Process control loop management services
March 2005
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Products & Solutions
Protea Automation Solutions has introduced a range of comprehensive loop management services. The services are available for the I/A Series automation system from Foxboro as well as other process control systems. This new service represents an important component within Protea Automation Solutions' expanding suite of LifeTime Performance Improvement Services which now also includes alarm management and network security services. These services work together to help customers maximise the performance of their installed automation assets.
The new loop management services begin with a thorough evaluation of all current plant or unit control loops utilising best-in-class diagnostic software tools. This includes comprehensive online diagnostics of all control valves. Loop and valve diagnostics are performed utilising models created from a combination of realtime data and historical information collected via OPC. This important service is available for virtually all process control systems and all field devices. Foundation Fieldbus or other digital field protocols are not required.
Critical under-performing loops are prioritised for remediation, and if desired, Protea Automation Solutions' experts can perform the actual loop tuning and recommend appropriate valve maintenance activities. Following remediation, Protea Automation Solutions provides a report documenting the loop performance improvements that were achieved. Ongoing remote monitoring, reporting, prioritisation and on-site remediation services are available to help ensure optimal loop performance over time.
According to Protea Automation Solutions, these new services fill a critical gap created when many process manufacturers made the decision to downsize their engineering, maintenance and operations staff in response to business pressures.
As a result of this downsizing, many process loops, including critical 'money' loops are often operating sub-optimally, resulting in decreased product quality, increased raw material and energy usage, or the need for frequent operator intervention.
Poorly performing control loops, and particularly oscillating loops, also often result in excessive valve wear, thus increasing maintenance requirements. By off-loading day-to-day loop management to Protea Automation Solutions, process manufacturers can realise optimal control loop performance, while freeing typically overworked plant personnel to perform other critical plant tasks.
For more information contact Keith Guest, Protea Automation Solutions, 011 719 5700, keithg@protea.co.za, www.protea.co.za
Further reading:
Bringing fire safety closer to home
SafeQuip
Fire & Safety Products & Solutions Smart Home Automation
SafeQuip’s latest product launch introduces two compact, disposable fire extinguishers for everyday use, one suitable for Class A, B, and C fires, the other rated for Class A, B and F fires.
Read more...
From surveillance to insight across Africa
neaMetrics TRASSIR - neaMetrics Distribution
Access Control & Identity Management Surveillance Products & Solutions
TRASSIR is a global developer of intelligent video management and analytics solutions, delivering AI-driven platforms that enable organisations to monitor, analyse, and respond to events across complex physical environments.
Read more...
Edge AI-powered night vision
Surveillance Products & Solutions
By eliminating the need for supplemental lighting, the VIVOTEK Chroma24 low-light full-colour AI camera series provides quiet, unobtrusive protection, while also reducing power consumption and minimising impact on people, ecosystems, and the environment.
Read more...
Duplex valve improves continuous production at Gauteng manufacturing facility
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
In a recent installation at a Gauteng-based manufacturer of household and personal care products, Allmech provided a tailored water treatment solution to ensure a consistent supply of soft water for steam generation, an essential element in the client’s 24/7 production cycle.
Read more...
Inside the RealScan SG10
neaMetrics
Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions
The SG10 was optimised for speed at every stage, from capture to processing. The result is faster fingerprint acquisition and near-instant response for operators.
Read more...
AI-powered classification across large areas
Axis Communications SA
Surveillance Products & Solutions AI & Data Analytics
Axis Communications announced the upcoming launch of two innovative radars. Each device delivers a 180° or 270° horizontal field of detection, with accurate AI-powered classification across large areas, 24/7, in all weather and lighting conditions.
Read more...
Unified, AI-powered security platform
Suprema neaMetrics
Access Control & Identity Management Surveillance Products & Solutions
Suprema recently announced the launch of BioStar X, its advanced unified security platform. BioStar X unifies biometric access control and video surveillance into a single, scalable platform.
Read more...
Protecting high-value data from AI
CASA Software
Infrastructure Information Security Products & Solutions
As artificial intelligence accelerates the speed and sophistication of cyberattacks, protecting high-value data, such as financial records, legal files, patient data, intellectual property, and compliance records, has never been more urgent.
Read more...
Identity-led security in banking
Secutel Technologies
Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions
Traditional keys, cards, and siloed systems are no longer sufficient in a world where security, compliance, and operational efficiency must work together seamlessly. In 2026, the focus is firmly on smart access.
Read more...
Developing solutions for SA’s wastewater challenges
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
KSB Pumps has a proud global legacy in the development of self-priming pump technology, which reflects decades of engineering innovation and application expertise. Building on this foundation, KSB’s AU series has extended the company’s self-priming expertise into screened wastewater handling, which meets the growing needs of municipal and industrial sectors worldwide.
Read more...
printer friendly version