In the never ending drive to increase levels of customer satisfaction through more complete industry offerings, Siemens plans to complement its world-class technical innovation with a new concept in value added service.
Smart technical solutions and Service Level Agreements
By themselves, Smart solutions and SLAs are not new to the process control industry. However, Siemens believes that by combining the two in innovative new ways, an offering can be engineered where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
The idea hinges on the formation of dedicated sales teams by vertical industry segment, which combine the process expertise of the experienced plant engineer with the customer know-how of the experienced sales professional. The plan is to address the value proposition as well as the shortage of skilled personnel on two fronts simultaneously:
Smart technical solutions – by engineering more ‘knowledge’ into sensors and actuators that communicate intelligently with one another, process control networks can be created that respond to problems before they even occur. This frees up scarce operator resources to concentrate on overall production efficiency rather than ‘fire-fighting’ an individual problem.
Service level agreements – in the developed world, the workforce is ageing which means many companies are looking to outsource non-core aspects of their business. In developing countries this is being driven by the talent shortage, but the manifestation is the same.
Under these circumstances, the key to maximum value add for the customer is identifying the needs that must be addressed through the correct choice of technology and backing these up with a tailored level of after-sales support.
Putting theory into practice
An example of the Smart technical solution in practice is this month’s featured product, the Sitrans LR560 FMCW radar level measurement transmitter. The transmitter emits a narrow four degree beam to avoid silo wall obstructions and other installation interferences, allowing it to be installed practically anywhere on the silo. As the first radar transmitter to operate at 78 GHz, it is designed to emit a short wavelength for exceptional signal reflection, even from solids with a steep angle of repose.
Easy-to-use, sophisticated, level measurement
A graphical quick start wizard guides users through the setup to get the LR560 operational in minutes for accurate and reliable level measurement readings without any additional fine-tuning. Once installed, level measurement readings can be reviewed locally on the transmitter’s display, on a remote display, or in the control room. When used in conjunction with Sitrans RD500, information can be transmitted remotely via the Internet.
The transmitter can be supplied with a variety of process connections to meet most installation needs. Easy-Aimers are available to position the transmitter at the correct angle to ensure reliable level measurement of solids materials, while advanced processing of echo profiles guarantees reliable and accurate measurement. The advanced signal processing provides exceptional reliability and automatically ignores obstructions via auto false-echo suppression.
The answer to solids level measurement applications
The 2-wire, loop powered Sitrans LR560 is a state-of-the-art transmitter for continuous solids level measurement. It is available with HART, Profibus PA, or Foundation Fieldbus protocols. Programming is supported locally via pushbuttons or using a handheld infrared programmer. The transmitter also supports remote configuration and diagnostics with Siemens Simatic PDM (Process Device Manager), Emerson AMS, or PACTware using Siemens DTM. The local interface features a backlit display that can be rotated to four positions for convenience. The unique lens antenna is highly resistant to material build-up and an integrated purge connection is included for cleaning sticky solid material. The high frequency operation makes aiming unnecessary, but the optional aiming flange helps direct the beam to an area of specific interest, such as the discharge area of the silo cone.
Sitrans LR transmitters are manufactured to the quality standards of ISO 9001:2008 and to the environmental standards of ISO 14001:2004. Custom configurations are available on request to ensure the right solution is available for all application requirements.
YouTube videos
* Installation video: http://s13.me/ns/4t
* LR560 purge system video: http://s13.me/ns/4v
* LR560 electronics module video: http://s13.me/ns/4z
Extending the Totally Integrated Automation concept
The process and analytical instrumentation ranges, like LR560, have been incorporated in Siemens’ TIA concept to complement the high quality automation system solutions (PLC and HMI) and the power train ranges of switchgear, drives, gearboxes and motors. This is the approach that has taken Siemens to a position of leadership in the automation markets of the world.
However, the company says its mission to improve client productivity through totally integrated automation solutions could never be complete without totally integrated support and seamless after-sales service. This will now be provided through comprehensive service packages designed to assist in engineering, supplying, installing and commissioning complete measurement solutions for industrial plant applications.
The benefit to clients is an holistic and complete automation solution that allows optimal manufacturing performance and substantial increases in profitability through the entire lifecycle of the facility.
For more information contact Keshin Govender, Siemens Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 652 2412, keshin.govender@siemens.com, www.siemens.co.za
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