Perstorp Upgrades Swedish Pentaerythritol Plant with Emerson’s DeltaV v11 Automation System

Emerson Process Management’s DeltaV digital automation platform has been selected by Perstorp, a specialty‑chemicals leader, to replace the existing distributed control system at its pentaerythritol (penta) processing facility in Perstorp, Sweden. The upgrade is part of a long‑term plant lifecycle strategy designed to sustain high product quality and operational efficiency for decades to come.

The Perstorp plant relies on a batch‑process to produce penta, an additive used in paints and lubricants. Since 1984, the facility has operated on an Emerson RS3 distributed control system – one of more than 50 RS3 and DeltaV installations across Perstorp’s global network. While reliable, the aging platform no longer supports the plant’s goal of continuous operation with minimal downtime, prompting the move to a newer solution.

“To stay competitive in a challenging market, Perstorp is investing in the latest process‑automation technology where it counts,” said Jörn Annell, engineering manager at Perstorp. “After evaluating several options, we chose Emerson’s DeltaV because it offers the advanced control and batching capabilities we need while keeping migration disruption and cost low.”

The migration will be one of Europe’s first deployments of DeltaV v11. The platform implements an ISA88 batch hierarchy and incorporates features such as streamlined configuration, advanced control logic, multi‑stream formulation support, and automated data collection. New operator displays are designed for rapid alert recognition and quick access to critical information, enhancing operator performance.

Key to the decision was DeltaV’s I/O on Demand functionality, which includes Electronic Marshalling. This technology eliminates up to two‑thirds of the wiring required by conventional marshalling cabinets by replacing fixed controller‑to‑device connections with 792 single‑channel Characterization Modules (CHARMS). These modules will route 3,000 device signal tags to 60 DeltaV S‑series I/O modules, cutting expected downtime by two days and minimizing production loss. Perstorp’s engineering team will execute the migration over a two‑week period.

“We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Perstorp by delivering the latest DeltaV version,” said Bob Sharp, president of Emerson Process Management – Europe. “Electronic Marshalling is instrumental in reducing downtime, ensuring a swift and seamless transition.”

The Perstorp pentaerythritol plant is operated by Perstorp Specialty Chemicals AB.

About Emerson Process Management
Emerson Process Management, a division of Emerson, is a global leader in automating production, processing, and distribution across the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, water and wastewater treatment, mining and metals, food and beverage, life sciences, and other industries. The company combines advanced products and technology with industry‑specific engineering, consulting, project management, and maintenance services. Its portfolio includes PlantWeb, DeltaV, Syncade, Fisher, Micro Motion, Rosemount, Daniel, Ovation and AMS Suite.

About Emerson
Emerson, headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., is a worldwide leader in technology and engineering, delivering innovative solutions to industrial, commercial, and consumer markets across its power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Fiscal 2009 sales totaled $20.9 billion.