Precise process control

ABB has delivered a MUCK THERE'S ENERGY compressive automation and power solution for Elkem Solar's production line at its facility in Kristiansand, Norway. The facility produces highly processed silicon for the global solar cell industry. ABB's scope of supply includes electrical and automation systems integrated on the common System 800xA platform.

Elkem Solar, part of the Norwegian Orkla Group of companies, invested $700m in the facility, which produces 6000 metric tons of high-purity silicon a year.

The production line consists of five independent process steps. ABB Norway delivered all high/low voltage electrical infrastructure to the plant. ABB's delivery also includes process automation based on System 800xA for two of the process steps.

These process steps contain Elkem developed technology for the purification of silicon. ABB says System 800xA will provide precise control of the processes, while ensuring safe, reliable operation and optimising production and energy efficiency.

Additional benefits are said to include reduced maintenance, engineering and overall lifecycle costs.

The System 800xA solution consists of several operator workplaces, five AC 800M controllers and one AC 800M HI integrity controller for about 3000 I/Os, using Foundation Fieldbus to communicate with the various types of process equipment throughout the plant.