Metso FieldCare helps customers enhance the efficiency of process management with the help of information covering the process lifecycle of their plant devices. This condition monitoring solution gives a quick overview of the operational status of all intelligent field equipment in the system. The information it provides supports predictive maintenance and can be used to plan regular maintenance activities, ensuring sufficient time to order spare parts and plan for service operations. It also lowers the cost of ownership as it can manage many devices, helps plan maintenance activities, and, as part of the process control system, will be a valuable addition to further optimize and reduce the operational costs of the overall operation.
When you consider a process plant, there are hundreds or even thousands of devices such as valves, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors that are used to control the process, said Steve Ryan, General Manager for GE Intelligent Platforms’ Process Solutions. Failure on one of these devices can lead to lost production which could translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars. So knowing, not just assuming, that process equipment is operating properly is imperative. It’s not a nice to have - it is an operational requirement.
FieldCare provides a single tool with which to manage process devices, and its web-enabled interfaces allow for the information to be distributed broadly across the user’s network in real time. Its ability to show both standard configuration parameters and device-specific functions eliminates the need for vendor-specific tools. FieldCare allows customers to optimize and save in all phases of the plant lifecycle.
Commissioning - With FieldCare users can download the configuration, calibration, and tuning information needed to setup each plant device. Doing this remotely rather than having to go out in the plant to each device is a huge time savings which allows for faster commissioning and gets the system to the next phase - startup much faster.
Startup - During Startup users need to be able to detect unstable control conditions and troubleshoot the operation of the system. FieldCare enables access information on each device, so it can be monitored to verify its condition allowing quick elimination of issues to get to a running phase more quickly.
Runtime - FieldCare allows users to establish a baseline for each device’s operation. Condition is monitored continuously so when a device is starting to wear or degrade it can be detected easily. Knowing this along with past history allows users to predict when service will be needed so they can determine what issues can be handled during a planned shutdown, and if a condition is occurring at such a rate that you need to plan a shutdown rather than have an un-expected failure.
Shutdown Preparation - With FieldCare users can better plan for shutdown by knowing which devices need service and plan the resources required. Lack of the needed resources may result in unfinished maintenance work before start-up, so using FieldCare can reduce risks in start-up.
Service Shutdown - Plant shutdown is much more effective because you have a much better view of what needs to be serviced. With FieldCare users can move to predictive maintenance which results in the greatest operational and maintenance savings.
FieldCare is another example of what GE Intelligent Platforms’ Process Solutions can bring to our customers around the world,” concluded Ryan. “Best-of-class solutions to solve real-world issues for process operations.
About Metso Corporation
Metso (metso.com) is a global supplier of sustainable technology and services for mining, construction, power generation, automation, recycling and the pulp and paper industries. Metso has about 28,000 employees in more than 50 countries.
About GE Intelligent Platforms
GE Intelligent Platforms (ge-ip.com) is an experienced high-performance technology company and a global provider of software, hardware, services, and expertise in automation and embedded computing. We offer a unique foundation of agile and reliable technology providing customers a sustainable advantage in the industries they serve, including energy, water, consumer packaged goods, government & defense, and telecommunications. GE Intelligent Platforms is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA.
