A new app enables users to visualise an entire networked fleet of valves. At the same time, measures can be prioritised based on the condition index of the individual valves. This helps plant personnel to optimise valve repairs. The result is faster and better maintenance decisions and therefore less downtime.
In most process plants and facilities, hundreds of control valves are installed and in operation in various applications. These valves consist of several parts that often have to move together to control the flow of process media. Some of these parts are in constant, direct contact with the media.
These operating conditions lead to signs of wear, so maintenance personnel must monitor the condition of the individual valves. This is usually done by inspecting each individual valve, either on site or remotely. A time-consuming endeavour that requires a high level of expertise to determine the condition of the valves and take appropriate action.
When does a fitting need to be serviced?
The Plantweb Insight Valve Health Application speeds up and simplifies this task of monitoring control valves by providing a user-friendly interface with easy-to-understand and intuitive graphics. The app includes Emerson's Valve Health Index, which is generated by a proprietary algorithm and shows plant personnel the condition of each valve. The Valve Health Index allows users to enter information about their plant's processes. This includes the criticality of the valve and the financial impact of a valve failure.
The app allows users to prioritise repair and maintenance activities with five different indicators (repair urgency status, valve health index, financial impact, criticality and NE107 alarm status) to meet specific requirements. The app also includes explanations, recommendations and suggestions for when to take action.
“Plants and facilities using all the features of the Plantweb Insight Valve Health Application will experience reduced analysis time, faster troubleshooting and better prioritisation of maintenance actions”, says Jaime Alvarado Millan, software product manager for flow control at Emerson's Final Control Business. “The result will be fewer man-hours spent on repairs and maintenance, increased uptime and fewer unplanned shutdowns. These and other benefits will increase productivity, reduce costs and improve profitability.”
