The Challenge
When International Paper needed to replace the control systems at its Georgetown, SC mill, the company decided to start the process with its evaporator process area. Installing a new DCS on a multi-effect evaporator train would essentially provide the template for future replacement of the control systems throughout the mill.
The Approach
International Paper called on Avid Solutions at the earliest stage of the project. As a vendor-neutral engineering firm with experience in the whole range of technologies and products, Avid was able to make an unbiased recommendation. The recommendation was an Emerson DeltaV™ version 7.3 DCS, which the Avid consultants knew would provide ease of programming, a high degree of flexibility, and the ability to expand inexpensively as the need developed.
Avid Solutions was responsible for system configuration and start up support of the new DCS system. The existing DCS was an old International Paper proprietary system, and complete reconfiguration was required to install the new DeltaV system. The evaporator train consists of six evaporator vessels with a stripper and condenser in front of the first effect evaporator. The new system also controls the black liquor storage and preparation areas.
The Results
The project was completed in a matter of months, on time and within budget. Based on the success of the project, International Paper chose Avid for future projects including DCS conversion of the recovery boiler and paper machine. This work requires interpreting the existing proprietary DCS code and formatting functional specifications and loop sheets for the follow-on DeltaV configuration.
