Feature Inspection & measurement Software streamlines inspections
A global chemicals business has achieved an 85 per cent reduction in time spent on hazardous area inspections and repairs after adopting innovative data capture software from Terrington Data Management
pecialty chemicals manufacturer, Innospec, producer of fuel addi- tives and a manufacturer of octane additives and active chemicals, has significantly reduced the annual cost of its Ex Inspections through the use of mobile computing and IndEx software.
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IndEx is a data capture and inspec- tion software package that enables Innospec to manage its asset register and regulatory equipment regime far more efficiently than the paper-based methods previously used.
Innospec has around 7,000 items to inspect on a three-year cycle at its plant at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. These include lights, motors, valves and transmitters and a 10 per cent detailed “strip down” inspection is carried out annually to comply with standards monitored by the Health and Safety Executive.
The company previously managed its inspection regime with a site plan, pen and paper and inspection reports typed up at a later date and a return
visit was needed to rectify any defects. Site electrical engineer, Paul Mills, says: “The IndEx software, coupled with the use of intrinsically safe hand- held devices pre-loaded with details of the items to be inspected, clearly offers a faster, more accurate and cost-effec- tive approach than the paper-based method previously in use.
“Controls within IndEx safeguard data integrity and provide a full audit trail. Process improvement efficiencies gained from using IndEx have enabled us to streamline our Ex inspection regime, resulting in an 85 per cent reduction in inspection and repair hours. This represents a significant annual saving and provides a substan- tial return on our investment which is greatly appreciated in the current eco- nomic climate.
“Using IndEx has enabled us to streamline the entire inspection and fault repair process.
“As the inspector tours the site the handheld prompts them on items to be inspected and the relevant checks
Vibration meter detects early signs of failure M
onitran’s new hand-held meter, the MTN/VM220, which was launched at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2013, is suitable for detecting the early signs of component wear or failure in pumps, motors, gearboxes and other mechanical assemblies. The MTN/VM220 is a compact, handheld meter for measuring vibration and temperature levels. It conforms to ISO10816-3. The meter includes a crisp, colour LCD display and has the ability to store up to 100 readings (temperature and acceleration, velocity or displacement) against a real-time clock.
Measuring just 122 x 78 x 28mm, the MTN/VM220 has an easy- to-grip, tough rubberised case and a long-life rechargeable battery. It is supplied with a probe into which is integrated a dual-output, general purpose sensor, the MTN/2200T, which has default sensitiv- ities of 100mV/g and 10mV/oC. Also included are a magnetic base and spike (for use with the probe), a coiled cable (0.5m nominal to 2m extended) with a 4-pin Lumberg connector at each end, and a universal battery charger; all in a foam-lined and durable carry case. Andy Anthony, Monitran’s MD, comments: “We’re extremely pleased with the look, feel and performance of our new vibration meter. Also, having hinted late last year that the meter was to be launched at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics, we’ve already received enquiries and advance orders from customers in the UK and abroad.” Monitran
www.monitran.com 16
One of the team at specialty chemicals manufacturer,
Innospec, Ellesmere Port, carries out an Ex Inspection using mobile computing and IndEx software from Terrington Data Management. The system allows details to be captured
electronically at point of inspection and any updated equipment information to automatically update the asset register
T: 01494 816569 Enter 309
required in line with IEC 60079-17. “Engineers can carry out and record details of repairs at the time the fault is found which is a real cost-saving bene- fit for us. On return to the office, the recorded information is downloaded to the database to provide a record of inspections carried out with a fully traceable record of when the inspection was made and who carried it out. IndEx is also really easy to use, even for people without much IT experience. “IndEx provides immediate visibil- ity of our asset register and the inspec- tion history of each asset, along with full audit trails that help us to demon- strate that we are complying with legis- lation. A further benefit is that our asset register quickly provides access to asset status and location details which is vital in case of product recalls and safety notices as it helps us to find equipment quickly and effectively. “The IndEx database also carries all the certificates and details of the stan- dard each item must be inspected to which saves inspectors having to go through paper files to locate them.” Terrington Data Management busi- ness development manager, Tracey Marshall, says: “IndEx stores detailed, auditable records to help its users prove that they are maintaining their site in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with applicable regula- tions. IndEx is fast, accurate and provides the scope for significant cost savings through better resource man- agement.” Terrington Data Management T: 01904 567674
www.terringtondm.com Enter 308
MARCH 2013 Factory Equipment
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