Chemical Processing - October 2007 - (Page 37)

strumentation is in place? Which assets are addressed? What data can these current tools provide? How are the data currently used? What tools are being used? What processes are in place to deal with the issues identified? Is there any automation of these processes? Find out if the information already being gathered is handled in systematic or automated fashion and moves across departmental boundaries. One of the major values of condition management is making information useful beyond the realm of the collection point or device — putting it in a broader context. 3. The current level of APC and process optimization. Is the company using such solutions? These models can play a key role in identifying and understanding the dependencies and context for the condition data. 4. Integration infrastructure. Does the firm have a standardized way for integrating applications at the plant level, applications at the business level and among plant and business applications? This will be critical for gathering the condition information at the plant level and then driving the workflow necessary to resolve issues. For example, if a critical condition is recognized, automated workflow tools should page or email the key personnel, automatically trigger the necessary work requests or work orders to the maintenance team and update the necessary HMIs and management dashboards. 5. Business intelligence. Is there an integrated measurement system as well as a vehicle to deliver the information across the company? The vehicle most commonly employed is some form of portal or dashboard solution such as the one shown in Figure 4. The next steps The analysis that establishes the foundation or starting point is the most www.chemicalprocessing.com important step in the path to condition management. It is a comprehensive effort that brings information and, importantly, people, together. It also provides the groundwork for setting priorities and expectations and for understanding the implications on processes and roles. With the foundation effort complete, a company can better see the possibilities for value and improvement, determine risk/reward and identify which parts of condition management can be implemented first. The success of initial low-risk/high-reward projects, in turn, can fund an ongoing program. Many chemical makers can gather the information for a condition management baseline from within. This valuable effort can enable them to more clearly understand their resources, processes, limitations and options. However, the subsequent steps can be complex and likely will involve the assistance of a technology partner familiar with the tools and solutions required for a condition management architecture, not just condition monitoring. Condition management is an overarching solution that makes use of the mountains of data generated by individual condition monitoring systems. It combines, rationalizes, presents and communicates decision support information effectively. It truly can help management identify the actions and practices needed to get full benefit from monitoring investments and, in turn, optimize the return from plant asset investments. CP Neil Cooper is vice president of asset performance management solutions for Invensys Process Systems, Burlington, Ont. E-mail him at neil.cooper@ ips.invensys.com. October 2007 • 37 http://www.smithco-eng.com http://www.smithco-eng.com http://www.smithco-eng.com http://www.chemicalprocessing.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Chemical Processing - October 2007

Chemical Processing - October 2007 Contents From the Editor ChemicalProcessing.com Field Notes In Process Energy Saver Compliance Advisor Biofeedstocks See Real Growth Become a Cyber-Security Pacesetter Go Beyond Condition Monitoring Disposable Equipment Earns Lasting Role Improve Control Loop Performance Ethanol Plant Boosts Output and Saves Energy Process Puzzler Plant InSites Equipment & Services Ad Lits Product Spotlight/Classifieds Ad Index End Point

Chemical Processing - October 2007

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