Advanced Powder-Handling and Traceability Automation — Mo I Rana, Norway

High-precision automation for cathode and anode material drying, cooling, and quality assurance.

Pac Technologies delivered the complete automation, control, and digital traceability system for a cutting-edge battery manufacturing facility in Mo I Rana, Norway.This next-generation plant represents a major step forward in sustainable battery production, utilising advanced powder-handling technologies to prepare high-purity materials for cell manufacturing.

Pac Technologies was responsible for the full automation scope — PLC, HMI, and MES development, along with simulation, factory testing, and commissioning — to create a robust and fully digitalised process environment.

System Description

The facility processes two distinct powders — cathode and anode — which operate through independent but harmonised production lines.

Raw materials are received in sealed big-bags and transferred via inerted glove-box unloading systems into automated hoppers and conveyors. From there, each line manages precise thermal and mechanical conditioning to prepare the powder for slurry mixing.

• Cathode Line: Includes a high-capacity dryer that reduces powder moisture content to below 50 ppm, followed by a cooler that ensures the powder exits at a stable, transport-ready temperature.

• Anode Line: Utilises a combined dryer/cooler unit that alternates hot-oil and cold-oil circuits to achieve the same controlled drying and cooling sequence in a compact footprint.

Throughout both lines, Pac Technologies’ automation system coordinates equipment start/stop sequences, monitors process variables, and ensures consistent handling conditions.

Data and Traceability

Every batch of material is uniquely identified and digitally tracked throughout the process. Two complementary data streams capture both high-resolution process variables and structured production records:

• Continuous data: Real-time process information transferred via OPC-UA to the plant historian.

• Event-based batch data: Timestamped messages containing work-order, recipe, and material details transmitted to the MES.

This architecture provides end-to-end traceability — enabling the manufacturer to link every produced cell back to its exact powder origin and process conditions.

Key Features

• Full Digital Traceability from raw material intake to finished powder batches.

• High-Precision Drying Control to achieve sub-50 ppm moisture targets.

• Seamless MES Integration using structured OPC-UA communication.

• Operator-Friendly HMI Design with barcode scanning, sampling workflows, and batch verification.

• Energy-Efficient Process Design with heat-exchange-based drying and cooling for optimal resource use.

• Safe, Clean Operation featuring inert gas blanketing and dust-tight handling throughout.

Outcome

The system delivered by Pac Technologies provides complete visibility and control over critical powder-conditioning operations — ensuring product quality, safety, and efficiency in one of Europe’s most advanced battery facilities.Through intelligent automation and data-driven design, Pac Technologies continues to help next-generation manufacturers translate cutting-edge technology into reliable industrial performance.