Chemical Engineering May 2021 - 32

FIGURE 3. A field engineer wearing an AR headset clipped
to her safety helmet inspects critical fluid system equipment
at a chemical plant with the help of an engineering team
watching a livestream video of her actions and providing
remote troubleshooting input
agnosing issues in critical process systems,
such as process gas chromatographs, analyzers,
sampling systems, steam systems,
rotating equipment and more.
On a typical semi-virtual visit, a single onsite
engineer will arrive at the facility wearing
an AR headset clipped to his or her safety
helmet (Figure 3). As the engineer goes
about inspection duties - for example, performing
gap inspections on fittings to ensure
proper tightening for leak-tight performance
(Figure 4) - he or she can hear the voices
of colleagues in an earpiece. That team of
remote engineers, which may include experts
from around the globe, is able to view
a livestream video of everything the on-site
engineer sees and does. This enables the
chemical plant or refinery to limit field visitors
to just one engineer, while supplementing
that person's skill with the combined experience
of the full team.
FIGURE 4. A field engineer performs a gap inspection of fittings
to ensure proper tightening. This is one of the regular
activities performed by external service engineers that can
be enhanced with virtual technology
the option to send fewer technicians for onsite
visits. However, one engineer cannot be
an expert in everything. To accommodate
the need for reduced on-site personnel,
while overcoming the resulting expertise
limitations, some field service providers have
begun deploying the use of augmented reality
(AR) technology to remotely bring engineers
into the facility (Figure 2).
The use of this technology can have benefits
beyond the scope of the pandemic.
Based on our field engineering team's experience,
conducting virtual and semi-virtual
system evaluations in chemical plants and
petroleum refineries, this article describes
how AR technology can be deployed in CPI
facilities to deliver the same value and benefit
operators expect from on-site visits - with
fewer visiting engineers. It also explores specific
examples of how a lead engineer on the
ground at the facility can help solve process
and fluid-system challenges with the help of
his or her remote, virtual team.
The AR experience
While AR remains a somewhat new technology,
it has matured to the point where it can
provide a highly realistic experience - one
that can meet the needs associated with di32
Evaluation
examples
With the full team at his or her disposal, the
sole on-site engineer can get to work. The
engineer can zoom the live camera in on various
fluid or sampling system components,
focusing the attention of the team on certain
parts of the system using voice controls
(Figure 5). The on-site engineer and remote
FIGURE 5. Using an AR headset, an on-site field engineer can
zoom the live camera in on various systems and components
using voice controls
FIGURE 6. With a virtual team of specialists providing remote,
real-time problem solving and troubleshooting, on-site
engineers can readily solve a range of challenges
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Chemical Engineering May 2021

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