EDF plugs into predictive maintenance software for new UK plant
25 Jul 2011
London – EDF Energy is to employ Emerson Process Management’s AMS Suite predictive maintenance software to help optimise maintenance at its new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station at West Burton, UK.
Comprising three 430MW CCGT units, the new 1300MW plant will stand next to EDF Energy’s existing 2000MW coal-fired power station. The power station will be ready for commercial operation later this year.
The AMS Suite will help managers access integrated asset health information supports EDF programmes to meet safety requirements, according to Jason Bryant, control and instrumentation team leader for the plant.
“With real-time analytics and reporting, we will have new levels of insight into asset performance to enable regulatory compliance as we drive continuous improvement,” said Bryant.
EDF asset management specialists and Emerson service experts will work together to develop detailed work processes for streamlined maintenance practices.
The use of real time data and plant diagnostics “will move West Burton CCGT towards world class maintenance practices,” said Darren Ramshaw, engineering and maintenance manager. “In addition, overall key performance indicators will track maintenance efficiency, safety and performance goals.”
“AMS Suite APM will enable EDF Energy to reduce the information complexity faced by management, enabling proactive, strategic, and more holistic asset management,” said Ron Martin, vice president and general manager of Emerson’s asset optimisation business.
According to Emerson, its product, which is based on Meridium’s APM software, will give EDF maintenance and reliability managers integrated, real-time information to ensure maintenance resources are focused on the most critical areas.
Integration of asset data with the plant’s SAP system will also show the impact of asset health on the facility’s profitability, the vendor added.
Emerson’s PlantWeb digital plant architecture, including the Ovation expert control system and intelligent field devices, will monitor and control the heat-recovery steam generators and balance-of-plant processes.
The control system will also interface to the turbine control system and perform data acquisition, including sequences of events.
