Meta Description (SEO):
ABB and Qilu Eastman announce cooperation on chemical plant retrofit and modernization, promoting “asset revitalization” strategies to upgrade legacy industrial equipment with digital automation and smart control technologies.

ABB Strengthens Cooperation in China’s Chemical Industry

The ABB has entered into a strategic collaboration with Qilu Eastman to promote a new approach in chemical industry transformation known as “retrofitting and revitalization of existing assets” (利旧焕新).

The cooperation focuses on upgrading existing chemical production equipment through advanced automation, digital control systems, and energy-efficient technologies, rather than full plant replacement—providing a more cost-effective and sustainable modernization pathway.

“Retrofitting and Revitalization” Strategy for Chemical Plants

The core concept of the project is to extend the lifecycle and performance of existing industrial assets by integrating modern automation solutions.

Key upgrade directions include:

• Digital transformation of legacy control systems
• Replacement of outdated instrumentation with smart sensors
• Integration of industrial IoT (IIoT) platforms
• Energy efficiency optimization of process equipment
• Predictive maintenance based on real-time data analytics

This approach allows chemical plants to achieve higher productivity and safety performance while reducing capital expenditure and downtime.

Supporting China’s Chemical Industry Upgrade Cycle

China’s chemical industry is undergoing a major transition from traditional expansion to high-quality, intelligent, and low-carbon development.

The ABB–Qilu Eastman cooperation is designed to support this transformation by:

1. Extending Equipment Lifecycle
Old production systems can be upgraded instead of being fully replaced.

2. Improving Operational Efficiency
Automation and digital control improve process stability and output quality.

3. Enhancing Safety in Chemical Operations
Advanced monitoring systems reduce operational risks in hazardous environments.

4. Supporting Sustainability Goals
Energy-saving retrofits help reduce emissions and resource consumption.

Digital Automation at the Core of Chemical Retrofit Projects

ABB brings its expertise in industrial automation, drive systems, and digitalization solutions to the cooperation, enabling integration of:

• Distributed control systems (DCS)
• Variable speed drive (VSD) technologies
• Industrial communication networks
• Asset performance management systems
• Real-time monitoring and diagnostics platforms

These technologies help chemical plants transition toward smart, data-driven operations without large-scale reconstruction.

Industry Impact: From Replacement to “Smart Upgrade”

The “retrofit and revitalization” model reflects a broader global trend in process industries:

• Moving from full equipment replacement to incremental digital upgrades
• Increasing focus on asset efficiency and lifecycle management
• Expanding adoption of predictive maintenance and AI-driven operations
• Supporting carbon reduction through optimized energy use

Industry analysts note that this model is especially suitable for large-scale chemical facilities with long asset lifecycles and high upgrade costs.

Strategic Value for Process Industry Modernization

The collaboration between ABB and Qilu Eastman demonstrates how global automation providers are supporting China’s transition toward:

• Smart chemical plants
• Green and low-carbon production systems
• Flexible and scalable modernization strategies
• Digital twin-based asset management

This initiative is expected to serve as a reference model for future chemical plant modernization projects across China and other emerging markets.