Figure 1 : The interaction between intelligent actuators and digital tools helps to overcome challenges in system operation . π www . valve-world . net Valve World December 2024
Modern technologies and status monitoring help plant operators prevent equipment failures and streamline maintenance of electric actuators in industrial settings .
By Kevin Nietupski , AUMA
The world is changing – and the demands on everyday plant operations are becoming more and more complex . How can digital solutions help to overcome the growing challenges and bring reliability to plant operation ? This article gives some answers .
Electric Actuators
Digital ecosystem optimises electric actuator performance
VUCA in plant operation
Volatility , uncertainty , complexity and ambiguity – VUCA for short – describe the conditions under which many plants operate . Key factors in relation to plant operation include digitalisation , climate and demographic change , and a wide range of environmental challenges . V = Volatility – the often unpredictable changes in framework conditions that have a major impact on plant operations . These changes are caused by new production requirements , consumer trends or legislation . Prices for energy , raw materials and maintenance products can vary rapidly , making it difficult to plan ahead , though lean and efficient processes can help . U = Uncertainty – surrounding the effects of weather , pandemics and other national , regional or global crises . These make planning more difficult and , in some cases , have a direct impact on plant operation . Fluctuations in production , with knock-on effects for utilities such as energy and water , also complicate maintenance . C = Complexity – the challenge for plant operators in accounting for the multi-layered effects of all the factors mentioned above . Safe plant operation can only be guaranteed if the plant operator copes successfully with this challenge . A = Ambiguity – nowadays we have a wide variety of information to support our decisions , yet it can still be difficult to get clear answers . Experienced maintenance specialists , for example , can often pinpoint the source of a problem simply by listening to the system – yet many such experts will be retiring soon . Where should we turn in the future ? Automated evaluation based on a combination of digital data and expert knowledge could be the answer .
A digital ecosystem supports the plant operator
To avoid unplanned downtime in plant operation and ensure that vital components such as actuators and valves continue to work correctly , we need effective ways to prolong component lifetimes . Especially for the critical applications within each system , it is crucial that every component operates reliably . In view of these challenges , it is always important to have an overview of the condition of these critical components . Only then can we take suitable measures at an early stage to prevent breakdowns . If this is not possible , there is a risk of cost-intensive downtime and high repair costs . Especially In the case of critical infrastructure – such as water or energy supply – there is also a risk to the public if supplies fail . AUMA has long reflected on how actuator manufacturers can best support plant operators and maintenance engineers to ensure availability . On the one hand we need intelligent devices with advanced sensor technology ; thanks to the data they generate and store , these offer a new spectrum of added value . On the other hand , efficient digital tools are essential to support this smart hardware ( Figure 1 ).
About the author Kevin Nietupski is Group Leader Service Product Management ( SPM ) & Digital Strategy Consultant at AUMA Riester GmbH & Co . KG in Müllheim , Germany . He can be reached by email kevin . nietupski @ auma . com .
Figure 1 : The interaction between intelligent actuators and digital tools helps to overcome challenges in system operation . π www . valve-world . net Valve World December 2024
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