Wireless technology monitors temperatures at AOC resins

November 16, 2009
Emerson
Case Study

Summary

Eight Rosemount wireless temperature transmitters continuously check batch temperatures, sending that real-time data to a Smart Wireless Gateway integrated with the plant’s DeltaV digital automation system.

November 16, 2009 – Emerson Process Management’s Smart Wireless technology is continuously monitoring resin batch temperatures at AOC’s Perris, California facility to enable better process control with up to 10% improved throughput, and increased employee safety. The secure, self-organizing network ensures proper mixing of AOC’s intermediate resin products with micro-additives at target temperatures to achieve customer-specific formulations and quality. AOC is a leading global supplier of resins, gel coats, colorants, and additives for composites and cast polymers.Smart Wireless eliminated clipboard rounds that were an inefficient use of operators’ time, subjected personnel to a safety risk, and lengthened the time to market.“If staff found the temperature was not at target, it required additional time and resources to heat or cool the mix tank to the target temperature before adding temperature dependent micro-additives or loading the product. By replacing manual sampling with on-line measurements, we were able to decrease cycle time up to 10 percent,” said Tou Moua, AOC Product Engineer. “We also improved operator safety, and freed up their time to improve on other areas of the plant.”Eight Rosemount wireless temperature transmitters continuously check batch temperatures, sending that real-time data to a Smart Wireless Gateway integrated with the plant’s DeltaV digital automation system. The company uses Emerson’s AMS Suite predictive maintenance software to manage the devices, which enables technicians to configure them, run diagnostic checks, and monitor alarms and alerts.AOC chose reliable Smart Wireless technology because it required minimal wiring, the wireless transmitters can easily be moved from one location to another, and it was more cost-effective than wired technology. Set up and commissioning of the network was quick and easy, taking only 12 hours.In addition to the Smart Wireless solutions already installed at AOC, Emerson offers a wide range of wireless field instrumentation and plant operations equipment, including Fisher position monitors, Rosemount analytical and Machinery Health Management devices, and SmartStart services.About Emerson Process ManagementEmerson Process Management, 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, water and wastewater treatment, mining and metals, food and beverage, life sciences and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb, Syncade, DeltaV, Fisher, Micro Motion, Rosemount, Daniel, Ovation, and AMS Suite.About Emerson Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Emerson’s sales in fiscal 2009 were $20.9 billion. The company is ranked 94th on the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest companies. Learn More

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