ABBCompact control system replaces PLCs Comfortable, more efficient integration of package units using AC 700F

more functionality, for example automatically generated diagnostic information and alarms as well as easy and fast online 

optimizations of applications.

In addition, simplified remote diagnostics in central control 

rooms is possible, as the control technology automatically 

generates system alarms and system diagnostics, which are 

available using PC technology. 

Osby Parca is very pleased: “The AC 700F Controller combines

the functionality of a control system with the price level of a 

PLC with a visualization solution. The uniform tool for configuring the controller and the operator station with automatically 

generated faceplates (operator windows) saves time for engineering and commissioning. Time can also be saved in ongoing

operation and for maintaining the application thanks to advanced

diagnostics opportunities and improved alarm handling. This 

cuts installation costs and significantly increases the plant’s 

economic efficiency.” 

Osby Parca is convinced of the opportunities offered by the 

Freelance 800F control system and in future it will fit even 

more boilers with AC 700F and AC 800F controllers. 

Project: Pneumatic conveyor system 

for aluminum oxide powder, Sasol, Brunsbüttel, Germany

Industry: Chemicals

At Sasol in Brünsbüttel the AC 700F controller has been installed to control a pneumatic conveyor system for aluminum 

oxide powder. This system was controlled using a PLC in the 

past. Sasol is a convinced, long-standing user of the compact 

control system Freelance 800Fand thus decided to use the 

AC 700F Controller when replacing the PLCs. Customer requirements were the transfer of the existing application into 

the new controller, the subsequent optimization of process 

control through the use of diagnostic features and short setup 

and installation times. 

In addition, the system was to be configured by one of the 

customer’s application engineers, who had never worked with 

the Freelance 800F system before. After a short training period

and with ABB’s support during the start-up phase, it was possible to successfully put the project in operation in the shortest

timeframe. The easy-to-learn and intuitive configuration of 

Freelance 800F was the crucial factor for Sasol when they 

chose the control system. 

Thanks to the compact footprint of the AC 700F controller, 

the old PLC control could be exchanged without having to 

modify the control cabinets - even the existing wiring in the 

control cabinet remained unchanged. This allowed considerable advantages to be gained in respect of operation and fault 

diagnostics but with minimal outlay. The main advantages of the

compact Freelance 800F system compared to a PLC solution 

are the simple configuration, operating the plant from the 

control room and the possibility of remote access for maintenance work. 

A touch screen operator station replaces the switches and 

lights at the control cabinet formerly used as operation elements. This makes it easier for plant operators to control the 

equipment locally and also allows all of the other systems 

connected to the process control system to be used. 

At Sasol, other outdated control cabinets are to be modernized

with the new AC 700F controller in the near future