BeST contracted to provide second advanced kiln controller to PPC

June 2001 News

Business Execution Solutions & Technology (BeST) South Africa, a supplier of integrated and optimised control solutions, has recently secured a contract to supply an optimal lime kiln controller on the No 7 lime kiln at Pretoria Portland Cement's (PPC) Lime Acres factory.

PPC Lime Acres, which has the largest lime plant in the southern hemisphere, has recently upgraded its No 6 and 7 lime kilns with Smith Parsons vertical preheaters, increasing both capacity and efficiency of each line. The No 7 line with its kiln, cooler, and preheater, forms a unit with numerous interacting and complex processes. There exists a need to optimise these plants in terms of production, quality and efficiency within constraints. This is not a simple task due to the multivariable nature of the kiln plant, as well as other process problems such as lags, diffused plug flow, and the fact that the processes can be construed as chaotic.

The optimal advanced control system to be supplied is a nonlinear, multivariable, model-based predictive (MPC) controller that uses as it foundation a unique blend of powerful technology incorporating model based predictive control and expert systems. In addition, the controller borrows from a new generation and patented Optimal Cement Kiln controller, which was developed at the PPC Dwaallboom site. The new controller will allow for production and efficiencies to be maximised, whilst keeping various quality, and other process variables within constraints.

BeST SA

(011) 884 0510

[email protected]

www.bestholdings.com

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