2025-07-10 GR3N打造全球首座模組化解聚工廠 推動智慧PET永續製程

瑞士塑膠循環回收技術商GR3N採用東擎科技(ASRock Industrial)工業級強固邊緣AIoT系統平台,建立模組化、可擴充且不依賴特定供應商的開放式控制系統,以支援其微波輔助解聚製程,推動高純度PET的永續再生循環。該解決方案結合了UAO的IEC 61499執行環境與東擎科技的iEP-5000G與iEPF-9000S平台,打造彈性且開放的邊緣控制系統。GR3N透過模組化製程設計建構自動化工廠,有效降低工程成本,改善整體擁有成本(TCO)效益、保護核心技術資產,並讓作業端(OT)與資訊端(IT)之間的數據與控制系統能順暢對接,強化數據應用,提升製程效率與營運彈性。

Challenges

GR3N’s microwave assisted deploymerization process involves handling diverse plastic materials with varying properties, requiring a flexible and modular control system capable of adapting to frequent process changes, something traditional fixed logic systems can’t accommodate. To support flexible and scalable production, GR3N required a modular control system capable of seamless integration with advanced automation standards and robust industrial-grade hardware. Moreover, the company needed to minimize engineering costs during market expansion while safeguarding its valuable intellectual property. Additionally, enabling advanced data-driven optimizations was critical to continuously improve process efficiency. All these goals had to be achieved alongside smooth integration of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems, ensuring a unified and agile manufacturing environment.

 

Solution

To implement a modular, scalable, and vendor independent control system for the microwave assisted deploymerization process, GR3N adopted an architecture based on the UniversalAutomation.org(UAO) IEC 61499 runtime. Each process cell in the plant is equipped with an ASRock Industrial’s iEP-5000G Industrial IoT Controller runs the UAO runtime locally. These edge devices handle real-time control tasks such as PID loops and local sequencing, while managing communication with field equipment via Modbus protocols and control through HMI panels. 

At the supervisory level, GR3N deployed the iEPF-9000S, a high performance robust edge AIoT platform that coordinates logic execution across multiple process cells. It manages plant-wide synchronization, centralized sequencing, and logic distribution, while also integrating with enterprise IT platforms. Together, the iEP-5000G and iEPF-9000S deliver a secure, flexible, and scalable automation infrastructure that supports GR3N’s current operations and future expansion plans. 

Benefits

•    Cost Efficiency and Scalability
By implementing modular plant automation aligned with process modularity, GR3N successfully reduced engineering costs during market scale-up, improved the total cost of ownership (TCO) for automation, and established new IP protection routes for its Reactive Units, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
•    Optimization and Value Creation
The solution enabled advanced data analytics for continuous process optimization, while OT-IT integration unlocked new value chain opportunities, paving the way for future growth and innovation. 
•    Strengthened Infrastructure for Sustainable Innovation

With modular plant automation in place, GR3N was able to focus on advancing its microwave assisted deploymerization process, achieving high purity polymer recovery and reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 80%, while supporting long-term circular manufacturing goals. 

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