PRODUCTS & PRACTICES
Emerson has introduced
augmented reality (AR)
technology to its Plantweb
Optics asset performance
platform with the aim of
delivering enhanced access
to real-time diagnostics
and analytics, as well as
live remote assistance, to
industrial plant workers
responsible for maintaining
and optimising plant
equipment.
“Adopting innovative
technology like augmented
reality and institutionalising
best practices enables
workers to add more value
than ever to operational
and business performance,”
says Stuart Harris, group
president for Emerson’s
digital transformation
business.
Plantweb Optics leverages
artificial intelligence,
machine learning analytics
and data contextualisation
to provide real-time visibility
into plant reliability and
operational performance.
Benefits of augmented
reality for Plantweb Optics
are said to be enhanced
situational awareness, live
remote assistance and
analytics delivered in context
of the plant.
For use by manufacturers
in the life sciences, food and
beverage, chemical, metals
and mining, power and
water, pulp and paper and
energy industries, Plantweb
Optics is part of Emerson’s
Plantweb digital ecosystem
of technologies, software
and services.
SKF launches Bearing Assist app
SKF has developed a new
mobile application called
SKF Bearing Assist that
aims to simplify the
task of mounting
and replacing
bearings.
The app,
developed
with customers,
provides detailed
mounting instructions
for a range of SKF bearings.
Said to be suitable for
use by all engineering and
maintenance teams, it will
also minimise the problems
of incorrect mounting,
reducing installation time
and cost, and helping to
extend the operating
life of bearings.
Furthermore,
Bearing Assist also
allows engineers
to record the
work they have
carried out. The app
contains detailed product
information, including
bearing designation,
bearing type (with visuals)
and suffix descriptions,
as well as dimensions and
illustrations. The mounting
instructions cover bearings
with basic design that are
included in the standard
assortment. Information
such as clearance
reduction and drive-up
method calculations, and
recommendations on
lubrication, can also save
time and effort when fitting
bearings, SKF explains.
It is available for free
download from the UK Apple
Store and Google Play, and
is said to be launching soon
elsewhere.
Mist extraction warning
Telford-based industrial air
cleaning specialist Filtermist
Systems is urging companies
investing in CNC machine tools
to think carefully about leaving
mist extraction off the order to
cut costs.
The company, which works
with machine tool distributors
and end users, says that it has
noticed a marked increase
in customers investing in
‘bare bones machines’ and
not including bar feeders,
high pressure coolant or mist
extraction in a bid to reduce
spend.
Andy Hives, director of
group UK sales at Filtermist,
says: “While taking a cautious
approach is understandable in
the current climate, it’s a false
economy. Although there is
an initial capital investment,
effective extraction can actually
help to lower running costs in
the longer term.
“Cost reductions can include
lower heating bills in colder
months as the air exhausted
back into the facility is warm;
lower cleaning bills as there’s
less oily residue on floors,
ceilings and work surfaces; less
days lost to ill-health as a
result of exposure to
contaminated air.
“Last but not least, there’s a
far lower chance of employers
being hit with chargeable
enforcement and improvement
notices from the HSE, or hefty
fines for failing to comply with
COSHH (Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health)
regulations.”
Emerson integrates AR into
Plantweb Optics
88 www.operationsengineer.org.uk Autumn 2020
/www.operationsengineer.org.uk