Vale Canada Limited
Vale's Copper Cliff Nickel Refinery (CCNR) needed to replace its cooling tower system to enhance operational efficiency.
The new design was developed by a third-party consultant. BESTECH handled the automation, focusing on programming and commissioning the programmable logic controller (PLC), distributed control system (DCS), and human-machine interface (HMI).
SCOPE
BESTECH was responsible for programming and commissioning the cooling system, which included a cold-water basin with three 500hp pumps and various instruments for monitoring pressure, flow, and temperature. The design featured a control strategy with a level PID loop to maintain water levels using an automated valve, and a temperature PID loop to manage water distribution across five cooling tower cells, each with a 125hp fan and four automated valves. This setup allowed automatic activation or deactivation of cells based on real-time temperature demands, promoting efficient water use.
OUTCOME
The new cooling tower system significantly improved operational efficiency and automation at CCNR. With BESTECH’s expertise, the system was programmed for minimal operator intervention, adapting to seasonal temperature changes. This approach ensured optimal performance of the cooling system year-round, providing a reliable, automated cooling solution.