BLOG | Nigel Baxter, Business Development Manager, Ionix.
It is widely accepted that automated ultrasonic thickness measurements can reduce refinery operational costs and increase production revenues through process optimisation and increased up-time. However, some producers are hesitant to add this important tool to their pool of asset monitoring solutions due to the preconception that the systems can be expensive to buy, install and operate.
The HotSense, CALIPERAY and WirelessHART monitoring systems are transforming the industry by providing the lowest cost automated wall thickness condition monitoring solution on the market.
The Ionix sensors and monitoring systems have been designed from the ground up to provide a cost effective and flexible asset monitoring solution to fit both extreme site conditions and budget constraints.
The modular system design enables scalability to meet your current budget, communication requirements and data needs. It allows for multiple sensors to be connected to a single node, reducing the initial cost of purchase, as well as the total cost of ownership. The low-profile HotSense™ sensors enable a reduction in insulation/weatherproof removal costs, providing a fit and forget under insulation solution, meaning reduced maintenance and inspection costs associated with access ports and the risk of water ingress.
Our intrinsically safe certified design enables the sensors to be installed where they are needed, including in extreme or hazardous environments or on-stream components. Meanwhile providing the flexibility to install the wireless measurement node conveniently, to allow quick and easy, in-situ measurement verification, updates and battery changeout without the need for expensive scaffolding, rope access, or exposure to hot surfaces. Thereby reducing the cost and providing more consistent data.
Flexibility of wireless node positioning enables a stable and reliable network to be maintained with a reduced amount of hardware (repeaters). In addition, as the system operates on the widely used WirelessHART™ (WiHART) platform, you can cost effectively add extreme environment locations, not possible with existing systems, therefore there is no need to replace your current investment in wireless infrastructure. The fully WiHART certified and compliant system means that data can be quickly and easily exported without the need for additional software or data transfer costs. Reducing further the cost of operation, while providing a seamless data delivery to enable quick and efficient decisions, therefore reducing plant running costs.
To find out more about our flexible, robust, and cost-effective asset monitoring solutions, click here
