Process Automation
PLCs, SCADA and control systems for continuous industrial plant operation.
- PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, ABB)
- SCADA and HMI systems
- Commissioning and startup
- Assisted operation
What we do
Engineering solutions across the value chain
From concept to startup, with long-term maintenance.
Industrial Electrical Engineering
Panels, drives and process instrumentation.
- PLC panel design and supply
- Medium and low voltage drives
- Field instrumentation
- Coordination and selectivity studies
Metallurgical Processes
Furnaces, refining and granulation — APLAN's specialty.
- Submerged Arc Furnaces (SAF)
- Ladle furnace and refining
- Granulation and milling
- Flotation
Special Algorithms & Level 2
Mathematical models for process optimization.
- Process thermodynamic models
- Real-time optimization
- Level 2 system interfaces
- Soft sensors and analytics
Consulting & Maintenance
Long-term contracts on automation systems.
- Legacy system diagnostics
- Preventive and corrective maintenance
- 24/7 support
- Team training
Revamping & Modernization
Plant refurbishment — mechanical, electrical and automation.
- Existing plant modernization
- Migration from obsolete systems
- Mechanical-electrical-automation integration
- Detailed engineering
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common technical questions
Direct answers to recurring questions on heavy-industry automation engineering.
Which PLC and SCADA platforms does APLAN work with?
Siemens (SIMATIC, TIA Portal, WinCC), Rockwell / Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, FactoryTalk) and ABB (System 800xA, Compact HMI). We also support legacy WEG, Schneider and GE systems. For Level 2 we integrate over OPC UA, OPC DA and proprietary protocols.
What's the difference between revamping and modernization?
Revamping is a technical overhaul that preserves most of the original structure, replacing obsolete components to extend useful life. Modernization goes further — it redefines the automation architecture, upgrades PLCs/SCADAs to current generations and adds analytics and Level 2. APLAN delivers both scopes in integrated projects combining mechanical, electrical and automation work.
Does APLAN deliver turnkey projects or only engineering?
Both. For engineering, we deliver concept, basic and detailed design. For turnkey, we manufacture electrical panels in-house, program control systems, commission, assist startup, and train operators. Partial scopes are also available depending on client needs.
What kind of Level 2 algorithms does APLAN develop?
Thermodynamic models for refining furnaces (LF, VD/VOD, ESR, VAR), real-time granulometry optimization for milling, soft sensors for non-measurable variables, and Level 2 / MES interfaces for recipe handoff and traceability. Recent cases in special meltshops and mining.
What is APLAN's geographic footprint?
Based in Belo Horizonte (MG, Brazil), we have delivered projects in over 10 countries, including Brazil, China, South Korea, the USA, India, and the Middle East. We serve plants throughout Brazil, and teams can be mobilized internationally for commissioning and assisted start-up.
How does the long-term maintenance contract work?
Hybrid model with 24/7 remote support (VPN, diagnostic sessions, parameter tuning), scheduled on-site visits, a customization hour bank and an SLA tied to process criticality. Recommended for continuous-operation plants where downtime carries heavy financial impact.