HoloLens Plant Investigation and 3D Pipe Design Assistant

Introduction

In today's industrial landscape, the integration of advanced technology plays a pivotal role in monitoring and maintaining system integrity. Using a HoloLens assistant, we explored an alarming situation pertaining to a heat exchanger's performance within a plant. The primary concern arose when the pressure reading from the pressure indicating transmitter (PIT) 5003 dipped below the acceptable threshold of two PSI, measuring only 1.5 PSI.

Upon accessing the Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID), we identified the location of PIT 5003 and noted its unusually low pressure. A dive into historical readings revealed previous occurrences of low pressure, specifically following maintenance activities on July 13th and the months preceding. Despite the repairs, the pressure readings showed significant fluctuations and spikes beyond normal, indicating a deeper systemic issue.

To further understand the unfolding situation, we reviewed maintenance history, which included a valuable video report. In this report, a technician, Meadow Connor, detailed that the transmitter had been replaced three times in four months, a rate far beyond the expected lifespan of a year for such devices. This prompted the conclusion that systematic issues warranted further investigation.

Recognizing that the pressure instrument indicates the differential pressure between two pipes, we surmised that excessive pressure differences might be responsible for the instrument's recurrent failures. To mitigate the risk of future failures, we proposed the installation of a bypass between the two pipes linked to the pressure transmitter.

After exploring various configurations, we created a suitable bypass design, ensuring that it did not conflict with existing piping or the pressure instrument. Once the design was finalized, we saved it for future implementation. This innovation signifies a strategic move towards maintaining system functionality and reliability, thereby reducing the frequency of alarming events and enhancing operational stability.

Completing our investigation, we underscored the importance of planning maintenance for these modifications to ensure sustained performance and quickly address any arising complications.

Keyword

heat exchanger, pressure indicating transmitter, low pressure, maintenance history, video report, differential pressure, bypass design, system integrity, P&ID, HoloLens assistant

FAQ

Q1: What was the primary issue identified during the investigation?
A1: The primary issue was that the pressure reading from the pressure indicating transmitter (PIT) 5003 dropped below the acceptable threshold, measuring only 1.5 PSI.

Q2: How often had the pressure transmitter been replaced?
A2: The pressure transmitter had been replaced three times in four months, indicating a potential systemic problem.

Q3: What solution was proposed to mitigate the recurring issue?
A3: The proposed solution was to add a bypass between two pipes connected to the pressure transmitter to alleviate excessive differential pressure.

Q4: What technology was utilized during the investigation?
A4: A HoloLens assistant was utilized to aid in the investigation and design process for the piping modifications.

Q5: Why is monitoring and maintaining system integrity important in industrial settings?
A5: Monitoring and maintaining system integrity is crucial to prevent failures, reduce downtime, and ensure operational reliability in industrial settings.