ABB Partners with Longxiang Hengyu Chemical to Build Next-Generation Smart Chemical Plant
Time:2026-05-27 Browse: 0
ABB has announced a strategic partnership with Longxiang Hengyu Chemical Co., Ltd. to jointly develop a highly automated and digitally enabled smart chemical production base in Fujian, China.
The cooperation centers on the deployment of Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) technology, which will serve as the core digital communication infrastructure for one of the largest-scale implementations of its kind in China’s chemical industry.
The project covers a 500,000-ton-per-year butanol and octanol integrated production facility and supporting infrastructure. It is scheduled to commence operation in the third quarter of 2027 and is expected to become a key chemical production hub in Southeast China.
Ethernet-APL as the Core of Industrial Digital Transformation
At the heart of the project is Ethernet-APL, a next-generation two-wire industrial Ethernet technology designed for process industries.
This technology enables:
Seamless connectivity between field devices and control systems
Real-time, high-speed industrial data communication
Simplified network architecture for large-scale plants
Improved reliability and operational transparency
By implementing Ethernet-APL at scale, the project aims to establish a fully digital communication backbone, enabling smarter, safer, and more efficient chemical production.
ABB’s Integrated Automation and Digital Solution
As part of the cooperation, ABB will deliver a full suite of automation and digital solutions, including:
ABB Ability™ System 800xA® Distributed Control System (DCS)
Safety Instrumented System (SIS)
Gas Detection System (GDS) for toxic and combustible gases
ABB Ability™ Field Information Manager (FIM)
Operator Training Simulator (OTS)
These systems will be integrated into a unified digital architecture to support real-time monitoring, advanced process control, and improved operational safety.
In addition, ABB will support the development of an industrial IoT platform with scalable applications, enabling long-term expansion of digital capabilities as the plant evolves.
Building a High-Level Smart Chemical Manufacturing Base
Beyond automation deployment, ABB has been involved from the early design stage of the project, working with engineering institutes and project stakeholders to define the digital and automation architecture.
The goal is to establish a future-ready smart factory with:
Full-plant data connectivity
Scalable digital infrastructure
Enhanced operational visibility
Reduced maintenance complexity
Higher energy efficiency and resource optimization
The integration of advanced automation and digital systems is expected to support the transition toward autonomous plant operations in the long term.
Executive Perspective
A senior executive from ABB’s Energy Industries division in China emphasized that the collaboration demonstrates the transformative role of advanced automation and digital technologies in upgrading China’s chemical manufacturing sector.
He noted that Ethernet-APL provides a robust field-level communication foundation, enabling deeper integration of digital applications and supporting the development of high-performance, highly reliable smart industrial systems.
Industry Background: China’s Chemical Sector Transformation
China is currently the world’s largest chemical production market, accounting for approximately 42% of global output of major chemical products.
According to national industrial development guidelines, including the “Petrochemical and Chemical Industry Growth Plan (2025–2026),” the sector is expected to maintain steady annual growth of over 5%, while accelerating digital transformation and industrial upgrading.
A key focus area is the integration of “AI + chemical industry” initiatives, aimed at overcoming challenges such as uneven digital adoption and limited system integration across legacy facilities.
Strategic Significance
This project represents a major milestone in the application of Ethernet-APL technology in China’s process industry. It demonstrates how advanced industrial communication standards, combined with integrated automation systems, can accelerate the evolution toward smart, sustainable, and autonomous chemical production.
