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ABB and Qilu Eastman collaborate on “asset revitalization” strategy for chemical plant modernization, enabling retrofit upgrades, digital automation, and energy-efficient transformation of existing industrial equipment.

ABB Strengthens Chemical Industry Retrofit Strategy in China

The ABB has partnered with Qilu Eastman to promote a new modernization approach known as “asset revitalization” (利旧焕新) in the chemical industry.

Instead of relying solely on full-scale plant reconstruction, this approach focuses on upgrading existing equipment through digitalization, automation, and energy efficiency improvements, helping chemical enterprises extend asset life while improving performance.

“Asset Revitalization” as a New Path for Chemical Industry Upgrade

The concept of “asset revitalization” emphasizes rethinking the value of existing industrial infrastructure. Many chemical plants operate with long-life assets that are costly to replace, making retrofit-based modernization a more practical solution.

Key upgrade directions include:

• Digital transformation of legacy control systems
• Integration of industrial IoT (IIoT) technologies
• Replacement of outdated instrumentation with smart devices
• Energy efficiency optimization of production processes
• Predictive maintenance enabled by real-time data analytics

This approach enables chemical plants to achieve higher efficiency and safety without large-scale shutdowns or reconstruction costs.

ABB’s Role in Enabling Retrofit-Based Digital Transformation

ABB contributes advanced technologies in:

• Industrial automation systems (DCS/PLC integration)
• Variable speed drives (VSD) and motor control solutions
• Industrial communication and data connectivity
• Asset performance management platforms
• Real-time monitoring and predictive diagnostics

These technologies help bridge the gap between legacy industrial systems and modern digital manufacturing architectures.

Benefits for Chemical Industry Operators

The ABB–Qilu Eastman collaboration delivers multiple operational advantages:

1. Lower Investment Cost Compared to Full Replacement
Existing equipment is upgraded instead of being fully rebuilt.

2. Improved Operational Efficiency
Automation upgrades enhance process stability and output consistency.

3. Enhanced Safety Performance
Real-time monitoring reduces risk in hazardous chemical environments.

4. Energy and Emissions Reduction
Optimized control systems help reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Industry Trend: From Replacement to Intelligent Retrofit

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

• Shift from capital-intensive new builds to smart retrofits
• Increased adoption of digital twin and predictive maintenance systems
• Focus on lifecycle asset management and efficiency optimization
• Integration of automation into existing industrial infrastructure

This model is particularly suitable for large-scale chemical plants with long operational lifecycles.

Strategic Impact on China’s Chemical Industry

China’s chemical industry is increasingly moving toward:

• Intelligent manufacturing upgrades
• Low-carbon production systems
• Digitalized plant operations
• Flexible and scalable modernization strategies

The ABB and Qilu Eastman cooperation serves as a practical example of how industrial retrofit solutions can accelerate this transformation.