Chemical Processing - December 2007 - (Page 28)

when the efficiency of that unit will Internet; the actual monitoring and drop below a certain level, signaling subsequent calculations are done rewhen it should be taken out of ser- motely. In most cases, chemical makvice. This knowledge allows main- ers create a special script so that pertenance planners to schedule down- formance data on selected machines time at the least disruptive time. are automatically communicated via Because the raw data come from periodic e-mail transmissions from the regular documentation of ongo- anywhere in the world. ing operations, no special measureAfter the data are processed ment equipment is needed on-site. through the sophisticated model, Information can be taken from a analysts who are intimately familiar with Page 1 CONVEYOR data historian or even operators’ putnam 6_07.qxd 6/12/2007 10:38 AMeach type of machinery evalulog sheets and communicated via the ate the feedback and provide a full diagnostic report along with actionable recommendations via a secure web interface, so the end-user can access the information anywhere in the world. For example, a compressor in a plant in China might be monitored, the information processed and analyzed in the U.K., and the results sent to corporate engineers in Houston. Plenty of possibilities Chemical plants abound with opportunities for performance monitoring. For example, compressors, including air compressors and those that are integral to refrigeration systems where a process fluid must be maintained at a specific temperature, are frequently critical to production. However, multi-stage compressors are complex machines, making it hard for plant staff to spot degraded performance, let alone determine the source of the problem. A poorly performing multi-stage compressor can cost its operator hundreds of dollars per day in decreased production. Immediate action, possible only when the performance of the machine is being continuously monitored, may well be needed to prevent extended losses. Temperature measurement plays a key role in the control of compression trains. Accurate readings directly impact the volume of gas compressed and flowing from the machine; that kind of information also can serve as a performance indicator. Using a thermodynamic model to characterize the performance of such a machine, the monitoring software can distinguish between performance deviations and instrumentation drift for all sections of the compressor train, allowing for a true evaluation of the performance of each section. Early identification of instrument error can also reduce production losses. By using historical data to establish baseline performance for a given machine and checking that against a thermodynamic model of www.chemicalprocessing.com Sanitary Hygienic Dust-Free The best solution for moving bulk materials is with PIAB Vacuum Conveying. Whether you're feeding material to a form, fill, seal machine or a volumetric feeder or feeding material to a mixer or a blender, PIAB's C-Series vacuum conveying systems make it all happen. Sanitary - 3-A & USDA accepted. Hygienic - quick-change filters prevent cross-contamination of ingredients. Dust-Free - vacuum technology by compressed air prevents product blow-by or leakage. For more information, call (800) 321-7422/(781) 337-7309 or e-mail us at info@piab.com www.piab.com 28 • December 2007 http://www.piab.com http://www.piab.com http://www.chemicalprocessing.com

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Chemical Processing - December 2007 Contents From the Editor ChemicalProcessing.com Field Notes In Process Energy Saver Compliance Advisor 2007 Vaaler Award - The Quest Ends Take Equipment Diagnostics to a New Level Better Bellows Boosts Blending Process Puzzler Plant InSites Equipment & Services Product Spotlight/Classifieds Ad Index End Point

Chemical Processing - December 2007

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