Electricity and Control November 2020

PLANT MAINTENANCE, TEST + MEASUREMENT

At a glance 

Digital twin technology opens up communication lines between stakeholders and allows for better informed decisions on asset management and integrity.  There is a growing need for skilled engineers who can use using digital technology to make the right decisions.  Babcock has already used 3D scanning and digital twin modelling successfully on a number of critical maintenance projects.

Where there are gaps in plant data, digital models can provide real- time data to fill the gaps.

A system component – the real thing and a digitally simulated replica.

ment of an essential 1 100 kPa de-superheater at a steam plant, again under intense time constraints. Two previous at- tempts by other organisations had been unsuccessful, and Babcock was tasked with completing the project within five months. Installation had to be completed within 11 days. Babcock attributes the fast turnaround time it achieved to the system design, aided by its in-house 3D scanning and modelling capacity to deliver accurate results. The company’s sophisticated digital twin models also provide opportunities to reassess original line design, using state-of-the-art engineering methods. Any measurable form of data can be extracted and combined with Babcock’s 3D scanning technologies, engineering analysis and design software, and electronic, control and instrumentation components to develop a digital twin model. These provide for predictive and innovative maintenance solutions leading to improvements in efficiency and maintainability of plant assets, and in turn, improved availability and cost management of the assets for the client. Babcock’s Ntuthuko Engineering business has multi- disciplinary capabilities comprising process, mechanical, piping, EC&I, welding and R&D disciplines – and these are supported by project and system engineering, data man- agement and drawing office departments. They operate individually or as an engineering design group, covering simple and complex projects as customers require. □

Babcock is increasingly using 3D modelling and digital twin technology successfully to guide engineering design and inform ongoing asset maintenance.

For more information visit: www.babcock.co.za

Electricity + Control NOVEMBER 2020

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