MechChem Africa February 2017

⎪ Plant maintenance, lubrication and filtration ⎪

It’s a fact that requirements for documentation and optimisation of maintenance processes are bringing about a more intensive focus on individual components within a plant. GEMÜ, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of valves, measurement and control systems, has recognised this and equipped its valves with integrated RFID chips. Continuous electronic traceability thanks to valves with RFID

A s an innovative manufacturer of valves, measurement and control systems, GEMÜ’s integrated RFID chipped valves are not only used for continuous electronic traceability but also for direct maintenance support. The system, referred to asGEMÜCONEXO, comprises valves with an integrated RFID chip in the body, diaphragm and actuator, an elec- tronic reading device; the CONEXO pen; and IT infrastructure comprising a CONEXO app formobile end devices and theCONEXOportal server as a central database – ideally installed at the operator’s premises. This interaction allows the maintenance technician in the field to call up current infor- mation about the status of the valve at any time, information such as the valve descrip- tion, instructions, test reports or maintenance information. Noonline connection is required for this; the data is saved on a mobile end device. Since the information can be read out at the valve itself, the IQ process (installation qualifi- cation) is sped up as the required documents and test reports can be called up and compared quickly and easily. The CONEXO system also offers major advantages for maintenance processes during operation. The maintenance documentation is processed electronically by the CONEXO app. The maintenance technician is guided through the maintenance processes, can record the evaluation of wearing parts electronically and verify this via photo documentation. Thisallowsthedatatoberecordedelectroni- cally in an organised manner and also allows for further electronic processing in a simple manner, whether for the customer’s SCADA environment or in the customer’s ERP system. TheCONEXOportal can be used to analyse the history of operating media sites, even cross- plant. This enables the maintenance intervals to be optimally adapted too. CONEXO is designed as an open system which means that many other plant compo- nents can bemanaged in the system in addition to GEMÜ valves. The sales launch of GEMÜ CONEXO took place in August last year. Over the course of more than 50 years, this globally focused, independent family owned enterprise has established itself in important

industrial sectors thanks to its innovative products and customised solutions for process media control. GEMÜ is the world market leader for sterile valve applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. q

GEMÜ’S equipped valves with integrated RFID chips used for continuous electronic traceability and also for direct maintenance support.

Specialists in fluid management solutions, Hytec Fluid Technology offers cost-effective, customised filtration solutions with extensive facilities, technical expertise and excellent services. Our comprehensive product range includes accumulators; compact hydraulics; process, mobile and hydraulic filtration; cooling systems; and oil services, as well as decontamination and exclusive fluid maintenance equipment. We are distributors of leading international brands such as Bosch Rexroth, Baldwin, Fleetguard, Hy-Pro, Stauff, ASA Hydraulik, Olaer, Settima and Bühler.

The TOTAL filtration and fluid control specialists.

Hytec Fluid Technology Tel: +27 (0) 11 976 7300 Web: www.hytecgroup.co.za E-mail: info@hft.co.za

A Member of the Hytec Group of Companies

February 2017 • MechChem Africa ¦ 17