The monitoring of the ESD valves is done by the Intelligent Diagnostics Controller (IDC24) from Val Controls. Once a planned or unplanned shutdown occurs, data of the valves closing signature and time will be collected and stored in the controller. The data can be monitored, compared and analyzed by using the Val Controls Diagnostics Centre (VCDC) program.
It is important to collect these data points at both planned and unplanned shutdowns. At planned shutdowns the data can be used to perform a root cause analysis of the event and help find the cause of the unplanned shutdown. At planned shutdowns, the data collected by the controller is typically more reliable and efficient than manual testing of the closing time.
Furthermore, the data from all of the planned and unplanned shutdowns can be stored and compared to each other, to perform predictive maintenance and help the staff to better predict when certain parts need service or replacement.