Electricity and Control May 2025

Plant maintenance, test + measurement

New technology can simplify maintenance New technologies are changing how petrochemical and other plants maintain their equipment. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to analyse vast datasets and identify signals that predict when equipment might fail, plan maintenance schedules, and help plant managers make better decisions. AI and ML also support Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics (RM&D) which can be used to identify potential failures and, in some applications, predict how much longer parts will last. Sophisticated algorithms can analyse wear patterns and almost precisely forecast a part’s lifespan. In turn, only the necessary spare parts need be ordered and there is no need to rely on outdated, generic lists. Continuing developments in the IoT (Internet of Things) make it possible for plants to monitor equipment in real time, so problems can be identified earlier and resolved before they become worse. Robotics can be deployed to handle repetitive or dangerous maintenance jobs, supporting safety and e”iciency on the shop Advancing predictive maintenance in electrical systems ACTOM recently announced an OEM partnership with Exertherm, a leading provider of Continuous Thermal Monitoring (CTM) tech nology. This collaboration signifies a progressive step in advancing predictive maintenance capabilities in the electrical and industrial sectors. Leveraging ACTOM’s extensive engineering expertise and market-leading solutions, alongside Exertherm’s cutting-edge CTM technology, which was recently endorsed through its acquisition by Eaton, this partnership will deliver advanced, proactive solutions for maintaining electrical systems. These complementary technologies will enable more precise monitoring, early identification of potential problems, and opti mised system performance, enhancing reliability and e”iciency. This reflects both companies’ shared commitment to innovation and developing predictive maintenance solutions that deliver sig nificant value to industries worldwide. Focus on Africa Commenting on the collaboration, Wesley Vorster, Product Manag er: Protection & Control at ACTOM Smart Technologies said: “Integrating advanced data-driven thermal monitoring technology with ACTOM’s engineering expertise represents a pivotal step in aligning with Industry 4.0 principles. Together, ACTOM and Exertherm are redefining predictive maintenance, enabling real-time insights and proactive decision-making in electrical systems. This is a significant step forward in the evolution of smart industrial solutions, enabling both companies to create connected, intelligent systems.” “The partnership between ACTOM and Exertherm, bolstered by Eaton’s recent acquisition of Exertherm, brings advanced predic tive maintenance technologies to the forefront, and addresses the particular challenges and opportunities in Africa’s industrial and electrical sectors. Introducing the latest predictive maintenance technologies, our collaboration aims to support the continent’s transition towards smarter, more sustainable industrial systems, aligning with global Industry 4.0 trends while meeting local needs,” says Athol Hankey, Regional Sales Leader – Central & Eastern Europe and Africa at Exertherm.

tion, compatible with existing SCADA (supervisory control and data acqui sition) systems for centralised, real-time monitoring or functioning inde pendently. The standalone solution uses machine learning (ML) to analyse historical and real-time data, enabling predictive maintenance by identifying patterns, anomalies, and potential failures before they occur. This approach means industries can adopt advanced maintenance solutions, regardless of their existing infrastructure. The technologies enable early detection of potential issues, enhance performance through actionable insights, and o”er scalability to meet di verse operational requirements, aligning with Industry 4.0’s emphasis on adaptability and intelligence. “By providing solutions that integrate with SCADA or function inde pendently using ML, our partnership enhances operational reliability and e”iciency at every level,” says Vorster. “This significantly reduces downtime, optimises performance, and supports cost-e”ective maintenance strate gies.” At the leading edge of Industry 4.0 Both ACTOM and Exertherm are committed to advancing Industry 4.0-ena bled technologies that prioritise connectivity, automation, and data-driven decision-making. They have a shared vision to push the boundaries of what is possible in predictive maintenance and set new benchmarks for the in dustry. By combining ACTOM’s engineering leadership with Exertherm’s ad vanced CTM technology backed by Eaton and including ML capabilities, Proactive maintenance supports resilience Petrochemical companies facing the harsh conditions of the environments in which they operate need no longer gamble with a run-to-failure approach. It is a dangerous game that raises unsustainable costs and risks. Proactive maintenance, by contrast, o”ers a foundation for safe and reliable operations but it means more than just fixing things when they break. It demands a commitment to the development of a well-trained workforce, empowered by technologies like predictive maintenance and sophisticated monitoring systems. These investments boost reliability, reduce risks, and optimise resources which, in turn, leads to improved safety and cost savings, and sets the stage for long-term success and profitability. For more information visit: www.actom.co.za floor, and augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) can be used for skills development, helping to train technicians, provide remote support for tricky repairs, and improve the e”ectiveness of routine inspections.

the partnership creates a foundation for next-gen eration predictive mainte nance solutions. The ability to integrate with SCADA or function as a standalone sys tem supports scalability, mak ing the solution adaptable to the evolving demands of Industry 4.0 operations. “It positions both companies as pioneers in delivering intelligent, data-driven maintenance technologies,” says Vorster.

ACTOM and Exertherm are working in partnership to advance predictive maintenance in electrical systems and across industrial sectors.

Operational reliability and e˜iciency Working together, ACTOM and Exertherm introduce a flexible solu-

MAY 2025 Electricity + Control

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