AST Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI), a business unit in the AST Group, has been awarded two contracts by BHP Billiton`s Bayside Aluminum operations for the Anode Rodding and Crucible Cleaning projects. These projects entail the retrofitting of existing older control systems with latest generation Modicon Quantum PLC control system components.
The functional design phase for Crucible Cleaning has been completed and implementation is to follow shortly. The Anode Rodding project has been split into two phases, phase one is the functional design phase that is currently underway and phase two will follow as soon as Bayside Aluminum`s management has approved the proposed project budget.
Replacing the existing control systems will allow Bayside Aluminium to lower its cost of maintenance and cost of ownership, consequently optimising its operations by standardising on a single control system platform. Further standardisation benefits derived from the culmination of these projects will ensure that Bayside Aluminium`s maintenance personnel have updated documentation and a clear understanding of process control operations.
The anticipated duration of the two projects is approximately eight months, where all design implementation and commissioning will be done on site at project facilities provided by the client.
"AST MSI`s proven methodologies and experience in high-risk projects make it an ideal technology partner for Bayside Aluminium," explains Ricky Huyser, Business Development Manager of AST MSI. "We were also able to call on the skills of our regional office in Richards Bay, with its thorough understanding of the client`s unique environment."
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