High level automation to achieve improved productivity, energy efficiency and consistent cement quality

Cement industry worldwide, has now started realizing the importance of Process Control and Automation in achieving trouble free continuous operation leading to improved productivity and energy efficiency. Automation also takes care of optimal operation in mining and hence longer life of mines and consistent desired cement quality is assured. Instrumentation and control logic can also be used effectively for taking care of human and equipment safety and to monitor equipment health and implement preventive maintenance in the manufacturing facility. While first level automation deals with field instrumentation and the second level deals with control of subprocesses, higher level controls can be used for plant management and decision making. Needs of proper design of all three levels of automation may differ from plant to plant. This paper will describe different instances where upgradation of automation has enable plants to achieve their continuous improvement targets and sustainability goals.