PTQ Q4 2022 Issue

Real-world benefits A large petroleum refinery off the coast of Wales digitally transformed its operations using Emerson’s TopWorx DXP discrete valve controller with HART. While the refinery came to Emerson with solenoid valve (SOV) problems, it was attracted to the advantages the DXP provides. Emerson helped the refinery solve its SOV challenges and future-proof its site for full diagnostic capabilities. With the DXP, the refinery now receives valuable benefits from con- tinuous performance monitoring, standard HART features and much more. Future-proofed access to critical data Refineries can have areas that have yet to integrate HART infrastructure or easily accessed power sources where data can be stranded. The DXP is engineered with GO Switch technology, and its feedback can be independent of the HART signal or both the HART signal and wired switch. Using the TopWorx GO Switch (see Figure 3 ), plants can connect wirelessly via a Rosemount 702 wireless discrete transmitter or another wireless controller, connecting oth- erwise digitally stranded parts of the plant. Unlike a typical proximity switch, the Go Switch does not need power to sense its target or signal, and the Rosemount 702 has an internal power source that can last up to two years. Reduced downtime The refinery can now quickly determine real-time valve health even in areas where HART infrastructure is not yet in place, which can significantly improve uptime. Personnel can use Emerson’s AMS Trex device communicator to access the device’s HART internal electronic to identify the device by using the HART digital TAG option, as well as perform tests on the valves and monitor parameters. This capability can save hundreds of hours of expensive downtime by accurately indicating whether or not the valve requires maintenance. The digital TAG also prevents a line of switchboxes from being mixed up, which can be a major issue with standard valve assemblies. Extended component life The refinery’s existing direct-acting SOVs easily corroded, which can cause premature failure. The refinery selected Emerson’s ASCO Series 327 direct-acting solenoid valves to replace them. Where the existing SOV breathed to the marine atmosphere, allowing ingress, the Series 327 does not breathe to the atmosphere, keeping the elements out and corrosion at bay. Increased energy savings Energy consumption is critical to a refinery’s sustain- ability, and every way to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint matters. In addition to longer com- ponent life, the new Series 327 SOVs consume a lower wattage. The series range offers an Ex d directing valve at less than 2 watts, which can save more than 10 watts per SOV. The yearly energy savings is approximately 87.6 kilowatt-hours, or 185 pounds of carbon dioxide, per SOV. As average refineries have hundreds of SOVs, the

multiplied savings is a substantial advantage over higher wattage SOVs. Accelerating digital transformation: connected technologies By automating and optimising operational processes, the digital transformation of process valves and actuators helps refineries solve critical challenges they face. And facilities do not have to face those challenges, or digital transforma- tion, alone. Whether mature or just starting, plants can partner with an expert in helping hydrocarbon facilities navigate digi- tal transformation. Such providers have a comprehensive offering, from valve to control system, from software to services, and can meet a plant at any stage in its journey. Digital transformation does not have to feel unknown, ambiguous or scary. It is built upon a foundation of data, of which facilities are already rich. Refineries can reliably access and put to work their data pools using reliable technology backed by expert support. By automating and optimising their operational processes, refineries can bet- ter understand the condition of their process valves at the heart of their facility while reaching new levels of uptime and lower risk. By automating and optimising operational processes, the digital transformation of process valves and actuators helps refineries solve critical challenges they face

References 1 www.ge.com/digital/sites/default/files/download_assets/ge-the-im- pact-of-digital-on-unplanned-downtime.pdf 2 https://instrumentationtools.com/wireless-hart-communication-pro- tocol-overview/ 3 It should be noted that some critical systems will always require hard-wired connection.

Jason Maderic is Director of Global Marketing at TopWorx for Emer- son, specialising in discrete valve controllers. He holds an MBA from the University of Louisville. Mike Howells is Process Marketing Manager, EMEA within Emer- son’s fluid control and pneumatics business, focusing on driving the marketing direction and strategic vision for the industrial automation segment.

PTQ Q4 2022