The necessity and requirements for installing local indicator instruments in highly automated chemical plants
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In modern factories, the remote instrument setup is quite comprehensive; readings can also be displayed locally, which meets the needs of on-site inspections； At the same time, the on-site indicator instruments are incomplete in some areas; some are not properly maintained or are even faulty, failing to provide comprehensive information. Please discuss the design specifications and requirements, as well as the principles and necessity for on-site indicator instruments ； In production practice, the management of on-site instruments must be standardized, including hierarchical management, regular calibration, on-site maintenance, and clear division of responsibilities.
On-site indicator instruments are very necessary. They are all based on simple physical principles; remote meters can be compared with each other, they can indicate the status without the need for electricity, and they offer high reliability. A quick glance during inspections is enough to understand the situation; there is no need for constant communication with the control room, which reduces the usage of the communication channels in the control room.
It is still necessary to have local instruments in place; in case the remote instruments give inaccurate readings, they provide a reference for the process, preventing panic. The management of field instruments varies from company to company. From what I have experienced, in some cases, installation is handled by the instrumentation team, maintenance and management are entrusted to the process department, while calibration is carried out by the instrumentation team. In some cases, everything is handled by the instruments from start to finish, with no consideration given to the manufacturing process.
In our team, the on-site instruments are managed by the person who uses them. Assets, as well as their replacement, fall under the responsibility of the respective process units; the instrumentation team is responsible for their inspection, maintenance, and preparation of purchase requisition forms
Regarding the on-site indicating instruments you mentioned, besides the glass plates and tubes that use the principle of a communicating vessel, what else are there?
Regarding the on-site indicating instruments you mentioned, besides the glass plates and tubes that use the principle of a communicating vessel, what else are there?
Four major types of field instruments: pressure gauges, thermometers, level gauges, and on-site indicating flow meters.
Although field instruments for temperature and pressure have low accuracy, a short lifespan, or are prone to damage, operators still tend to feel safer when there is a means for comparison. The level gauge is operating normally on-site, and it is useful for observation during inspections. The flow meter is displayed on-site, but not in great detail; monitoring is mainly done from the control room.
The setup of on-site instruments first meets process and safety requirements
The replies are quite objective and empathetic; it’s suggested that there should be more communication between the technicians and the instrument operators, so that any issues can be identified and addressed promptly :)