ABB Ethernet-APL Flowmeters Support Digital Transformation at China’s Large-Scale Petrochemical Faci
Time:2026-07-08 Browse: 0
ABB has supplied Ethernet-APL enabled ProcessMaster FEP600 electromagnetic flowmeters to Zhejiang Petroleum & Chemical Co., Ltd. (ZPC), supporting the digital transformation of one of China’s largest integrated refining and petrochemical complexes. The project highlights the growing adoption of advanced industrial communication technologies in the petrochemical sector.
ABB recently received an order from Zhejiang Petroleum & Chemical Co., Ltd. (ZPC) to provide ProcessMaster FEP600 electromagnetic flowmeters equipped with Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) communication technology for an upgrading project at the company’s large-scale refining and petrochemical production facility.
Located at the Zhoushan Green Petrochemical Base on Yushan Island, Zhejiang Province, the facility has an annual crude oil processing capacity of approximately 40 million tons, making it one of China’s major petrochemical production centers.
ABB ProcessMaster FEP600 Enables High-Speed Industrial Data Communication
The ABB ProcessMaster FEP600 flowmeters will be installed in a chemical production unit within the complex. The unit produces approximately 450,000 tons of adipic acid annually, a key raw material used in the manufacturing of nylon 66, specialty engineering plastics, and polyurethane products.
By integrating Ethernet-APL communication, the ABB flowmeters can provide high-speed and real-time field data transmission across industrial facilities. This capability helps operators improve process visibility, enhance operational efficiency, and support more intelligent plant management.
Unlike traditional field communication methods, Ethernet-APL allows reliable Ethernet connectivity in demanding process industries while maintaining compatibility with hazardous area requirements.
Designed for Harsh Petrochemical Operating Conditions
The ABB electromagnetic flowmeters will be used to measure high-temperature and highly corrosive acidic media within the production process.
The ProcessMaster FEP600 series supports a wide range of pipe sizes from DN15 mm to DN300 mm, providing flexible installation options for different process applications.
The instruments use a single twisted-pair cable to deliver both power supply and high-speed Ethernet-APL communication. With Ex ia intrinsic safety certification, the devices are suitable for hazardous environments and can support reliable data transmission distances of up to 1,000 meters.
To ensure measurement stability and long service life, ABB applies PFA lining technology to protect the flowmeter from aggressive chemical media while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
Ethernet-APL Accelerates Smart Petrochemical Operations
The adoption of Ethernet-APL technology represents an important step toward next-generation industrial automation systems. By enabling direct access to field-level data, advanced communication solutions help petrochemical companies improve equipment monitoring, process optimization, and predictive maintenance capabilities.
A representative from Zhejiang Petroleum & Chemical stated that ABB instrumentation with enhanced measurement diagnostics and data transmission capabilities will help the company better understand operating conditions and achieve smarter, more efficient production management.
Jacques Mulbert, Global President of ABB Measurement & Analytics, said that Ethernet-APL is becoming an increasingly important communication technology for intrinsically safe industrial applications. Through this cooperation, ABB aims to support ZPC in achieving intelligent operations, advanced diagnostics, and predictive maintenance.
ABB Expands Ethernet-APL Application in China’s Chemical Industry
Before this cooperation, ABB had already supplied Ethernet-APL enabled vortex flowmeters for projects operated by Rongsheng Petrochemical, a subsidiary of Rongsheng Group, a Fortune Global 500 enterprise.
The successful deployment experience helped establish a foundation for the large-scale application of ABB Ethernet-APL products at Zhejiang Petroleum & Chemical’s facilities.
The ABB ProcessMaster FEP600 electromagnetic flowmeter series is widely used in global chemical, petrochemical, water treatment, and process industries due to its reliable measurement performance, advanced diagnostics, and compatibility with modern industrial automation networks.
As petrochemical companies continue to accelerate digital transformation, Ethernet-APL based field devices are expected to play a key role in building smarter, more connected, and more efficient industrial plants.
