Remote monitoring via Bluetooth®
Safe, efficient equipment management in hazardous and difficult areas
Engie Energía Chile S.A. runs the Mejillones Thermoelectric Complex, which includes several power generators. To optimize processes and improve staff safety, Engie Mejillones uses advanced technological solutions, like remote communication devices, for configuring and monitoring equipment in hazardous areas. The company follows rigorous safety standards, so new technologies must work in existing systems and comply with regulations.
Engie specialist performing an equipment check from a safe distance
Field Xpert industrial tablet for configuration and maintenance of equipment
Implementation results
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Increased safety: Reducing staff exposure to high-risk areas will cut down on accidents and improve working conditions.
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Optimization of maintenance times: Remotely configuring and supervising processes will reduce the time spent on these tasks, allowing more efficient preventive and corrective activities.
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Optimization of maintenance times: Remotely configuring and supervising processes will reduce the time spent on these tasks, allowing more efficient preventive and corrective activities.
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Compatibility with existing systems: This solution integrates easily with the range of brands and models present in the plant, avoiding interoperability issues.
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Regulatory compliance: These devices meet or exceed key industry standards, providing confidence in the safety and reliability of the system.
The implementation of the devices with Bluetooth® communication represents a major advance in safety and efficiency.
ENGIE ENERGÍA CHILE
The challenge
Setting up and monitoring equipment at an ammonia plant presents significant challenges due to the hazardous environment. Fumes, high temperatures and elevated pressures add complexity to any maintenance.
Technicians must wear safety equipment that limits their mobility and vision, making work difficult. So reducing personnel exposure is a top priority under the company‘s “One Safety“ culture, as an incident can compromise worker safety and plant operations.
The solution
To address these challenges, the company chose remote communication using advanced tools such as the FieldPort SWA50 and the Field Xpert industrial tablet. These devices allow technicians to configure and monitor equipment via Bluetooth®, which reduces the need for their physical presence in hazardous areas.
Engie picked this solution for many reasons, including its multi-functionality, compatibility with equipment already in the plant and compliance with rigorous regulations such as NFPA.
Products used:
FieldPort SWA50: Intelligent Bluetooth® and/or WirelessHART adapter for all HART field devices
Field Xpert Tablet: Universal, high-performance tablet PC for device configuration
