There comes a time on every project for equipment startup, with the project’s schedule dictating which systems are starting and in what sequence. It’s important perform all possible preliminary work to ensure a smooth startup process. Otherwise, you’ll probably encounter costly errors and problems that result in schedule delays and extended time needed by startup technicians who likely traveled a distance. Omni Instrumentation & Electrical Services, Inc., gets involved in helping clients prepare for startup.
First in the sequence should be permanent power. This is followed by compressed air and a functioning drainage system, then cooling water and heating hot water. These steps ensure that basic utilities necessary for equipment startup are in place.
Next, establish your communication network to prove the control side of the equipment is fully functional and can communicate over the network. After verifying that you have the latest version of software, check control functionality by sending and receiving bits of information.
Once network communication has been established, perform pipe pressure testing, fill systems with water, glycol or other media and test circulation, and test alarms. Have all VFDs for pumps, fans and other equipment bumped and checked for rotation, tested thoroughly under local control, then tested through automatic control whether that be with local I/O, a network, or both.
Taking the time to perform these tasks may flush out important questions or RFI on various problems such as missing or needed instrumentation, added functionality, or options that may not have been purchased but are needed for the system to meet design intent.
Completing all of this preliminary work will save a considerable amount time when the startup technician arrives onsite to operate the equipment under design conditions. For more information, contact Omni at (908) 412-7130 or (240) 341-7915.
About Omni
Omni Instrumentation & Electrical Services, Inc., located in New Jersey and Maryland, is a premier instrumentation and electrical contractor, providing superior total care solutions since 1986. Services include instrument installation, tubing installation, instrument calibration, control loop testing, startup and commissioning, power and lighting, process control wiring, BMS wiring, telecommunications and data wiring, fire alarm wiring, security wiring, process network wiring, and control panel fabrication. Omni Instrumentation & Electrical Services, Inc., is certified in Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, DeviceNet and ASI-Bus installation.