GE Intelligent Platforms and Metso Collaborate on Device Asset Management Solution

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA   DECEMBER 18, 2009    GE Intelligent Platforms today announced that it is collaborating with Metso Corporation of Helsinki, Finland, a global supplier of sustainable technology and services, to resell its Metso FieldCare™ Device Asset Management Solution. This solution provides device asset management that delivers benefits to the customer through the complete process plant lifecycle. 

Metso FieldCare helps customers enhance the efficiency of process management with the help of information covering the process lifecycle of their plant devices. This condition monitoring solution gives a quick overview of the operational status of all intelligent field equipment in the system. The information it provides supports predictive maintenance and can be used to plan regular maintenance activities, ensuring sufficient time to order spare parts and plan for service operations. It also lowers the cost of ownership as it can manage many devices, helps plan maintenance activities, and, as part of the process control system, will be a valuable addition to further optimize and reduce the operational costs of the overall operation. 

“When you consider a process plant, there are hundreds or even thousands of devices such as valves, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors that are used to control the process,” said Steve Ryan, General Manager for GE Intelligent Platforms’ Process Solutions. “Failure on one of these devices can lead to lost production which could translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars. So knowing, not just assuming, that process equipment is operating properly is imperative. It’s not a nice to have – it is an operational requirement.”

Commissioning – With FieldCare users can download the configuration, calibration, and tuning information needed to setup each plant device. Doing this remotely rather than having to go out in the plant to each device is a huge time savings which allows for faster commissioning and gets the system to the next phase – startup much faster. 

Startup - During Startup users need to be able to detect unstable control conditions and troubleshoot the operation of the system. FieldCare enables access information on each device, so it can be monitored to verify its condition allowing quick elimination of issues to get to a running phase more quickly. 

Runtime - FieldCare allows users to establish a baseline for each device’s operation. Condition is monitored continuously so when a device is starting to wear or degrade it can be detected easily. Knowing this along with past history allows users to predict when service will be needed so they can determine what issues can be handled during a planned shutdown, and if a condition is occurring at such a rate that you need to plan a shutdown rather than have an un-expected failure. 

Shutdown Preparation - With FieldCare users can better plan for shutdown by knowing which devices need service and plan the resources required.   Lack of the needed resources may result in unfinished maintenance work before start-up, so using FieldCare can reduce risks in start-up. 

Service Shutdown - Plant shutdown is much more effective because you have a much better view of what needs to be serviced. With FieldCare users can move to predictive maintenance which results in the greatest operational and maintenance savings. 

“FieldCare is another example of what GE Intelligent Platforms’ Process Solutions can bring to our customers around the world,” concluded Ryan. “Best-of-class solutions to solve real-world issues for process operations.”

GE Intelligent Platforms is an experienced high-performance technology company and a global provider of software, hardware, services, and expertise in automation and embedded computing. We offer a unique foundation of agile and reliable technology providing customers a sustainable advantage in the industries they serve, including energy, water, consumer packaged goods, government & defense, and telecommunications. GE Intelligent Platforms is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA. For more information, visit www.ge-ip.com.