Yara and IPCOS sign a framework agreement for Advanced Process Control

On September 5th 2005 Yara and IPCOS signed a framework agreement for the deployment of Advanced process control within YARA. This frame agreement can also be used towards Yara's Joint Venture companies such as Qafco.

Yara and IPCOS have successfully deployed APC systems on the ammonia plants E and D of the Sluiskil site. In order to continue the worldwide installation of APC on more Yara units (e.g. Ammonia, Nitric Acid, Urea) an agreement was put in place to facilitate and speed up installation and maintenance services.

Currently IPCOS is performing feasibility and benefits studies on several units of Yara in order to setup a deployment plan for the next years. Amongst good candidates are units in the Netherlands and Norway.

Some citations:

Yara ammonia technology owner Danny Franceus: "Over the next couple of years we should implement APC in ammonia plants at several other production sites."

Sluiskil ammonia production manager Rik Lambotte: "The payback actually started already during the initial phase of project where we had to revise and reconsider the complete control and operating strategy of the plant. Now, with the APC system in on-line operation, production is stable at record-high levels."

Sluiskil nitric acid production manager H. Goossens: "I am convinced that this (APC) technology can be beneficial also in our nitric acid plants."

Sluiskil ammonia operator Etienne de Schepper: "APC has increased the maximum production level in Unit E." "APC minimize the production reduction during periods with disturbances and plant problems."