Valve suppliers just joined the digital revolution in their quest to drive down total cost of ownership through performance-related monitoring solutions. What is surprising is that it took so long. After all, as final control elements, valves have earned a reputation as the ‘bad actor’ in many process control loops.
The problem is twofold. Firstly, the valve often operates unattended under extremely harsh process and ambient conditions with little (or often no) warning of problems that may be starting to appear. And secondly, the valve is often the last place anyone thinks to look, as when processes do become unstable, often the first ‘solution’ that comes to mind is that the loop needs re-tuning.
With the emergence of IIoT-enabled remote management platforms, process industry end-users can now begin to take advantage of the monitoring and analysis services provided by valve suppliers. In theory this was all possible before, but practically it was too expensive to commercialise because it involved close cooperation between the valve suppliers, IT service providers, analytics experts and the end-users themselves, who were often unwilling to make the raw process data available.
The recent advances in secure cloud-based IIoT platform offerings, along with wireless communication networks, Big Data analytic packages and advanced visualisation technology, has changed all that. But where does one start?
According to the ARC Advisory Group, end users are well advised to develop a phased approach, which includes measurable goals for each step in the process. To avoid getting caught up in the hype surrounding digital technologies, the first step should be to focus on an existing valve-related process problem that is negatively impacting day-to-day operations. Plant owners should begin by identifying their most critical assets that are prone to frequent instability or failure, and deploy feasible monitoring solutions for the valves in those crucial control loops. Severe service valves with their typically higher failure rates offer the most significant potential for cost saving, making them obvious candidates.
The latest generation of valve actuators make extremely accurate position sensing and direct measurement of valve stem travel and thrust possible. This data can be transmitted over a wireless or traditional fieldbus link, and because the information is directly measured and not interpolated, it is an ideal fit for asset management and predictive maintenance planning.
Leveraging the expertise that valve manufacturers have built up over decades just became more reachable than at any time in the past. Industrial facility operators can now have access to actionable control valve health information whenever and wherever they need it. The ARC Advisory Group’s David Clayton has more in ‘New performance management solutions for intelligent valves and pumps’.
Read more...Schneider Electric announces 2023 Global Alliance Partner Programme award winners Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has announced the winners of the 2023 Global Alliance Excellence Awards. Throughout 2023, Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partners supported customers in the digitalisation of industrial automation, delivering value with innovative initiatives, solutions and services.
Read more...Custom containerised lubrication dispensing system
News
Bosch Rexroth Africa recently supplied and installed a customised environmentally friendly and dust-proof lubrication dispensing system for a leading earth-moving equipment supplier.
Read more...Siemens to acquire industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst Siemens South Africa
News
Siemens has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst. The business includes intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems in the protective extra-low voltage range and innovative motion control systems.
Read more...Bearings International fosters a segment strategy Bearings International
News
Bearings International has a segment approach to the market, which places an intentional focus on key industries in South and sub-Saharan Africa in a bid to optimise operations, enhance uptime, and drive business sustainability and increased profitability outcomes for customers.
Read more...Local robotics team’s journey to the world stage
News
In the heart of Cape Town, a group of young visionaries aged 12 to 17 is making waves in the world of robotics. Known as Texpand, this team from Pinelands has not only dominated the First Tech Challenge (FTC) in South Africa, but has also earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to engineering and problem solving.
Read more...RS Group expands by 10 000 products RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has announced its Better World Claims Based Framework, enabling customers to select verified sustainable product alternatives. This provides suppliers with a standardised framework to accelerate the development and manufacture of more sustainable and responsible products.
Read more...IRP 2023 could reset SA’s social and economic problems
News
ACTOM recently held a webinar on the ‘Draft IRP2023 Impact on the Manufacturing Sector’. South Africa’s Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 is a key document that outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing the country’s energy security challenges, while also setting out its transition to a diversified energy mix, including renewables.
Read more...Young scientists to showcase innovative research
News
Innovative South African research which includes a cost-effective triage test for real-time detection of TB and a nature-based technology that brings about environmental remediation, will be showcased at this year’s International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia.
Read more...Moog takes a leadership position in lunar exploration
News
NASA is planning for a sustained human presence on the Moon, and resources such as water could eventually be harnessed from the lunar surface instead of being transported from Earth, and it has turned to industry to find ways to excavate and transport that icy regolith.
printer friendly version