Software keeps track of process problems

An Emerson Process Management - Power + Water product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 20, 2007

More than 80 standard process measures continuously analyse each control loop within a unit through real-time moving window analysis and condition-based assessments.

New from Emerson Process Management, SmartProcess LoopMetrics technology is an engineered solution that helps utilities improve the performance of their power generating facilities.

SmartProcess LoopMetrics automatically monitors and analyses unit performance around the clock at the control loop level.

It tracks equipment performance against economic factors and quickly identifies and prioritises process problems and degrading performance, such as sluggish response to process load changes, persistent oscillations or controller output saturation.

More than 80 standard process measures continuously analyse each control loop within a unit through real-time moving window analysis and condition-based assessments.

The end result is an intelligent assessment of each control loop in the unit.

Key plant personnel are notified in real time via e-mail of any deviation from predefined key performance indicators (KPI) so that they become aware of problems before they impact unit performance.

In addition, this intelligent tuning technology automatically recommends new PID parameters and enables personnel to simulate unit response before downloading these new parameters to the controller.

"This is not a shrink-wrapped, off-the-shelf solution", says Bob Yeager, President of the Power and Water Solutions Division of Emerson.

"With decades of power experience, we know that no two units are alike".

"That's why we work closely with our customers to engineer a customised, model-based tuning solution based on plant operating conditions, KPIs and other variables unique to their facilities".

A key benefit of the technology is its ability to identify minor system deviations before they escalate.

This translates into higher levels of unit efficiency while simultaneously decreasing operating and maintenance costs, according to Yeager.

"Problems that initially appear minor often develop into issues that can negatively impact plant performance", explains Yeager.

"In today's competitive environment, power generators have little margin for error".

"Emerson's SmartProcess LoopMetrics technology offers a cost-effective way to ensure our customers are getting the most out of their valuable power generating assets".

Emerson's LoopMetrics provides users with easy-to-read reports at the plant, unit, process or individual loop level.

The reports, which can be generated on demand, periodically, or based on an event, are customisable.

For example, they can be configured so that engineers receive data and statistics reports, operators and maintenance personnel receive problem loop reports, and managers receive bottom-line economic and cost reports.

For ultimate flexibility, the LoopMetrics' web-based report manager enables personnel to view current unit performance from any location - at any time.

Emerson's suite of SmartProcess engineered optimisation technologies, which utilise fuzzy logic, advanced analytics and model predictive control, offer adaptive improvement solutions that help utilities achieve optimised equipment performance for emissions compliance, temperature control, efficiency and overall continuous operational improvement.

It's worth noting that SmartProcess technologies can be utilised to optimise operations across an entire generating fleet, offering power generators opportunities to realise significant improvements beyond what would be possible by only looking at each unit or plant individually.

SmartProcess engineered solutions are seamlessly integrated within Emerson's Ovation expert control system, but can also be easily implemented with other control platforms, as well.

SmartProcess and Ovation technologies, along with Emerson's PlantWeb digital plant architecture and AMS TM Suite asset management solutions, are part of the company's portfolio of comprehensive offerings that meet the unique needs of the power generation industry.