May 2014Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Emerson Process Management’s wireless condition monitoring and prediction system is being used at the SABIC Olefins plant in Teesside, UK, to detect potential problems with pumps before they disrupt normal operations. The system helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures that can cause lost production and expensive repairs, as well as safety and environmental incidents.
The critical pumps being monitored are installed on the plant’s Olefins cracker, which is used to produce ethylene, propylene, butadiene and gasoline products. SABIC Teesside previously collected and analysed vibration data for these pumps manually, but potential problems could occur between readings. This led to higher maintenance costs and reduced plant availability, which was affecting overall production.
“We wanted to improve the monitoring of critical pumps at the Olefins plant in Teesside,” said David Hambling, instrument engineer, SABIC Petrochemicals. “By installing Emerson’s wireless vibration transmitters we can now continuously monitor vibration levels and detect faults before a failure occurs.”
Emerson’s online vibration monitoring system has detected a number of problems that could have resulted in equipment failure, including a chipped tooth on a gearbox gear and an impending bearing failure. Identifying and rectifying potential problems earlier helps minimise pump failures and maintenance costs.
In addition to measuring overall vibration and temperature, the CSI 9420 wireless vibration transmitter includes PeakVue technology, which detects faults that cause impacting, friction, and fatigue, particularly in gearbox and rolling element bearings. The monitoring system takes basic readings every 30 seconds and an in-depth, full spectrum analysis once every day. By tracking rising vibration levels, SABIC Teesside can detect developing faults and improve maintenance scheduling.
“Emerson’s Smart Wireless technologies, combined with advances in sensor technology and low lifecycle costs, have made it quick and easy for our customers to access data from their critical assets,” said Nathan Pettus, vice president, machinery health for Emerson Process Management. “With our proven predictive technologies like PeakVue and our focus on pervasive sensing, we are helping customers like SABIC to filter, automatically analyse and capture useful, actionable information so they can rectify any issues that could interrupt production.”
The plant’s existing Emerson Smart Wireless network made installing the wireless vibration transmitters quick and easy, enabling vibration data to be sent to SABIC’s process control system. The established mesh network also makes it easy to add or relocate wireless-enabled devices for additional process information from remote or difficult-to-access locations.
“Wireless has shown itself to be a valuable tool in our condition monitoring armoury,” concluded Hambling. “Predicting failures in gearboxes of this type can make considerable savings on any subsequent turnaround and help to keep equipment available.”
Oils don’t die, they degrade Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck explores the main ways lubricants degrade in service and how these degradation modes affect oil performance and machine reliability.
Read more...Real-time spectrum analyser Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The PXE series real-time spectrum analyser covers frequencies up to 20 GHz with a 100 MHz analytical bandwidth and ultra-fast sweep speed, supporting spectrum monitoring, interference finding and RF test and measurement functions.
Read more...Preserving a French heritage landmark Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex supplied a remotely monitored impressed current cathodic protection system for the Perret Tower in Grenoble, a protected French heritage site, combining 24/7 corrosion protection with integrated surge protection against lightning strikes.
Read more...Operational efficiencies and safety compliance with preventive maintenance programmes
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Konecranes explains how its Lifecycle Care Preventive Maintenance programme reduces unexpected downtime, improves safety compliance and delivers measurable financial benefits for operators of cranes and lifting equipment across any make or sector.
Read more...Portable appliance tester Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vepac Electronics’ new portable appliance tester enables precise safety testing of electrical appliances in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 and BetrSichV, with simple three-button operation and battery-powered mobility.
Read more...Why lubrication fails in mining and what to do about it
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Lubrication Engineers explains the recurring failure points behind mining lubrication problems and how the right product, storage and application practices can improve equipment reliability.
Read more...When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.
Read more...Why asset level intelligence is now essential for resilient wastewater plants Schneider Electric South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Sub-Saharan Africa’s wastewater operators face mounting pressure to keep ageing plants running smoothly and meet tougher environmental standards, all while lacking visibility into the health of their medium-voltage (MV) drives and other critical rotating assets. Adding predictive analytics, digital twins and enterprise dashboards enables optimisation across multiple sites, ensuring every drop moves safely and efficiently through the water cycle.
Read more...How multiple boilers can minimise costly downtime
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Associated Energy Services explains how multi-boiler systems reduce downtime risk for South African manufacturers, covering redundancy planning, fuel source diversification and the strategic management of backup boiler capacity.
Read more...Field calibration made easy Instrotech
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Instrotech’s locally designed and manufactured Calog calibrator range feature a rugged IP54-rated housing, backlit display with data logging via SD card, and a lithium-ion battery with approximately eight hours of run time.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version