General information

The information of the analyzers is collected over the communications network and saved in the central ASM database for further analysis. The ASM is accessed using a Windows workstation, and it is possible to navigate between overview displays, device-specific displays, and general functions.

Overview of analyzers in a plant

The ASM has the following function modules for each analyzer for carrying out the HMI tasks:

View of the maintenance module

Examples of generated reports

Further functions are:

Validation

One of the core functions of the ASM is checking the analyzers for reliability of the measured values. Two different methods of measurement are available for recording the values, namely the reference sample method and the line sample method. The resulting values can be checked using different evaluation methods (based on ASTM D3764 or deviation). The objective of the validation is to recognize fluctuations and deviations with respect to a comparison value, and to thus permit a statement to be made on the reliability and drift of the measurement.

Method of measurement: reference sample method

The analyzer is disconnected from the process gas, and a reference gas connected for measurement. The composition of this reference gas has previously been specified in the "Reference bottle management" of the ASM. Using these values, the ASM determines the deviation between the measurement and the reference data.

Method of measurement: line sample method

With this method, a gas sample is extracted from the stream of sample gas to the analyzer, and analyzed in the laboratory. The resulting values are passed on to the ASM and compared with the analyzer's measured values. With this method, the analyzer need not be disconnected from the process gas, and permanently remains available for the process measurement.

Evaluation based on ASTM D3764

Based on the international standard ASTM D3764, the results are checked using various statistical methods, including standard deviation, Dixon freak value test, and systematic error.

Evaluation using deviation method

Limit values are defined for this evaluation: the warning limit and the control limit. Simple rules are used to define how the reliability of the measurement is to be assessed when these limits are violated. For example, it can be defined that a single violation of the limit can be tolerated, but that repeated violation is an impermissible condition.

View of the validation module