Schneider Electric has announced the release of Altivar Process in the southern African region. This is the first variable speed drive on the market with embedded intelligent services for industrial applications. The range of drives is designed for process applications from 0,75 to 1,5 MW. Thanks to a convergence of information and operational technologies, Altivar Process delivers added value services in the food and beverage, water, oil and gas, metals and minerals, and mining industries, enabling business and process optimisation through improved life-cycle asset management and enhanced energy consumption.
Much more than a drive
According to Luthando Makiwane, product manager – VSD and SS at Schneider Electric Global Operations: Southern Africa, services-oriented drives are much more than a drive. “Above and beyond traditional functions to control the motor and the application, a services-oriented drive is capable of delivering services to customers that can boost their entire business. The services-oriented drive is built into the architecture and is focused on optimising business performance, overall equipment efficiency and total cost of ownership,” he says.
Advanced condition monitoring
Through advanced system and equipment condition monitoring, Altivar Process ensures that applications are performing at optimum efficiency at all times. Compared to conventional drives, Altivar Process delivers an additional 8% cost reduction thanks to its ability to detect efficiency drifts instantly and to monitor motor power with a high level of accuracy (less than 5%). This enables the automation system to immediately make adjustments, thereby minimising any negative impact on the bottom line.
Downtime reduced by 20%
In contrast to conventional drives, Altivar Process is also able to reduce downtime by another 20% due to predictive, condition-based maintenance and an innovative user interface with easy to understand graphs. Fully integrating both architecture and business systems, Altivar Process provides process visibility and transparent access to enriched data at both the factory and asset level. Embedded Ethernet and advanced web servers provide consistent and secure access to this information, anytime and from anywhere. The embedded web server allows users to select which information to view and which to store (datalogging). “Additionally, KPIs and alarms are automatically monitored and can generate alerts to system operators of any performance irregularities, so preventive steps can be taken to maintain optimum process efficiency and profitability,” says Makiwane.
Compact, modular, and flexible, Altivar Process fits any application and is simple to install and integrate, whether in new installations, retrofits or upgrades. Designed for critical applications, it is uniquely engineered and incorporates process, grid and installation into a complete solution that reduces maintenance requirements and total cost of ownership. In addition, its compact, modular and low-weight modules simplify spare parts inventory and reduce repair time, for example cooling fans can be mounted in just five minutes.
Access from mobile device
“To further simplify maintenance, enhance troubleshooting and reduce downtime and its related costs, operators can access technical documentation, support, and diagnostic information directly on their mobile devices,” says Makiwane. Error messages also generate dynamic quick response (QR) codes for instant access to comprehensive support information to solve issues efficiently right on site, while QR codes printed directly on the drives provide instant access to customer care centres and online troubleshooting.
Components can be recycled
Even at the end of their useful life, Altivar Process drives are more environmentally friendly as 70% of the components can be recycled; and because they carry the Green Premium label – Schneider Electric’s unique eco-brand signifying products that meet the European RoHS directive and REACH regulations – Altivar Process drives go beyond compliance regulations of today and help meet the environmental regulations of tomorrow.
The drives will be launched at Electra mining as well as Schneider’s Xperience Efficiency interactive exhibition to be held on 26-27 August at Birchwood Conference Centre, Boksburg. There will be live product demonstrations at both events.
For more information contact Ntombi Mhangwani, Schneider Electric South Africa, +27 (0)11 254 6400, ntombi.mhangwani@schneider-electric.com, www.schneider-electric.com
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