Invensys Process Systems (IPS; Plano, Tex.), a global technology, software and consulting firm, today announced that it has been selected by The Arkema Group, a leading multinational chemical manufacturer, to provide a wireless alarm-management, handheld solution for hazardous industrial areas. IPS services and technology will enable Arkema’s field operations teams to keep in touch with process alarms and plant conditions, resulting in enhanced plant safety, better utilization of manpower and increased productivity.
The wireless solution is designed to allow operators to keep in touch with process alarms and conditions while conducting their operations duties, work that previously could have been compromized due to labor constraints. Based on a PlantPulse study of the site conducted by IPS Global Consulting and the Arkema operations team, a delivery plan was developed encompassing radio frequency coverage, access point location, network bandwidth and technology selection with a view to future strategic needs.
The solution not only allows mobile operators to view and acknowledge control-room alarms from the field; it also allows the operator to exact a shutdown from the handheld device in case of an emergency. The wireless network also has a number of hot spots across the facility, providing operators with continuous access and allowing IPS to connect any network or device without detrimental effects.
The IPS solution doesn’t just impact operators. A new master-alarm database has also been developed, which allows process engineers to share knowledge on why the alarm was set, how long the operator has to respond and what corrective action is required when the alarm is acknowledged.