Successful boiler modernization for SSE in Valais

Greater transparency, security, and flexibility—process optimization redefined

New Digitized Boiler – Efficient, Safe, and High-Performance

As part of the project, the existing boiler was replaced with a modern, high-performance, and energy-efficient system. At the same time, the latest safety standards in accordance with BOME (SVTI) were integrated, bringing the operation up to the highest current legal and safety-related standards.

The new automated boiler control system ensures precise regulation of temperature, pressure, and steam generation. This minimizes efficiency losses and optimizes energy consumption.

Project Challenges and Objectives

A reliable and efficient hot water and steam system is essential for uninterrupted operation. However, our customer was facing several challenges:

  • Outdated boiler technology: The existing steam boiler was technically obsolete and no longer complied with current safety standards.
  • Lack of automation: Control was largely manual, resulting in high personnel effort and potential sources of error.
  • Limited transparency: Without a modern process control system, detailed monitoring and optimization of processes were only possible to a limited extent.
  • Safety requirements: Legal regulations, particularly BOME (Operationally Safe Organized Minimum Requirements for Energy Systems) defined by SVTI, required comprehensive adaptation of the entire system.

Project Goals – More Transparency, Less Effort

The goal was to modernize the entire boiler system, automate control processes, and implement an innovative process control system to ensure maximum safety, efficiency, and transparency.

The Solution: Modernized Boiler and Process Control Technology for Intelligent Steam Generation

A key element of the modernization was the implementation of the REbella process control system. This powerful, web-based platform sets new standards in plant control and offers numerous benefits:

  • Centralized control and monitoring: All hot water and steam system processes are consolidated in an intuitive user interface.
  • Real-time data analysis: System status is available at any time, including via mobile devices.
  • Automated fault detection: Deviations and critical conditions are identified early, enabling rapid countermeasures.
  • Optimized maintenance: Precise diagnostic data allows predictive maintenance planning, minimizing downtime.
  • Flexibility and scalability: The system can be easily adapted to future requirements.

The new automated boiler control system ensures precise regulation of temperature, pressure, and steam generation, reducing efficiency losses and optimizing energy consumption. The customer emphasized:

“REbella has given us a completely new perspective on our plant conditions. The transparency and flexibility the system provides allow us to respond much faster to faults and plan maintenance far more precisely.”

Added Value for the Customer

Through the boiler modernization and the introduction of REbella, the customer now benefits from more efficient, transparent, and secure process management:

  • Maximum safety through compliance with the latest SVTI BOME standards
  • Reduced energy consumption thanks to optimized boiler control
  • Lower maintenance effort through predictive diagnostic functions
  • Improved responsiveness to process deviations through real-time monitoring
  • Flexibility for future expansions due to the modular REbella process control system

Conclusion of the Modernization

This comprehensive modernization has laid the foundation for future-proof and efficient operation, enabling sustainable optimization of steam generation for the customer.

About SSE Switzerland – Société Suisse des Explosifs

Société Suisse des Explosifs (SSE) is an industrial company active in the production and sale of products and services in the fields of civil explosives and synthesis chemistry. Founded more than 125 years ago, the company is part of the SSE Group. SSE Switzerland currently employs approximately 170 people and supplies both the Swiss and international markets.

The headquarters of SSE is located in the municipality of Brig, in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Industry: Civil Explosives / Chemicals
Customer since: 2023
Employees: approx. 170
Location: Brig, Valais – Switzerland

Terms of reference

Explosives and Valsynthesis

Specialities

Manufacture of civil explosives

Products in use

The process control system for energy suppliers with the highest demands on safety, function and comfort.
Industries such as heat supply, steam and hot water generators, as well as operators of hydropower plants rely on the REbella process control system, which is characterized by its scalable, modular and process-oriented design.
Cloud process control system for energy suppliers with high demands on security, function and comfort
Industries such as heat supply, steam and hot water generators, as well as operators of hydropower plants rely on the REbella process control system, which is characterized by its scalable, modular and process-oriented design.
Individual automation for safe and efficient processes.
We support you with risk analyses, electrical, control and energy concepts and individual PLC programming in operation and in the realization of automation projects.
Secure and volume-reduced data transmission on the Internet and in networks.
Networking and remote control of automation systems STEBAnet mobile, fixed and leased lines are data communication systems for decentralized control systems. Measurement data and control information are recorded on site for backup purposes and cyclically sent in packets or compressed form to the database of the central process control system. STEBAnet communicates in a way that preserves data volume and establishes connections only when needed, for example when a user at the process control system is viewing live data.
Development of automated processes for efficiency and safety
We are specialized in project planning, construction and service of critical infrastructures according to highest availability and security standards. Using complex control technology, algorithms and database-based intelligence, we also develop the optimal automation system for your process.
Electrical engineering with practical experience
We are passionately committed to finding the optimal solution. In doing so, the trustful and close cooperation with the operator and planner is particularly important to us. Our company history began back in the 1960s; the large number of projects realised since then has provided us with extensive expert knowledge in industrial automation and electrical planning.
Proud of our craft!
Day after day, STEBATEC fitters honour our craft by carrying out installations of the highest quality that are a joy to the eye of the professional.
Preventive maintenance, servicing, spare parts management and many other services to ensure the reliability of automation systems.
Whether it is the cleaning of systems or the replacement of mechanical wear parts, the monitoring of functions, the calibration of measuring instruments or software updates, whenever customers need support in the ideal operation and maintenance of a system from our company, we are available with our services.
Resistant electrical engineering in wet, corrosive, explosive and aggressive environments
As a licensed electrical installation company, we offer the highest installation quality with special products and equipment for durable and trouble-free installations.

Feedback

«The modernization of our boiler system and the introduction of REbella have made our steam generation significantly more efficient and flexible. Thanks to automation and improved transparency, we can respond more quickly and plan maintenance in a targeted manner. We have also increased safety standards and reduced operating costs.»
Reinhard Kalbermatter
Master locksmith