Andhra Paper Limited (APL) has deployed an ABB advanced process control (APC) solution at their Rajahmundry mill’s lime kiln to help reduce the energy requirements of the highly interactive lime kiln production process.
ABB India has integrated their OPT800 Lime APC solution into APL’s existing ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS). OPT800 Lime enables tighter control of the lime production process. In the kraft recovery process, lime mud is calcined into quick lime, which is then further processed to create white liquor. The process being endothermic, a great deal of energy is required in the calcination process and is one of the leading contributors to the mill’s energy costs.
At its core, OPT800 Lime utilises a model of the kiln process to accurately predict process variable interactions and make real-time adaptions to process changes. This leads to smooth and stable pulp mill operation and uniform lime quality while also reducing energy consumption and emissions, increasing reburned lime availability and decreasing residual carbonate variations.
“We are committed to environmentally and socially responsible business practices, and by using ABB’s APC solution, we can optimise the lime kiln operations,” said M Sura Reddy, Senior Vice President, Mill Operations APL.
“This new project for OPT800 Lime in the Indian paper industry allows us to expand our footprint while showcasing our digital solutions,” said Shankar Singh, Global Product Line Manager, Drives, Automation and Digital Solutions, Pulp and Paper, ABB.