ABB has been selected by Longxiang Hengyu Chemical Co, Ltd to provide a comprehensive automation and digitalization platform for a new oxo-alcohol integrated production facility in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. The project represents one of the most extensive deployments of Ethernet-APL technology undertaken by a Chinese chemical enterprise and marks a significant step toward the development of a highly connected, intelligent manufacturing environment.
The facility, currently under development in southeastern China, is designed to produce 500,000 tonnes annually of butanol, octanol and related downstream products. These materials serve as essential inputs for a variety of industries, including textiles, coatings, adhesives and plasticizer manufacturing. Commercial operations are expected to commence following project completion in the third quarter of 2027.
ABB will deliver a full portfolio of automation, safety and digital solutions centered around Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer), an industrial networking technology that enables high-speed Ethernet communication over a simple two-wire infrastructure. The technology creates seamless connectivity between field devices, sensors and control systems, providing real-time access to operational data across the entire facility.
By establishing a plant-wide digital communications backbone from the outset, Longxiang Hengyu aims to create an operational environment that combines automation, visibility and scalability. The infrastructure will support efficient production management, enhanced asset performance and future digital applications designed to improve reliability and productivity.
As part of the project scope, ABB will supply its ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system, safety instrumented systems, gas detection technologies, ABB Ability™ Field Information Manager and an operator training simulator. Together, these solutions will provide a unified platform for process control, safety management and operational optimization.
A key advantage of the deployment is the ability to create a digital foundation during the construction phase rather than retrofitting systems after commissioning. This approach enables greater consistency across engineering, operations and maintenance activities while reducing complexity throughout the plant lifecycle.
The project also includes the implementation of a localized Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Edge platform and equipment management applications tailored specifically to the facility’s operational requirements. These tools will provide actionable insights into equipment performance, support predictive maintenance strategies and facilitate future digital transformation initiatives.
The deployment of Ethernet-APL technology is expected to improve plant-wide visibility, simplify data integration and strengthen decision-making capabilities. Enhanced connectivity between field devices and control systems will help optimize energy consumption, reduce waste generation and improve overall resource utilization.
ABB’s involvement began during the early planning stages of the project, allowing the company to help define the automation architecture and digital strategy. This collaborative approach ensured alignment between engineering requirements, operational objectives and future expansion plans.
Globally, ABB operates across electrification, automation and industrial digitalisation sectors with more than 140 years of industrial technology experience and approximately 110,000 employees worldwide. The company’s automation business supports industries including energy, water, manufacturing, marine and process industries through advanced industrial technologies and engineering solutions.
