Leveraging 30 years of continuous innovation and reliability, ABB’s updated Freelance 2024 distributed control system (DCS) offers greater plant adaptability, faster and more reliable device communication, improved system security, and seamless data exchange. The updated version ensures futureproof upgrades for existing projects, and easy implementation in new projects.
“Today, more than ever, process industry plants need to be able to adapt quickly to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape with unpredictable market demands and increasing regulations,” said senior vice president of Process Automation Technology, Stefan Basenach. “Freelance 2024 is designed to help plant managers focus on strategic initiatives by simplifying operations and improving system flexibility. It meets current industrial demands, and prepares plants for future technological advancements.”
Freelance 2024 facilitates enhanced connectivity, faster data transfer, more precise control and monitoring of data, together with an improved network performance, leveraging the new PROFINET integration and support of Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (APL).
With its scalability and integration capabilities, Freelance 2024 is designed to help plant operators reduce downtime, while simplifying tasks. NAMUR Open Architecture support via OPC UA ensures secure and more standardised data exchange across various systems and devices, increasing interoperability and simplifying the integration of new technologies. Plant agility is further enhanced thanks to Freelance 2024 controllers, which support Module Type Packages (MTP) for plug-and-play Modular Automation. As plant owners prepare for the next-generation workforce, Freelance 2024 helps bridge the skills gap with an intuitive, user-friendly interface that reduces training time and simplifies engineering, operations and maintenance.
ABB technology for greater circularity in metals and mining industries
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has been selected by GreenIron, an innovative Swedish company working in the mining and metals industries with its patented materials reduction technology, to provide automation and control system solutions for a first commercial facility in Sandviken, Sweden.
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ABB delivered solutions for three substations run by Uganda’s leading utility, Umeme Limited, which manages and operates the state-owned leased electricity distribution network assets.
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The mining industry stands at a crossroads, where embracing innovation is no longer optional but essential. As Mining Indaba 2025 explores the theme of Futureproofing African Mining, ABB emerges as a pivotal player in enabling the sector to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
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As the global population continues to grow, energy demand also rises. ABB can help bridge the gap throughout the renewable power value chain, including consulting, generation, storage, transmission, monitoring, control and optimisation.
Read more...EtherCAT Box modules for confined spaces Beckhoff Automation
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Users of EtherCAT and EtherCAT P Box modules from Beckhoff’s EP and EPP series benefit from 25 years of IP67 expertise in the I/O sector. The broad product range for decentralised distribution of the I/O level directly at the machine or system has been continuously expanded and further developed during this time.
Read more...Integrated solutions power the future of mining ABB South Africa
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ABB has a diverse array of solutions that cater to multiple industry sectors, and especially mining. Mining companies across South Africa are embracing automation and control technologies.
Read more...The impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions ABB South Africa
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ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
Read more...Predictive asset performance management with ABB Ability Genix ABB South Africa
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The ABB Ability Genix APM suite is a comprehensive asset management platform powered by AI, IIoT and model-based predictive data analytics. This enables a paradigm shift towards a more proactive and predictive asset management approach.
Read more...Four ways modern operations control can boost sustainability and efficiency
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
With the growing importance of digital transformation, HMIs and scada have evolved from control panels to vast operational hubs. Next-gen HMI/scada can bring together data, personalisation, and advanced insights to successfully achieve organisational goals, it is important to think about HMI/scada holistically within the operations ecosystem.