It’s not uncommon for process project schedules to be somewhat lacking in details, but there are many unscheduled activities that can be done by an electrical and controls contractor before, during and after loop check to ensure the overall schedule is met. Most schedules nowadays are quite aggressive, so it’s a good idea to take every advantage you can.
On a recent project, Omni worked closely with the process mechanical contractor to open many fail closed valves for pressure and water circulation testing long before wiring and tubing were run to keep the process mechanical on schedule with installation and commissioning. To aid in equipment startup, Omni opened local control valves early on via pneumatic pressure.
FAT of process control panels was completed by the manufacturer before shipment and delivery to the jobsite. Once mounted, UPS power was provided to get the process network up and running early in the schedule. This allowed Omni and the system integrator to establish communication with all process equipment PLCs early, saving critical time later. VFD installation and completion of power wiring enabled Omni to perform early VFD rotation check and establish network communication. Omni tagged all instruments and prioritized them by order of installation for the process mechanical contractor to support performance of loop check a little earlier than scheduled.
An Omni technician was assigned to report to the job during second shift to make instrument adjustments, repairs and replacements as needed to keep startup and loop check on schedule. The system integrator installed engineering work stations and monitors in the control room and furniture was delivered early on to ensure everything would be ready when it came time to perform startup and loop check.
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.