ABB : Czech Potato Starch maker uses ABB Ability to streamline production

The delivery consists of the Distributed Control System (DCS) 800xA, 14 induction and vortex flowmeters and 23 frequency converters. ABB products help in automation, measurement and drive control of a production line that separates proteins from tuber juice in potato starch manufacturing. The value of the first delivery amounts to CZK several dozens of millions. This delivery marks an important entry of ABB's advanced automation into the food & beverage segment.

ABB Ability System 800xA provides manufacturing processes control, contributing to seamless operation. Uninterupted operation is especially important during the potato harvest, i.e. from September till December, when even a single day of downtime would mean enormous financial losses to the Czech starch manufacturing giant.

'With System 800xA, operators have full control over power and raw material consumption and are able to maintain key processes without interruption,' said Martin Èervinka, Local Business Unit Manager ABB Control Technologies.
'The reason for selecting System 800xA were good experience and excellent references from our colleagues in Sweden. Our parent company Lyckeby Starch has been using the control system successfully in manufacturing plants of the same kind that we are installing here now,' added Václav Straka, Technical Development Manager, LYCKEBY AMYLEX, a.s.

System 800xA is not only a DCS, but also a platform enabling the full integration of the electrical, information and safety systems, with the capacity to improve engineering efficiency, operator performance and asset utilization. The system provides efficiency and safety through supervision and process control. System 800xA offers integrated operations, highly powerful HMI (human machine interface) and ergonomic environment for operators. ABB thus enables operators to perform their tasks better and to make correct decisions at the right time.

The delivery for LYCKEBY AMYLEX will be followed with a stage two, to be implemented this year. It will include the addition of an evaporator that serves to thicken tuber juice after the separation of proteins, transforming it into a natural concentrated liquid fertilizer. 'For this stage, a large 850kW motor and frequency converter for the evaporator ventilator have already been ordered from the Danish technology supplier and ABB Denmark,' added Martin Èervinka of ABB.

LYCKEBY AMYLEX, a.s. is Czech Republic's largest producer of potato starch. A considerable part of the produced starch is further processed to make dextrins and modified starch for the paper industry. Fully-automated state-of-the-art technology is used in the manufacturing. The company's products are used particularly in technical industry. www.lyckeby.cz

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 125 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization and driving the Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. As title partner of Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 136,000 employees. www.abb.com