Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration


Martec launches new asset health solutions

January 2020 Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration

Condition monitoring specialist Martec has announced the inclusion of two new services to complement its range of condition monitoring (CM) solutions. The Asset Health Portal and Reliability Nerve Centre (RNC) will form the backbone of the in-time monitoring services and reliability improvement initiatives, in support of sustained plant integrity.

Managing director Johannes Coetzee explains that, traditionally, most CM companies would support the client’s needs by selling handheld CM assessment tools with training related to the application of the tools. In some cases, they would also offer a service where they take samples and data (of mostly mechanical phenomena) at a set frequency on behalf of the client. The data is then presented as a static report, but many of these reports never get the needed attention or action due to being a one-sided interpretation.

He continues: “We enhanced this model by adding specialised electrical CM assessments (i.e. partial discharge, dissolved gas analysis, power quality, etc.) on critical plant assets such as transformers, switchgear, large motors, large generators, HV and MV cables, and by performing quality assurance inspection plans prior to the commissioning of these assets. The latest addition to our offering is the in-time CM monitoring service which is backed by the Asset Health Portal and RNC.

“Advances in the IIoT and sensor technology has made it cost effective to acquire the full set of trending and diagnostic data required to run an effective CM programme on critical assets, whilst mitigating health and safety risks and eliminating inaccurate data acquisition practices posed by using an individual to manually collect this data.”

Arveen Gobind, asset reliability executive responsible for the RNC, says it is effectively a control room that monitors, diagnoses and triggers alarms with recommended actions: “The RNC is an online monitoring solution where key parameters are selected and monitored, and which provides insight to the assets condition and risk, related to defect development and potential asset failure.”

Coetzee adds that authorised Martec and client employees can remotely access the system from anywhere in the world: “The data obtained from the monitored parameters are turned into useful information, utilising engineered algorithms. These algorithms even provide automated digital notifications with recommended actions based on failure modes, to improve reliability and availability. Furthermore, a team of experts support the client and system by performing advanced diagnostic analysis on critical alarm levels – being significant deviations or breached thresholds. This is a huge benefit as more than one parameter is usually monitored on a critical asset, which requires an expert’s understanding of when the combined result of these parameters require the asset to be pulled for maintenance. Such informed interventions are key in the prevention of unplanned outages that could result in significant production and financial losses for the organisation”.

The newly introduced Asset Health Portal manages various asset documents such as drawings, manuals, modifications, commissioning tests, optimisation settings and periodic assessment reports. Gobind elaborates: “The periodic assessment results are presented in an easily interpretable dashboard per sub-plant with risk level indicators. These risk level indicators are updated and trended with every assessment. Our team also uses additional static data as inputs to provide an overall risk ranking of the asset. Comments and recommendations are posted on the platform, indicating where the client should focus their attention on reliability improvement.”

Coetzee believes these new services will have a significant impact on clients: “Our clients will have visibility of their assets’ condition together with quantified risk levels in real-time, 24/7. Reliability engineers can adopt predictive maintenance tactics, which will inevitably lead to reduced downtime and maintenance costs. Simply producing vast amounts of data can be overwhelming. We believe that turning the data into useful information in an easily accessible and interpretable form relates directly to bottom-line value.”

In today’s competitive world, ensuring a sustainable business entails empowering employees with outstanding information, knowledge and skills. Martec’s services and tools are supported with SAAMA accredited training courses based on detailed studies of what organisations are looking for in accordance with industry job profiles.

Coetzee concludes: “As a member of the Pragma group of companies, Martec is committed to delivering world class reliability enhancement products and engineered asset management solutions to asset intensive enterprises. We pride ourselves in having a highly qualified engaged workforce with a single focus to deliver excellent service to our clients, giving them peace of mind 24/7.”




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

WearCheck leads the way in condition monitoring
Wearcheck Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Minimising maintenance costs of mining and power-generating machinery and maximising its operational efficiency – these goals form the foundation of the proactive/preventive maintenance services provided by the expert technicians at condition monitoring specialist, WearCheck.

Read more...
Collect data three times faster
SKF South Africa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
SKF has extended its renowned Microlog Analyzer family of data collection devices with the addition of the Microlog Analyzer dBX. Currently SKF’s most powerful diagnostic tool, this cutting-edge device redefines diagnostic capabilities, enabling users to take measurements three times faster than its predecessor.

Read more...
Integrated liners for the mining industry
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Multotec has developed a range of composite integrated mill liners in response to the needs of local and international mining clients.

Read more...
The criticality of maintenance in the water and wastewater segment
Schneider Electric South Africa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
In a time of water shedding, climate change and ageing infrastructure, the importance of maintenance and support in the water and wastewater segment cannot be overstated.

Read more...
How dry ice blasting is revolutionising the mining industry
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Dry ice blasting has emerged as a game-changing technology for the mining industry, offering a range of advantages that are reshaping traditional cleaning methods.

Read more...
Quality test tools save costs at pulp and paper mill
Comtest Editor's Choice Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
A case study on how preventive maintenance and a few good test tools avoided unnecessary motor replacements at a pulp and paper company.

Read more...
The logical solution to oil and gas industry corrosion
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The consequences of corrosion in the oil and gas industry can be astronomical. The simple culprit is metal reacting with oxygen and moisture, degrading it back to its natural state.

Read more...
Lube tip: foaming is affected by oil level
Wearcheck Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
In a circulating system, it is crucial to check the oil level before introducing anti-foam agents to address a foaming problem.

Read more...
Microfine filtration boosts fuel quality and reduces equipment failure
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The path to contamination-free fuels relies on a combined effort from refiners to transporters, storage depots, handlers and end users. Prior to use, fuels can be polished with multi-pass microfine filtration systems such as those exclusively manufactured by ISO-Reliability Partners.

Read more...
Supporting capital investment in machinery
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Industrial and mining operations are under increased financial pressure in the current economic and social climate in South Africa. This means that when businesses make capital investments in new equipment, they need to be sure that the machinery will function optimally for as long as possible.

Read more...