Intro
Smart Control for the Hallett Dome – How JMB Automation is Powering Port Adelaide’s Green Cement Hub
Delivering Intelligent Control at Scale
JMB Automation is proud to be delivering the full automation and control system for Hallett Group’s landmark Green Cement Transformation Project at Port Adelaide. The project includes the 52,000-tonne Hallett Dome and associated bulk handling facilities — a critical part of Australia’s shift toward low-carbon cement production.
Our scope covers networking, PLC development, HMI/SCADA systems, and on-site commissioning across multiple process areas:
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Ship unloading and transfer systems
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Dome delivery and blending system
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External storage and conveying networks
These systems integrate seamlessly with third-party vendor equipment and software — including IBAU Hamburg, Aerzen, and G-Tick — to create a unified, data-driven control environment.
Robust Automation Built on Rockwell
At the core of the system is Rockwell Studio 5000, chosen for its reliability and scalability in high-throughput industrial environments.The control layer features:
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Allen-Bradley PLCs handling plant logic and safety interlocks
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Allen-Bradley soft starters and PowerFlex VSDs managing key drive applications
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Danfoss VSDs for high-efficiency blower and conveying systems
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A redundant Moxa managed switch network, ensuring secure, deterministic communication across all automation nodes
The resulting architecture provides a resilient backbone for process control, fault diagnostics, and real-time data exchange between subsystems.
Integrated HMI and SCADA Visibility
JMB’s custom HMI/SCADA interface delivers full visibility across the site — from ship unloading through to storage silos — allowing operators to monitor load trends, system performance, and alarms from a single unified dashboard.The system is designed for scalable data integration, enabling future expansion into analytics, energy optimisation, and cloud reporting.
Commissioning and Collaboration
Working closely with Hallett Group, IBAU Hamburg, and Aerzen, JMB Automation has focused on reliable control integration across mechanical and process disciplines. Our commissioning team has implemented and tested all control sequences to ensure the facility meets stringent performance, safety, and environmental goals.
Driving the Future of Industrial Automation
The Hallett Dome project represents the next generation of industrial automation — combining traditional PLC control with intelligent networking and modern SCADA visualisation.Through projects like this, JMB Automation continues to deliver the systems that power Australia’s most advanced industrial facilities.
