The Honeywell simulator ensures that operators arefamiliar with and able to control all the process functions, from beginning to end, as well as less frequent situations. This will greatly help us avoid unexpected events and eliminate disturbances in production.”
UniSim, claims Honeywell, accurately emulates the functionsand dynamics of production plant processes. The simulator user interface functions are identical to those of a plant process control system, with the users’ simulated displays corresponding to actual run situations.
The system will provide Borealis with a double benefit,because in addition to training new operators, it will be used to train the existing operator personnel before the renovated plant goes on stream. Borealis management thinks this is the best way to prepare themfor special situations, and also to help them for the purposes of process research and development.
“Effective control over modern processes imposes exacting requirements on process control systems andoperators alike,” said Paul Orzeske, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Process Solutions EMEA. “Honeywell has pursued a determined policy to invest in process control system development and in enabling operators to exploit the latest automation and process technologies with maximum efficiency.”
Borealis is a provider of plastics solutions and has more than 40 years of experience as a supplier ofpolyethylene and polypropylene products. The company develops products such as food packaging, diapers, appliances, automotive parts, distribution pipes for water, gas and sewage, power cables, sporting equipment and medical devices.
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