Automation solutions supported by Ethernet-APL

The project represents one of the largest Ethernet-APL (advanced physical layer) field network deployments by a Chinese chemical enterprise to date. The collaboration between the two companies will develop an APL-based smart plant designed for more autonomous operations in the future.

The plant will produce 500,000 tons per year of butanol, octanol and downstream derivatives, which are widely used as raw materials for textiles, coatings and plasticisers. The project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2027.

ABB will deliver a full scope of automation and digital solutions supported by Ethernet-APL, a two-wire Ethernet technology enabling high-speed, real-time data connectivity across the plant. This enhances communication and full lifecycle data connectivity between field devices and control systems, providing more efficient and reliable operations, which then helps reduce energy consumption, minimise waste and lower overall resource usage.

The facility is being designed with a digital foundation established during construction, combining high levels of automation with scalable data infrastructure to support future digital applications. ABB will also deliver its ABB Ability System 800xA® distributed control system, safety instrumented system, gas detection system, ABB Ability™ Field Information Manager and operator training simulator.

“Our goal is to build a highly automated chemical facility with a strong digital foundation that supports safe, efficient and reliable operations, while enabling more autonomous ways of working over time,” said LongHui Yang, chairman at Longxiang Hengyu Chemical Co. “ABB’s expertise in Ethernet-APL technology, combined with its integrated automation and digital solutions, will help us improve plant-wide visibility and reduce operational complexity.”

Early engagement by ABB helped define the plant’s automation and digital architecture, ensuring consistency from concept through to implementation across multiple stakeholders. The digital layer includes a localised Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Edge platform and equipment management application tailored to LongxiangHengyu Chemical Co.'s operational requirements, supporting future advanced digital use cases.

“This large-scale project demonstrates how advanced automation and digitalisation can support the development of a more intelligent and transformative chemical facility,” said Tony Fan, vice president, ABB’s Energy Industries division in China. “By deploying Ethernet-APL as the field communication backbone to support digital applications, we are enabling a smart plant with improved performance, enhanced insight, reliability and a strong foundation for driving increasingly autonomous operations.”

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