ADM Milling, part of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), is one of the largest flour milling companies in the world, producing flour and other grain products for both the commercial and consumer markets. With along-standing commitment to quality and innovation, ADM Milling serves industries ranging from food production to agriculture. Their Knottingley site is a key production facility in the UK, where efficient and reliable operations are crucial. Roomfoss Control Systems were tasked with producing, fitting, and commissioning a 17-column U-shaped Schneider Okken switchboard for the Knottingley site.
The objective was to design and install a low-voltage switchboard that could handle high power demands, ensure operational safety, and provide comprehensive system monitoring. The system needed to enable remote control of critical functions, monitor busbar temperatures, and offer robust protection against electrical faults.
Roomfoss designed and delivered a 17-column Form 4 Type 6 Schneider Okken switchboard with advanced features, ensuring that the solution met ADM Milling's complex requirements. Key components of the system included:
Remote Switching: Control of 2 x 3200A main incomers, bus coupler, and temporary generator breakers, all integrated with a Castell Interlocked system to ensure safe operations.
Thermal Monitoring: Wireless Schneider TH110 and CL110 thermal sensors were used to continuously monitor busbar and ambient temperatures, with data and alarms accessible via both local and remote HMIs for real-time monitoring and trending.
Arc Flash Protection: Schneider’s VAMP 321 Arc Flash Detection and Protection Controller was implemented, providing rapid zone-based tripping to safeguard personnel and equipment in the event of an arc flash incident. This system uses arc sensors and current monitoring to react to arc events.
Restricted Earth Fault Detection: Integrated systems were designed to detect and trip in the event of an earth fault, further enhancing the switchboard’s safety features.
Power Factor Correction and Surge Protection: These systems were included to enhance electrical efficiency and protect the switchboard from voltage spikes.
High Fault Rating: The switchboard was designed to handle fault currents up to 80kA for 1 second, ensuring high-level protection against electrical faults.
The switchboard was successfully assembled, installed, and tested within just 3 days, ensuring minimal disruption to ADM Milling’s operations. The switchboard provided a reliable and efficient solution, meeting all of the client’s operational needs with advanced safety and monitoring features. Roomfoss ensured the installation and commissioning were seamless, enabling ADM Milling to maintain productivity without significant downtime.
