Petroleum Africa
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Wednesday, July 31, 2013
South African petrochemical giant, Sasol, has chosen Emerson Process Management for a comprehensive program to automate its planned integrated GTL and world-scale ethane cracker complex in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The automation program’s overall scope — including dozens of integrated process units and more than 100,000 measurement and control points — makes it one of the largest Emerson has been awarded.
The company estimates that its total investment in the two facilities will be between $16 billion and $21 billion. When completed, the GTL plant will transform the region’s abundant low-cost shale gas into high-performance, low-emissions diesel and other transportation fuels. The adjacent ethane cracker and derivatives plant will convert ethane to ethylene and other downstream derivatives.
As main automation contractor, Emerson will provide the majority of the process automation technologies, engineering, and ongoing support services for the operations under a long-term agreement.
“Emerson has the expertise, technologies, and experience — particularly on large, complex projects — to help us optimize the return on these investments for years to come,” said Johan du Preez, executive VP of US mega projects for Sasol.
Emerson’s automation solution for the Sasol plants is based on its PlantWeb digital plant architecture, which includes its industry-recognized control and safety systems, control valves, and measurement and analytical instruments. Initial automation planning and engineering work will begin immediately, according to the companies.
“This project will tap natural gas supplies to generate high-value products and help grow the economy,” said Steve Sonnenberg, president of Emerson Process Management.
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