Siemens optimizes analyzing technology at Sinopec

The new Siemens software solution is now controlling the quality of measurement of over 60 of the refinery company's analyzers, and recording data quality trends. The equipment monitored by the system ranges from simple measurement analyzers to complex analyzing systems. Siemens developed, engineered and commissioned the ASM system.

The analyzers in the Sinopec Refinery in Shanghai transmit their measurement data and status information – such as product quality data – round-the-clock to the control system and maintenance personnel. High demands are placed on the quality of these values. The timing of maintenance activities has to be precisely defined in order to avoid measuring errors and limitations on the availability of the devices. Sinopec therefore engaged Siemens in the middle of 2010 to install the ASM software solution and supply automation and analytical equipment. Since successful completion of trial operations, the ASM system has been in continuous use calculating the optimum times for maintaining and calibrating the measuring instruments.

The software solution uses statistical analysis processes based on the ASTM 3764 worldwide industry standard. It assesses, for example, recurrent, systematic deviations of measured values from a normal distribution. This enables the ASM system to monitor individual operating states of the analyzers precisely, and validate the analyzers in use. The statistical evaluations of the validation results are presented in the form of reports. The operator can also use these reports to verify the quality of measurement to its customers.

The ASM system is based on a Simatic platform with S7 and WinCC, which can be augmented by standardized database and NET-based modules. This enables the software solution to be easily adapted to project-specific interfaces.

It eliminates unnecessary interventions by the system operator and increases the availability of the measuring instruments. Continuous monitoring of the

measuring instruments also ensures that the measured values are reliable at all times. Key performance indicators, such as the availability and error rate of the analyzers, can also be derived from the data. The planning and management of the maintenance of the analyzers are based onthis information, which reduces the costs of maintenance and materials. Analyzer downtimes are reduced which, in turn, increases the output of the production plant.

Sinopec Corp. is one the three largest oil companies in China. It opens up natural gas and oil deposits, owns refineries, and markets its own petrochemical products.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world’s leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products and solutions for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the Sector enhances its customers’ productivity, efficiency, and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Divisions Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services as well as the Business Unit Metals Technologies.

The Siemens Customer Services Division (Erlangen, Germany) combines the worldwide service activities of the Siemens Industry Sector in the Product Lifecycle Services and Value Services Business Units. The Division provides

product-related services as well as services to improve the availability, reliability, and productivity of industrial processes. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines.

Siemens AG
Corporate Communications and Government Affairs
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Reference number: ICS201110.015e fp
Media Relations: Rebecca Zapfe
Telephone: +49 9131 7-46076
E-mail: rebecca.zapfe@siemens.com
Siemens AG
Industry Sector – Customer Services Division
Schuhstr. 60, 91052 Erlangen, Germany