Emerson Process Management’s Smart Wireless technology has proved to be “extremely cost-effective and reliable” for PPL Generation in providing continuous performance data on critical boiler feed pumps at Montour power station in Washingtonville, Pa., as well as feedwater and air heaters at the Brunner Island Unit 1 in York Haven, Pa.“The additional information provided by the wireless instruments allows us to more effectively monitor the mechanical and thermal performance of these valuable assets,” according to Joe Murach, supervisor of equipment reliability.Key temperature and pressure measurements were not available previously to populate software designed to analyze thermal performance and determine preventive maintenance schedules. Company officials have long wanted to obtain this information, but the high cost of installing wiring was a roadblock they could not overcome. Wireless was the only option for obtaining the needed data, Murach said.Emerson’s Smart Wireless technology was chosen following an on-site demonstration that proved its ability to transmit reliably despite the dense infrastructure of the power plant. Then Rosemount wireless transmitters were installed at the Montour plant to monitor suction pressure and DP across the suction screen as well as other points that provide valuable insight as to the overall condition of the feedwater pumps.

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• Emerson Automation Solutions

• Pumps

• Remote Monitoring

• Article