Nippon Gases Enhances Performance Through Modernization
Nippon Gases has embarked on an extensive modernization initiative designed to elevate resilience and minimize downtime through a multi-site control system upgrade program. This five-year project, aimed at enhancing asset utilization while reducing obsolescence risk, will affect 18 sites across Europe.
Partnership with Rockwell Automation
In collaboration with Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, Nippon Gases plans to replace its older Rockwell controllers with the latest ControlLogix programmable logic controllers (PLC). This transition is expected to unlock new operational capabilities for Nippon Gases.
Benefits of the New System
Rodrigo Riera, Rockwell's EMEA regional vice president for southern regions, noted, "The deployment of contemporary process-control modules opens a world of opportunity for Nippon Gases. This upgrade will not only enhance daily operations but also prepare the company for future advancements, including the integration of artificial intelligence for streamlined operations and increased efficiency."
The Scope of the Modernization Program
This modernization program encompasses the company's air separation unit (ASU) installations spread across various locations in Europe. The transition is being guided by a well-structured migration strategy developed collaboratively by Nippon Gases’ engineering team and Rockwell.
Standardization and Benchmarking
José Maria Martinez Gallo, Operations Director Europe at Nippon Gases, stated, "By standardizing on a single PLC solution, we can benchmark the migration process at our pilot plant in Aviles, Spain, and refine it for future implementations across other sites." The new, digitized systems will offer profound insights into operational processes, leading to improved efficiency and decreased energy consumption.
Commitment to Sustainability
Nippon Gases stands as a prominent player in the industrial and medical gases sector in Europe, offering a wide range of gas products such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and many others. This modernization aligns with their commitment to sustainability and improving operational efficiency across all levels of the organization.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc (NYSE: ROK) is a global leader in the field of industrial automation and digital solutions. The company continuously seeks to connect human ingenuity with technological potential, striving to create a world that is productive and sustainable. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 27,000 employees, Rockwell Automation operates in over 100 countries, aiming to bring the vision of the Connected Enterprise to life for industrial businesses worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of Nippon Gases' modernization program?
The primary goal is to enhance asset utilization, decrease obsolescence risk, and minimize downtime across multiple sites.
Which company is partnering with Nippon Gases on this upgrade?
Nippon Gases is collaborating with Rockwell Automation, a leader in industrial automation and digital transformation.
What technology is being implemented in the new control systems?
The new control systems will utilize ControlLogix programmable logic controllers (PLC) for improved efficiency and capabilities.
How will this modernization benefit operational efficiency?
The new digitalized systems are expected to provide deeper insights into processes, enabling enhancements in efficiency while lowering energy consumption and waste.
What types of gases does Nippon Gases supply?
Nippon Gases provides a wide variety of gases including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, and more, catering to both industrial and medical sectors.