Advanced Control Room Improves Productivity At Leading Polymer Manufacturer

The latest User Day for ABB System 800xA customers demonstrated how a leading polymer manufacturer is using advanced control desks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of control room operators

Improvements in the way operators work were achieved following the installation of ABB’s extended operator workplace (EOW) control desks at the Victrex polymer plant in Lancashire. Victrex, a specialist in advanced polymer solutions for industries including aerospace, energy and medical, has used the EOWs to optimise production, reduce the risks of  human error and improve operator health and safety.

Following a presentation on the facilities and functions of the EOW by its manufacturer CGM, part of the ABB group, System 800xA customers were given a chance to see the control room in action.

Extended operator workplace

Victrex recently installed an ABB System 800xA control system to operate its three production streams. The adoption of ABB’s EOW is central to the success of the project.

Based on up to three large LCD screens, the EOW integrates control graphics, video and audio communications to give operators a complete overview of plant operations.

The EOW brings the ability to adjust the height and positions of display and control desk, as well as lighting and sound levels, to suit the preferences of individual operators. This allows operators to work in a way that lets them focus most effectively on the task in hand.

Wayne Jones, Software Development Engineer for Victrex and responsible for the plant’s three control systems, gave delegates a tour of the new control room and told how the EOWs have helped Victrex improve the efficiency and productivity of its operators. “We’ve seen productivity increase since the installation of the EOWs. Operators are now more focused and can progress production requests as soon as they come up,” he says.

“The convincer for me was when I came into the control room and saw operators had adjusted the control desk so they could work standing up. They told me it helped them concentrate and direct their attention into resolving key issues more efficiently.”

The System 800xA customers were particularly interested in Victrex’s use of the EOW to manage alarms, allowing operators to focus on those that are  most significant. It also contributes to staff safety by siting operators in a centralised control room away from the production plant, allowing controlled shutdown and evacuation in the event of a critical situation.

Anders Forsberg, ABB Regional Service Sales Manager for Control Technologies, says: “The User Day was an ideal opportunity for customers to see how other companies are making the most of our solutions to improve operator effectiveness.”

Joe Fudge, ABB Local Business Unit Manager for Control Technologies, says: “Seeing how Victrex were using a live control room based on the EOW was very valuable for 800xA customers. The feedback I got from them was very positive and they all wanted to see the EOW used in their own plants. For us, we wanted to show what an ideal set up looked like in practice and the Victrex system was perfect for this.”

For more information please contact:

Arlene Hutchinson
Tel: +44 1224 592 123
arlene.hutchinson@gb.abb.com

ABB Limited
Hareness Road
Aberdeen
AB12 3LE