SMART INSTRUMENTATION ADOPTION IN CONVENTIONAL PROCESS PLANTS

摘要

The capabilities of SMART instrumentation suggest many benefits like improved plant reliability, reduced cost of ownership, reduced process variability and optimized operations and maintenance activities. However, it appears that very few plant operators are realizing these benefits. This paper examines user perceptions relating to the adoption of SMART instrumentation technology in process plants. The selection, implementation, and application factors were identified and rated according to relevance by a convenience sample of respondents working for a large petrochemical company. Basic users treat SMART devices as conventional instrumentation, but advanced users attempt to exploit the wider functionalities embedded in SMART instrumentation technology and therefore generally have a better perception of the benefits it provides.