16 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk October/November 2023 Maintenance Matters Focus on: Condition Monitoring example, information could include whether the failure can be traced to the measuring device, or if the process itself is at fault. With NAMUR NE 107 diagnostics, users have the option to turn off diagnostics that are not required – alternatively, they can configure how the diagnostics are reported. ABB says all its measurement devices conform to NE 107, and it has used the standard alarm codes to build an online diagnostic app to offer the self-service support features that meet this need. For example, if a flow meter is displaying an error code on the device’s HMI, users would simply choose the flow meter on the app then select the displayed error code from a dropdown menu. Entering the error code would return the nature of the fault together with suggestions to remedy the situation. ABB also offers instruments that encrypt device maintenance and operating conditions within dynamic QR codes, making it easier for less experienced personnel to streamline troubleshooting processes, as they can simply take a picture of the QR code with their smartphone. They then forward the data securely to receive remote support. Accurate verification in the field One of the most important aspects of maintaining a device’s accuracy is field verification. Historically verification has been carried out manually, with engineers using multimeters and similar devices. Drawbacks typically include longer downtimes, and the need for specially trained technicians. A faster option is software verification, but this can involve using different software packages for different types of devices and one package may not work with all communications protocols. The best modern verification software packages can be used for many device types, performing deep analysis of the device’s condition, with no need for any specially trained technicians. A report is produced on the calibration variables, assessing the limits and determining if the device has passed or failed. Towards predictive maintenance Condition monitoring is the essential basis of the most effective and economical type of maintenance - predictive maintenance. Using performance data, predictive maintenance gives insights into which device and which component on the device is likely to fail and when. This allows maintenance staff to investigate the device’s condition more effectively. Maintenance tasks can then be conducted to comply with production schedules and conduct any repairs before the instrument fails. A properly conducted predictive maintenance programme will dramatically reduce or even eliminate unplanned downtime caused by instrumentation failures. It can also help make more efficient use of the workforce, ensuring tasks can be scheduled more effectively. Another major benefit is the increased up time that can be gained - if an instrument is only taken out of service when absolutely necessary, it can continue to carry out its monitoring role for the maximum length of time. Moving away from preventive maintenance and towards predictive maintenance can help eliminate routine tasks that add no value, reducing overall maintenance costs, while also eliminating the risk of making inaccurate adjustments. With a better insight into the actual condition of the instrument, it can be serviced in the way it requires, increasing its lifespan. By aiding in their own condition monitoring to inform predictive maintenance, modern measuring and monitoring instruments are kept operational for longer. In this way, instrument users can ensure that their processes are also working for the longest possible time, cost-effectively and meeting all regulatory requirements. Reap the benefits of digitalisation With more industrial companies embracing digitalisation, the diagnostic functions included within digital instruments offer a raft of opportunities for enhanced operation and maintenance. Ultimately, whether a company moves towards more use of condition monitoring depends on several factors, including their current device setup, their operating philosophy, their perception of value and what they want from a potential supplier. With the increasingly rich data sets now available from digital instruments, using digital diagnostics to improve accuracy, cut maintenance costs, boost quality and productivity and ensure greater compliance to regulations makes increasing sense. For further information please visit: http://bit.ly/ABB_Digital_Servs.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=