POWER June 2021 - 29

CONNECTED PLANT
The vital, encrypted data is collected
by the gateway device from the analyzers
and sent to the cloud for processing
via a cellular signal-equipped device, local
area network (LAN), or wireless local
area network (WLAN). This data can be
hosted on a provided cloud network, the
customer's cloud server, or a local server
on-site. This allows important changes
in the device condition to be visualized
using device-specific monitoring apps
and the gathering of data from multiple
sites. This means a large collection of assets
can be monitored remotely, giving a
comprehensive overview of the status of
all analyzers.
Monitoring Multiple Sites
Analyzer technicians are often responsible
for multiple sites or analyzers. Webbased
condition monitoring allows them
to avoid going to each individual site to
determine the status of each analyzer. Instead,
routine checks can all be done remotely
and someone can be dispatched
to the site only if necessary. Some sites
can operate unmanned and it helps to
eliminate the necessity of having fulltime
crews at each site.
In addition, power plants in remote
er plant complies with Environmental
Protection Agency regulations to avoid
potential fines.
Condition Monitoring for
Increased Uptime
2. On-site technicians can utilize an app to
quickly and efficiently monitor gas analyzer
performance. Courtesy: SICK
locations, such as coal-fired or gas-fired
power generation plants using flue gas
analyzers, often have limited staff that
is only getting more limited due to costcutting
measures and labor shortages.
Having remote access allows one person
to monitor multiple sites, without
being in front of the analyzers. It enables
the worker to maintain maximum
analyzer availability so units remain in
compliance with permits and avoid any
data gaps. When monitoring multiple
sites, that worker can ensure the powDetermining
the most important variables
for condition monitoring and data
analysis help to develop a suitable predictive
maintenance model for the condition
of the most sensitive component
groups. A large number of malfunctions
can be predicted with high precision
using condition monitoring technology.
For example, enhanced component aging
and increased wear on consumable
parts can be detected in advance, allowing
parts to be ordered and installed before
they fail.
In addition, the ongoing data analyses
make it possible to continue to develop
the physical monitoring box that lives onsite.
This results in even more precise
predictions with increased uptime, and
these can be extended to include additional
applications. This also increases the
availability of the measured values and
significantly reduces plant downtime. ■
-John Calame is a market product manager
for Process Automation with SICK.
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   
        
             
     
Measure
Analyze
Connect
Understand
Take Action
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POWER June 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of POWER June 2021