Major automation revamp at Samsung Total in Korea

An Invensys Process Systems product story

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Aug 9, 2007

Invensys Process Systems has successfully completed the automation project for a major expansion of the Samsung Total petrochemical complex in Daesan, Chungnam Province, Korea

The process revamp included an overhaul of the ethyl benzene (EB) and styrene monomer (SM) units at the complex.

The Invensys project scope included automation replacement and expansion with Foxboro I/A Series distributed control systems (DCS), and the implementation of a Triconex emergency shutdown (ESD) system both supported by extensive technical design, engineering, and implementation services.

"We are very happy with Invensys Korea for their professional engineering support, dedication, and rapid response to our requirements," said Yae, Byungkook, Samsung Total EB/SM Expansion Project Manager: "As a result, we were able to complete this work within the project schedule".

The EB and SM unit expansion project, now up and running, was accomplished while the Samsung Total petrochemical complex continued to run, which added to the engineering challenges.

"Further, in response to a change in the SM process reactor technology, Invensys Korea engineers created an integrated control network and operator interface that helped increase overall productivity," said Kim, Heung II, Samsung Total project engineer.

"For example, in the styrene monomer unit, the new automation helped to increase capacity from 670,000 TPY to 870,000 TPY, while reducing costs and increasing our competitiveness".

Samsung Total operates a large petrochemical complex, consisting of a naphtha cracking center (NCC) with 15 plants, at Daesan, in the Chungnam Province.

Output ranges from olefins to polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, to base petrochemicals such as styrene monomer.

The complex also produces by-product fuels, solvents and other downstream petrochemicals used in everyday life.

Samsung Total Petrochemicals Co is using advanced technology to strengthen its competitive position, allowing them to offer top quality products and unique services to global markets.