IMI signs global framework extension with Solvay for the provision of IIoT sensors
IMI has extended a global framework agreement with international chemical business Solvay SA for the provision of sensors, with more than 5,000 units already installed throughout 25 production sites in 11 countries.
The agreement means IMI is Solvay’s preferred supplier for Industrial Internet of Things (I-IoT) solutions. The centerpiece of the agreement is the provision of the IMI TWTG NEON ATEX zone 1-rated range of sensors, which identify unexpected changes in temperature, sounds or vibrations emitted by equipment.
The NEON Vibration Sensor sends alerts to maintenance engineers and operators, before any assets, such as engines, conveyor belts, and pumps start to fail. An engineer is alerted to check on this asset to prevent it from failure or long-term damage, which saves costs and ensures operational uptime.
By providing near real-time information via the LoRaWAN protocol about maintenance requirements, IMI’s TWTG NEON sensors can alleviate unplanned plant downtime, ensure that planned shutdowns are concluded as quickly as possible and maximise the energy efficiency and the lifetime of assets within chemical production.
Solvay is carrying out time-based maintenance, which they want to replace with condition-based maintenance and ultimately introduce predictive maintenance processes within their operations. Early detection is key to ensure a more reliable operation.
Diana Garcia, Global Business Development Manager, Digital Products at IMI, said: “The complexity of modern plant operations, coupled with constant pressure on margins means the chemical industry cannot rely on manual inspections to ensure maintenance operations are efficient and effective.
“As well as a strong commercial rationale for the wider adoption of I-IoT-based sensors, there are significant safety and environmental benefits, with the risks associated with catastrophic failure lessened.
“This agreement with Solvay is a major milestone in the continued and enlarge adoption of I-IoT sensors and predictive maintenance in the chemicals industry.”
“Digitalisation is reshaping the way we run our plants. Expanding the use of connected sensors helps us make quicker and better-informed decisions that improve safety, reliability and energy efficiency - while also making our operations more competitive and cost‑effective. It’s a concrete accelerator of the operational excellence transformation we’re driving across Solvay as part of our Essential for Generations strategy,” said Lanny Duvall, Chief Operations Officer at Solvay.
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