LyondellBasell Partners with Emerson to Upgrade Automation at Olefins Plants

Emerson has been chosen by the multinational chemical corporation LyondellBasell to upgrade control systems and software at its Wesseling facility in Germany. The goal of integrating advanced automation technology is to improve the operation of an ethylene cracker and butadiene production plant. Emerson's digital tools and project engineering services will facilitate a seamless transition during the scheduled plant shutdown in 2024.

The Wesseling site serves as LyondellBasell's largest manufacturing facility in Europe. As part of a global initiative to modernize, LyondellBasell is standardizing its control system technology. Emerson was chosen for the project after demonstrating its ability to complete all hardware and software upgrades within the two-week turnaround period.

Emerson will employ its DeltaV™ distributed control system and DeltaV Live software to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the ethylene cracker. The AMS Device Manager software will assist in the startup process and ongoing management of field instrumentation. These advanced automation solutions are expected to significantly reduce engineering time for implementing control strategies aimed at improving efficiency. DeltaV Live software will introduce modern user interfaces to simplify plant management, facilitate early issue identification, and maximize worker productivity.

Throughout the project, virtual DeltaV systems will be employed to support development, testing, and training. A training solution for operators, employing Emerson's MIMIC™ process simulation software, will aid in familiarizing them with the new control system prior to startup. This approach aims to reduce the risk of potential issues and enhance operator efficiency. Emerson's on-site engineers will provide startup assistance and offer consultation on the implementation of modern control strategies.

A range of digital tools will play a crucial role in meeting the project timeline. Emerson's REVAMP software, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, will automate the identification of existing control system code to generate DeltaV system configurations, reducing errors and engineering time. Cloud-based tools will facilitate collaborative project planning and execution, simplifying the design, engineering, and testing phases. Additionally, various digital tools will aid in connecting existing I/O to the new control system.

Emerson is committed to assisting customers in modernizing and digitally transforming their production facilities to achieve operational enhancements. Leveraging AI, machine learning, cloud-based solutions, and Emerson's extensive project expertise will enable LyondellBasell to streamline their control system upgrade, reduce project duration, and mitigate associated risks.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is a multinational chemical corporation founded in the Netherlands but operating primarily in the United States, with its headquarters located in Houston, Texas, and additional offices in London, UK. Renowned as the leading licensor of polyethylene and polypropylene technologies, LyondellBasell plays a significant role in the global chemical industry landscape.