Savings Realized Through Improved Utilization of an Existing DCS, 1999 Pulping Conference Proceedings

J. Holt Crenshaw, PE

Control Systems Supervisor

The Champion International Corp., Courtland Mill installed distributed controls in the pulp mill in 1989. Since then, many enhancements have been made that dramatically improved the usefulness and capabilities of the DCS. These improvements fall into three broad categories: Human Interface Improvements, Advanced Controls and Control System Performance Monitoring.

These improvements are derived from the ease, speed and flexibility of modifications to the DCS as well as the computational power. However, an important social component is required to realize the benefits. First, upper management should recognize process controls as an important lever for cost reductions and quality improvements. Second, the controls engineer must be part of the daily operations management team to quickly respond to changing needs and priorities of the process. Finally, everyone’s ideas for improvements should be used to provide a sense of ownership and teamwork.