Emerson Digitally Automates Guixi Copper Smelter in China

Emerson Process Management has engineered, installed, and commissioned PlantWeb digital architecture for advanced automation of Jianxi Copper Company’s expansion of its Guixi Smelter in Jiangxi Province, China. The smelter’s annual production capacity will be increased by 300,000 tons of copper and 800,000 tons of sulphate.

Emerson’s PlantWeb architecture networks the Guixi Smelter using FOUNDATION fieldbus communications technology. The network of digital intelligence includes Emerson’s DeltaV digital automation system and AMS Suite with Intelligent Device Manager. The AMS Device Manager monitors smart fieldbus instruments continuously, and provides personnel with the diagnostic information.

“Emerson’s leadership in FOUNDATION fieldbus and the AMS Device Manager predictive maintenance software was a principal factor in their being selected as automation supplier for our Guixi Smelter expansion,” according to Mr. Youheng He, Engineering Director of Engineering & Construction Department of Jiangxi Copper. “Our successful project and start-up has shown that we made an excellent choice, as Emerson has added to its excellent track record of bringing value to companies in the mining and metals industry.”

Automation engineering took place at Emerson’s Pudong Engineering Centre near Shanghai. Emerson technicians worked with smelter personnel to integrate the DeltaV system with Rosemount instruments, Fisher valves and FIELDVUE digital valve controllers, and the AMS Device Manager. Emerson was also responsible for final acceptance testing of all products and systems, control system configuration, training, and other on-site services.

“Expanding the Guixi Smelter is a very important project for Jiangxi Copper Company, given the growing worldwide demand for this metal and its by-products,” commented Mike Train, president of Emerson Process Management Asia Pacific. “Equally important is having dependable operations to maintain production in the smelter without unexpected stoppages. Our PlantWeb architecture is known throughout the world for bringing value to process companies by increasing their product quality, throughput and reliability while reducing costs for downtime, maintenance and energy.”