Control Panels, DCS/PLC Programming, and More for Paper Manufacturer
Cross Company’s Process Solutions Group recently completed an expansion project with a paper mill in East Tennessee where we provided everything from systems integration to valves and instrumentation. This mid-sized paper mill, manufacturing paper plates, bowls, and other take-out containers for the food industry, needed to increase their production capacity. To do so, they installed a number of new thermoforming presses that had to be controlled by their control system. Cross worked hand-in-hand with the mechanical contractors and the end users on a daily basis to integrate the new lines into their existing system.
Cross’s integration specialists designed, built and tested new control panels for the project in our UL508A-certified panel shop in Knoxville, TN. Not only did we do the DCS and PLC programming for the entire project, Cross engineers were onsite for most of the project to ensure all of the components were communicating with the Distributed Control System (DCS) and operating properly. For startup, our service technicians also performed loop tests of each individual field instrument along with onsite calibrations.
In addition to the control system, Cross worked with the customer to specify and supply their control valves. We simulated control valve performance by using custom computer software and suggested the proper sized valve for every control application regardless of the media flowing through the valve. It is very important to have a valve that will perform without operating too far open or too close to being closed. We also provided on/off automated ball, butterfly and knife gate valves with limit switches and solenoid valves. These products were all built and tested in our Knoxville, TN valve assembly shop.
Finally, Cross also provided the majority of the instruments on the project. This included the latest technologies in magnetic and thermal dispersion flow meters, level transmitters for their tanks, RTD’s with temperature transmitters and thermowells, and pressure transmitters and gauges, many of which required special pressure seals. We were also able to provide piping specialty items such as safety showers and process hot water heaters.
As you can see, Cross Company provided a comprehensive solution for this papermill, from instrumentation to valves to control systems. Contact us today if we can help your plant expand or upgrade legacy systems.
