Innovation at Work: Renewable Diesel

At James Controls, our team is expanding its footprint into the renewable and alternative energy market segments. In a recent scenario, the client was commissioning a renewable diesel project on a large tank farm facility on the Gulf Coast.

The project scope included complete automation for PHMSA-compliant renewable feedstock pipelines between the client’s main facility and an offsite renewable diesel refinery, on-site storage tanks, loading and unloading facilities (via rail cars and marine dock), a steam generator skid, an oily water separator, and a dissolved oxygen floatation system.

James Control's involvement with the project originated as a consultant to assess and recommend an upgrade to the existing diverse control platforms. During this time, our team created a strong relationship with in-house engineers and automation specialists, leading the client to accept James Controls' proposal as the site-wide systems integrator for the project.

Early on, the project revealed its complexity as the existing controls were comprised of different models of various PLC/DCS systems all varying in condition, age, and original manufacturers. Our team of electrical and systems engineers was able to streamline the new 3,000-I/O automation system utilizing an Allen-Bradley PlantPAx Controls System.

Our scope included engineering, design, supply, and programming of a new server and remote I/O cabinets utilizing Allen-Bradley Flex 5000 I/O, MODBUS RTU, and TCP communication to 3rd party devices. James Control's new design for the automation system acted as the cornerstone for the facility’s control system easily allowing for software and hardware modifications in the future. Currently, James Controls continues to provide the client with on-site support for ongoing expansions.

James Controls also assumed the position of project manager, overseeing multiple 3rd party contractors/suppliers for the heat tracing, offloading design, cybersecurity integration, tank services, and the implementation of a newly developed feedstock filtering system.

Regardless of any capital project size, James Controls is a trusted provider of various aspects of multidiscipline engineering, design, and project service. For more information on our background and expertise, visit our website at www.JamesControls.com