Software and Information Technology
Plant Design Tool Integrates P&ID and 3D Data
The newest release of the PDMS 12 plant design software fully supports the Microsoft .NET user interface, which allows it to offer highly interactive 3D graphical editing functions for fast initial design and subsequent modifications. The program features extensive enhancements to the advanced engineering applications for designing equipment, piping, ductwork, structural steel and supports. A new function creates material and weight reports for the parametric design and easy modification of complex access platforms, stairs and ladder configurations. A catalog and specification-management application makes it easy to create and modify catalog and specification items, reducing the need for specialist skills in this area. The program’s cable design function allows the routing of cables and cableways from within the PDMS model. The use of design rule technology equips piping engineers with a rule-based automatic pipe routing and quality checking feature. New object associations have been introduced into the plant model, enabling users to define and monitor key relationships as the design evolves. Piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) from multiple authoring tools can be consolidated into a single schematic model of the plant, which can then be used to build the 3D plant model. The schematic model is a new open environment that brings P&ID and 3D data together on a globally deployable shared-technology platform.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
AVEVA Group plc
www.aveva.com
Program Grants Free Access To Plantwide-Data-Collection Software
Proficy Historian software provides access to all production and process data, thus building a foundation for users to transform their operations with accurate, timely production information. Suitable for use in operations ranging from individual facilities to global manufacturers, the software empowers users to direct plant initiatives, including programs related to: overall equipment effectiveness, to maximize the return on assets; product quality, to reduce costs of manufacturing while maintaining customer satisfaction; inventory visibility, to optimize inventory levels; genealogy/traceability, to contain quality issues and limit warranty/recall exposure; and real-time reporting, to get the right information to the right people. These capabilities ensure the reliable collection of mission-critical data. The software is easy to configure and administer, and features: sub-second data collection; ultra-efficient data compression; scalable server configurations; and best-in-class storage and retrieval performance with precise time-stamp resolution. The software accommodates a wide range of data collectors, ensuring connectivity to many plant-floor data sources.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
GE Fanuc Automation
www.gefanuc.com
HVAC Program Performs Calculations Automatically
HVAC Solution Steam Program Version 4.1 features a drag-and-drop method of designing and modeling HVAC steam systems. This stand-alone, Windows-based program allows for easy modeling of steam generation, steam distribution, steam utilization and condensate-handling equipment. It automatically handles many of the engineering calculations and design tasks that HVAC professionals currently perform manually, including: head loss and static pressure calculations; pipe and duct sizing; data recalculation; component insertion; full psychrometric calculations; and equipment type changes. This upgrade includes an all-new selection of fan coils.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Spirax Sarco, Inc.
http://www.spiraxsarco.com/us/
Track More Data with a Decoking Module
Already useful for reducing maintenance and inventory costs, Flowstar.net now features hydraulic decoking enhancements that capture information related to rotary joints and jet pumps. The software tracks rotating equipment, such as pumps, mixers, compressors and mechanical seals, as well as their corresponding process data, failure history and any outstanding recommendations for improvement. Flowstar.net uses these data to generate reports detailing cost trends and savings, troublesome equipment, premature failures, and mean-time-between-failure trends. The reports enable Flowserve engineers to identify and recommend system improvements, track reliability, and provide easy access to application information and reference lists. The software also acts as a repository for detailed unit surveys and walkthrough reports, and links serial numbers and references to drawings and bills of materials.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Flowserve Corp.
www.flowserve.com
Web-Based Database Tracks Gas Inventory
New functionality enables users of CISPro Global and CISPro Live chemical inventory systems to perform real-time tracking of cylinder gas in inventory, providing complete continuous accountability for all cylinders any time and from any location and allowing all inventory to be managed in the same system. The software uses the existing bar-code identification on the manufacturer’s label or ID tag along with CISPro’s unique tracking number to organize data in a web-based database. Once in the CISPro database, users can check the status and location of any cylinder with absolute, validatable assurance that the cylinder data are correct, so cylinders will not get “lost” either at the organization’s site or in transit during shipping. This eliminates shipping and receiving disputes and the over-purchasing of gases, resulting in improved purchasing efficiency.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
ChemSW Inc.
www.chemsw.com
Software Allows Chemicals Tracking via the Internet
TrueChem helps companies track, monitor and improve consistency and quality in chemical manufacturing. It allows remote monitoring of production processes by customers, importers and quality auditors via the Internet even if TrueChem is not installed on their computer. This software is suitable for wet-process manufacturing, metal finishing and plating operations, and other applications that require close monitoring through quality control processes.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
TrueLogic Company, LLC
www.truelogiccompany.com
Module Retrieves Data without Original Software
Nautilus LIMS version 8.0 now includes data management functionality. Capable of capturing, archiving and storing both derived and raw instrument data, the data manager is a complete storage and retrieval system that understands and preserves analytical data, documents and PDF files. It provides instant access to data, enabling users to view, search and manipulate real data and metadata without requiring the original Nautilus software itself. The module converts instrument data to a vendor-neutral XML format, and allows linking to LIMS entities for instant investigation of suspect results.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
www.thermo.com
Online Modules Help Prepare Companies for REACH
Designed for use with the vendor’s online material safety data sheet (MSDS) management system, the online REACH module gives customers support in complying with Europe's Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) regulatory framework for chemical substances. It allows users to categorize products by REACH requirements, upload annual production-volume data, and calculate substance tonnage in order to determine a course of action for each requirement. After this information is compiled, the module helps users deformulate mixtures by volume and by REACH role, which helps in identifying products that require pre-registration. Customers can track inventories by downstream-user products and provide manufacturers with use information by substance. RegImpact, a companion module, facilitates REACH compliance by determining whether any products contain substances that are likely to appear on the candidate list or result in authorization requirements. It also provides access to the Ariel chemical regulatory database, and an expanded regulatory impact analysis feature that helps users to better understand the impact of regulatory changes on their raw materials, components and products.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
3E Company
www.3ecompany.com
Pipe Stress Analysis Software Has Upgraded Graphics Capabilities
By streamlining existing program features and using Tech Soft 3D’s HOOPS graphic engine, the latest edition of Caesar II boasts a 40% gain in graphics performance. Version 5.10 of this pipe stress analysis package can better handle larger and more complex models. Caesar II incorporates a wide range of capabilities, including: numerous piping codes; expansion joint, valve and flange, and structural databases; structural buried pipe modeling; equipment and vessel nozzle evaluation; and spectrum and time history analysis. Later upgrades to this software are expected to further increase speed and performance.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
COADE
http://www.coade.com