Product category:
Maintenance Services
News Release from: AV Technology | Subject: Chemical industry
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 13 March 2007
The need for condition monitoring
expertise
As process manufacturing becomes increasingly challenging, the successful UK companies find that operational excellence is directly linked to professionalism in maintaining plant reliability
As chemical manufacturing in the UK becomes increasingly challenging, successful companies are finding that achieving operational excellence is directly linked to maintaining plant reliability and cost-effective production Stockport based AV Technology (AVT) has proven over many years that equipment condition monitoring is an important factor in plant efficiency: the company is seeing an increase in demand for its techniques from the chemical sector
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 29 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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The UK's leading companies involved in manufacturing chemical products, including Thermphos UK and Basell Polyolefins have sought expert advice in a bid to give them a competitive edge.
AVT specialises in the fields of maintenance consultancy and plant condition monitoring services.
This engineering consultancy has found that the chemical industry is progressively outsourcing its plant maintenance to ensure their staff can focus on their core business, while AVT provide specialist maintenance support.
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Plastics.
Basell Polyolefins is the world's largest producer of polypropylene and a leading producer of polyethylene.
AVT has worked with Basell on vibration analysis at their Manchester plant for the past 15 years, and more recently the company engaged AVT engineers to use their expertise in oil analysis on critical items of equipment, including extruders, mixers, compressors and the plant fire pumps.
As the Basell East Site, maintenance manager Paul Brown commented on his relationship with AVT: "I have worked closely with AVT as maintenance manager and as an engineer for over 10 years".
During this time I have been involved with many AVT technicians, all of whom have had one thing in common: professionalism.
Whenever there has been a potential equipment problem they have taken a pro-active approach, working alongside us to offer advice and producing innovative solutions in an attempt to resolve problems".
Specialty Chemicals.
AVT experience within the chemical arena also secured them a vibration analysis contract with a global leader in the field of specialty chemicals.
AVT is responsible for the vibration analysis at this chemical building and effluent plant as part of their condition monitoring programme.
The effective monitoring of a range of equipment including roof fans, pumps and mixers has been proved in terms of increased plant uptime.
Food Additives.
The Thermphos UK Widnes plant produces a range of sodium phosphate based materials that are used in food additives, including anti-oxidants, stabilisers, emulsifiers, surfactants and pH modifiers.
It also produces technical grade sodium phosphate industrial chemicals and phosphoric acid for the soft beverage, metal treatment and electronics industries.
Thermphos UK engineering manager Mike Organ recognised the importance of a comprehensive maintenance programme early in his career, and as he explains: "From those early days I've invested significant time and energy in the philosophical and practical development and integration of programmes including total quality management, reliability centred maintenance, failure mode cause and effect analysis and technical performance systems.
AVT is an important part of a very detailed and comprehensive availability-based maintenance regime and is therefore considered vital in helping our company remain not only competitive, but is essential to survival in the marketplace".
AVT consultant Wayne Oldbury concluded that by applying AVT technology and expertise to its clients individual operations, the consultants are able to identify underlying and developing failures, thereby reducing costs and optimising equipment availability and productivity: "With enhanced competition from around the world applying pressure on industries across the board, the chemical industry is benefiting from introducing a rigorous and thorough condition monitoring programme.
The range of benefits resulting includes superior equipment performance, prolonged machine life, higher product quality resulting from optimal machine performance, reduced energy costs and increased plant safety". Request a free brochure from AV Technology ...
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