WHO SAYS YOU CANT TAKE IT WITH YOU?
With wireless PC or PDA in hand, roaming operators can now access control and asset-management systems to relate immediately what they see to whats happening in the processand respond as needed. |
Communications improve, too. A plant-wide wireless broadband network with VoIP technology can extend communication reach while also enabling smart communicationsbroadcasting, for example, different messages to specific teams based on the IP address of each workers radio.
Maintenance workers also benefit. Wireless tools such as handheld communicators let them access maintenance work orders, instructions and other information, and track or report inspections, tests and repairs immediately.
This Stuff Really Works
PPG Industries Lake Charles, La., facility is among those early adopters of wireless technology that already are reaping the benefits of mobile data accessas well as the speedier installation time afforded by wireless instrumentation.
Were currently using wireless tablet PCs in our operational units, explains Tim Gerami, PPG senior design engineer. Operators can go around and look at the DCS on the tablet PC. The PCs can also be used for calling up operational procedures, looking up information on an existing valve or transmitter or using AMS to calibrate a transmitter.
At StatoilHydros Grane offshore platform, wireless has eliminated the need for daily visits to the wellhead to record gauge readings manually. Further, this increased process visibility already has led to operational improvements and allows unusual readings to be identified earlier.
At yet another major refinery, operators once visited the calcining unit monthly, manually logging motor-bearing temperatures, pump-casing temperatures, differential pressure across water filters and in-line pressures on chemical injection lines to detect plugging. Today, the operators still make rounds, but without an infrared gun and a manual log. Instead, they use a wireless PDA to interrogate their wireless instruments and connect to the data historian to check trend histories.
The operators focus is now on solving problems instead of manually reading, logging and entering data. With higher resolution to the process and more accurate measurements, the plant has improved the availability of the coking operation, streamlined maintenance activities, moved the plant to predictable turnarounds and minimized unplanned failures of expensive pumps and motors.
