Compressed air is widely used throughout a process plant for automation and control. It can also be used for other process applications like injectors or Venturi tubes. Pneumatic devices such as air tools and cylinders is a third application for compressed air. With so many applications it often times does not get the priority it […]
Within a process plant there is all kinds of turbomachinery, including compressors, pumps and fans. They are generally steam driven and move a lot of fluid. They are large. They are expensive. The manufactures of turbomachinery will include basic controls to meet performance specification and safe operation. This presents a good opportunity to add […]
In order to reduce installation and operational costs, process plants have ofter used RTDs or thermocouples without a transmitter for temperature measurement. This is especially true for high density temperature measurements like distillation columns, reactors and bearings on rotating equipment. However, there are a number of disadvantages to this strategy and high density temperature transmitters […]
Historically, reliability was realized through Preventative Maintenance (PM). It was routine to replace components on a time schedule based on best practices at the time. This included bearings, seals and lubrication. However, it was realized that these compenents could be perfectly fine and did not need replacement. Predictive Maintenance (PdM) soon replaced PM schedules. With […]
Process creep is the term used to describe small changes within a process. Over time, however, these changes, while individually minor, can lead to significant changes from the original design. This can have a negative effect on your process equipment as it is now operating at a condition it was not designed to handle. Rotating […]
When rotating equipment fails, it is quite common to perform a root cause failure analysis (RCFA). The RCFA, unfortunately, is not done properly, as it only captures the first level of what failed and what likely caused the failure. A true RCFA will look at several levels of failures and why an event occurred. […]
Rotating equipment in process plants tends to be the Achilles heel for overall reliability. Much time has been spent on this subject and many strategies have been employed. At a basic level, as long as the equipment is well lubricated, it will last a long time. Unfortunately, many process plants to not have a good […]
Cavitation is a common source of pump failure. Vibration monitoring is the general technology used to capture this condition. However, it does not always work because the impact of cavitation cannot be discerned within background noise. Pressure transmitters that utilitze Statistical Process Monitoring (SPM) is a great way to monitor this, especially on “bad actors”.
When a […]
Recent Comments
- nikhilesh on AMS and Advanced Diagnostics
- David Schultz on AMS and Advanced Diagnostics
- NIKHILESH on AMS and Advanced Diagnostics
- David Schultz on WirelessHART versus ISA100.11
- Herman Storey on WirelessHART versus ISA100.11
Tags
acoustic advanced diagnostics analytical asset management business development control valve differential pressure ers filtration flow general historian IIoT impulse piping level manufacturing intelligence measurement MES mixer orifice plate positioner pressure project management rotating equipment safety SCADA temperature vibration wireless WirelessHART