Remote support and diagnostics - Benefits, experiences and new tools

Remote support is nowadays one of the services to facilitate efficient cooperation between plant personnel and special experts. By efficient co-operation any problem areas can quickly be identified and solved as well as plant operations developed. A systematic remote performance and condition monitoring program is a valuable tool that can help the plant owners and operators meet their major objectives, i.e. high availability and efficiency with optimised operation and maintenance costs. The use of performance and condition monitoring brings total cost savings by improved machinery reliability and operation. Condition monitoring information is used to focus the maintenance to the right components at the correct time, thus reducing the risk of additional damage. The remote support makes early detection of incipient failures possible and provides decision-making support at short notice. Combination of the local site knowledge with technical and expert support ensures that the right conclusions are drawn from all the available data, and that I his is done in a well-planned and cost-effective way. Key elements of remote support include a multidisciplinary approach to cover several areas of expertise like thermal condition monitoring, vibration diagnostics and water chemistry monitoring. A Diagnostic Engine concept is being used to enable and automate the utilisation of data in both for early fault detection and trouble-shooting in the Remote Support Centre.