Preventive maintenance with 24/7 and emergency and spares support help ensure downtime is minimized
AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 13, 2004) — Emerson Process Management has been awarded a comprehensive three-year automation systems service contract with BHP Billiton, which operates oil and gas production platforms in Liverpool Bay. Services provided under the contract will help minimize the frequency and duration of unplanned shutdowns by utilizing preventive-based maintenance practices. BHP Billiton processes the oil and exports it by tanker. The gas is supplied to the combined-cycle gas turbine power station at Connah's Quay, North Wales." This three-year contract replaces an ongoing annual contract for maintenance of what is the largest Emerson PROVOX system in Europe," said Stuart Kean, control & instrument reliability engineer with BHP Billiton.
"Our relationship with Emerson is critical to us as a means of helping to ensure our platforms produce for as long as possible, and we have the support when we need it." As equipment failure is the largest cause of production upset, BHP Billiton sought Emerson's expertise in predictive and preventive maintenance, plus advanced monitoring tools to protect its oil and gas production. The scope of the service contract includes emergency response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; a help desk service that can be contacted to resolve any issues, spares support; and preventive maintenance activities. The preventive maintenance includes monitoring power-supply health, and ensuring that I/O redundancy transfers are bumpless and that the backups work.
The spares support element of the contract guarantees that critical spares are held in stock on Emerson premises and that they are kept current. Spares can be dispatched by courier, or sent with the attending engineer.Under the terms of the contract, an Emerson engineer is required to be on site within eight hours of a call. "Typically our engineers are on site within four hours," said Travis Hesketh, the Emerson UK systems sales director.
"We recognize that each of our clients has different needs so we are always very flexible in the way that we tailor our service contracts." In addition to the service contract, Emerson is also starting to work with BHP Billiton on a system life planning process. System life planning involves development of a plan to ensure BHP Billiton can realize improved plant performance by taking advantage of the latest digital technologies. Over time, this may include the transition of existing PROVOX components to those of Emerson's DeltaV™ digital automation system, part of the PlantWeb® digital plant architecture.
About Emerson Process Management
Emerson Process Management ( www.emersonprocess.com ), an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb®, Fisher®, Micro Motion®, Rosemount®, DeltaVTM, Ovation®, and AMS™ Suite.
About Emerson
St. Louis-based Emerson ( www.gotoemerson.com ) is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers in process control; electronics and telecommunications; industrial automation; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; and appliance and tools. Sales in fiscal 2003 were $14 billion.
