Maximizing Smart Plant Instrumentation Benefits

Summary

Smart plant instrumentation provides end users with opportunities to make informed decisions as well as plan and execute thoughtful maintenance strategies. Having devices equipped with features such as Heartbeat Technology, enables plant personnel to gather process data so they can make educated and quick decisions regardless of how they interface with their instruments including their laptop, phone or tablet. Answers to frequently asked questions are listed below.

Q: What is heartbeat technology?

A: Heartbeat Technology is comprised of three aspects: heartbeat diagnostics, heartbeat verification and heartbeat monitoring (Figure 1). This technology enables preventive, proactive and/or predictive maintenance depending on how a user chooses to employ it. Heartbeat Technology continually audits the instrumentation it is enabled on to ensure it is operating at peak conditions.

Q: Why should users consider implementing smart online diagnostic and verification technology in their processes?

A: Smart plant instrumentation with online diagnostic and verification capabilities enable better process control, efficiency gains, better quality and can eliminate downtime and shutdowns. They also generate additional data that can support decision making regarding the process. They provide a preventive measure to enhance your maintenance strategy.
 

Q: Where do I start when I already have multiple measuring points in my process but want to add these capabilities?

A: The best place to start is with an installed based audit (IBA), which a user can perform on their own or be provided as a service. Many users already have smart instruments installed in their operations today, but there is a lot of untapped potential. It’s quite possible that the user already has what they need in terms of the installed base, and they simply need to make a few upgrades rather than purchasing new equipment. For example, many of the products Endress+Hauser provides can be upgraded in the field to include Heartbeat Technology if it was not purchased originally.

This can be a much more cost-effective way to start gaining experience without the need to purchase entirely new equipment. The other recommendation would be to start with a process that you know has a challenge you would like to resolve. Some common application challenges where Heartbeat Technology can provide preventive, proactive, and/or predictive maintenance include buildup, corrosion, foaming and entrained gas/gas breakout.

Q: What does this kind of technology add to a process that similar technologies don’t?

A: Heartbeat Technology ultimately allows end users the opportunity to gain process data and insights right into their process. Without technology features like online diagnostics, verification and monitoring, there are risks and gaps between the plant personnel and the process because users will not know the health status of their instrumentation. While other manufacturers do offer some of these same elements, Endress+Hauser employs a consistent methodology and availability across the broadest range of process measurement technologies. Having a consistent offering across a broad portfolio allows simplicity for its users.

Q: I have instruments with Heartbeat Technology currently, but how do I know if I am reaping all the benefits?

A: The best place to start is to engage with a local Endress+Hauser representative. It may be that you are already leveraging Heartbeat Verification but could benefit from Heartbeat Monitoring based on your current application needs, for example. However, it also should be mentioned that not every application calls for every aspect of Heartbeat Technology. Just because additional data may be available, it doesn’t mean it’s 100% relevant to your application.

_{This feature originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of AUTOMATION 2024.}