June 2016Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
By Jarkko Räty, manager, Pulp & Paper Solutions at Metso Flow.
Known condition of control valves and instruments can be utilised in maintenance planning to focus actions to the devices most needing attention. Traditional ways to diagnose control valves and instrumentation have either been by analysing the digital valve controller’s and instrument’s device information, or by testing and analysing with portable testing tools. Metso Flow Control’s ValveTriage Service, a new way to evaluate the device condition and performance utilising process information. This is especially tempting for plants not having modern digitalised device technology with associated systems or possibilities and resources for the portable testing.
Control systems are gathering real-time data from all corners of the plant. The data can be stored and used to analyse condition and performance of field devices. With ValveTriage Service, the process data can be turned into meaningful diagnostic information. The service system runs 24/7 gathering data from the control system via OPC interface. It calculates several diagnostic measures bringing up the devices needing attention. Typical diagnostic measures for control valves are excessive valve travel, oscillation due to valve stiction or hysteresis, and valve sizing issues. Respectively, data losses, instrument at limits, noise levels, spiking and flat lining are followed in the case of measurement instruments.
A great advantage of real-time metrics and diagnostics calculated from process data is that they can quantify the extent of the problem and its effect on the process. Rather than saying there is “some stiction” on a valve, exact numbers, such as 4,2% stiction causing 2,1% variation in the process value, can be supplied. This gives more value than a “true/false” diagnostic and severe problems will receive much higher priority. The prioritisation gets even more valuable when the real-time metrics are combined with a device’s criticality class information, i.e. the device’s impact on process, safety and the environment.
ValveTriage Service’s findings and maintenance proposals are reviewed with the customer’s maintenance representatives in order to define and prioritise maintenance actions. The focused actions greatly reduce time spent in the field, working on wrong problems, freeing up skilled personnel to resolve the right issues and spend time on higher level tasks.
As the number of maintenance activities go down, not only does the cost of maintenance fall, but it also makes the plant safer resulting in fewer events for potential faults and accidents. The ValveTriage Service delivers bottom-line results by focusing attention to the worst behaving devices. Lifetime of equipment is extended by early detection of excessive wear and tear and process performance is enhanced by bringing down process variations.
Automatic lubrication systems drive mobile mine machine reliability and uptime SKF South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
SKF’s Lincoln P203 progressive lubrication systems are improving reliability and uptime on mobile machines at a Zambian gold mine, with installation of 45 units completing by October 2026.
Read more...Nitration: the acid you didn’t see coming Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Nitration is as destructive as oxidation in many engines but far less understood. WearCheck technical manager, Steven Lumley explains how nitrogen oxide gases degrade lubricants, why the process is difficult to detect, and what oil analysis can reveal before damage occurs.
Read more...KSB makes mechanical seals for its own pumps and other brands
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
KSB Pumps and Valves is expanding its range of mechanical seals to fit its own pumps and competitor brands. The portfolio covers component and cartridge seals, API 682-compliant systems, slurry and high-pressure seals, and ATEX-certified solutions, supported by refurbishment and field service capabilities.
Read more...Omniflex delivers ICCP systems in London Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
: Omniflex has supplied impressed current cathodic protection systems for landmark London buildings, protecting reinforced concrete from corrosion and extending the service life of commercial, retail and heritage sites.
Read more...Modernising acid cooler protection without disrupting production Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex has supplied an advanced anodic protection control system to phosphate producer Foskor, replacing a legacy transformer rectifier system while maintaining uninterrupted production. The distributed PowerView CP solution provides remote monitoring and DCS integration.
Read more...Engineering partnership delivers longer life for vibrating feeders in mining
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
: OST-Africa’s combination of VISAM vibrating motors and advanced rubber mounting technology has helped Euro Sales achieve a 30 to 40% increase in component life on vibrating feeders at several major mining operations, with zero mount failures in the first 12 months.
Read more...When oil can’t take the heat
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Unlike the slow ageing of oxidation, thermal breakdown is the sudden chemical collapse of a lubricant under excessive heat. Steven Lumley of WearCheck explains how it happens, where it strikes, and how oil analysis detects it.
Read more...Mini data loggers for temperature and humidity monitoring
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Testo’s range of four compact data loggers covers temperature and humidity monitoring for storage, refrigeration and transport applications, with USB-C or Bluetooth connectivity and capacity for up to 16 000 readings.
Read more...Alternative fuels for cutting, brazing, soldering and heating
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Bolt and Engineering Distributors, as an authorised distributor for the Harris Products Group, is helping South African industries transition from acetylene to safer, more cost-effective alternative fuels for cutting, brazing, soldering and heating applications.
Read more...Rethinking corrosion protection in process plants Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Remote monitoring is changing how cathodic and anodic protection systems are managed in process plants, giving operators continuous visibility of corrosion protection performance and enabling more proactive maintenance decisions.
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