Making automation work - A case study

The automation of a cane sugar factory is an exercise that can easily result in disappointment for the end user. This is especially so in locations where specialist skills and resources may be in short supply. This paper is based on a case study at Worthy Park Estate Ltd. Jamaica who undertook an ambitious automation programme starting in 2001. Currently it is the most highly automated sugar factory in the West Indies and has recently completed the automation of a new distillery consisting of a pot still with two retorts. The methods used to achieve the effective results are discussed. Some areas that have been found to give problems in other locations are highlighted.