Remote monitoring helps boost productivity

A remote monitoring system is designed to help achieve optimum machine performance by actively monitoring all the available data points on equipment in a factory.

Atlas Copco’s SmartLink connectivity platform is a Web portal that tracks vital signs, self-diagnoses, assesses, and translates data on compressed air equipment. The system is able to gather, compare and analyse live data using the integrated, wireless Smartbox with 24/7 connectivity. The data from all the installations can be automatically uploaded to one server in the cloud. AIRScan provides an air compressor audit and customised reports that highlight potential energy savings and potential problems, while making recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of a compressor room.

SmartLink Energy allows the compressed air installation’s energy consumption to be monitored on a dashboard, based on the actual working conditions of a factory. Energy recommendations are said to be able to improve air system efficiency with potential savings of up to 30%.

“Knowing the status of your compressed air equipment at all times and being able to timeously react on it is the surest way to achieve optimal air efficiency and maximum availability,” asserts Compressor Technique service division business line manager Max Larue. “For any factory to be ‘smart’ it requires data. But data alone is not enough. Data must be analysed so that meaningful feedback can be generated, and results extracted, enabling operators to take the necessary actions. By connecting all compressed air equipment throughout the factory, the performance of the entire installation is optimised.

The SmartLink 2.0 solution includes smart AIRnet sensors such as smart pressure, flow meter and dew point sensors that can be added to an air net installation. Connected with SmartLink, the solution gathers information throughout a factory and offers recommendations on how to improve the performance of an entire air system.

The system’s service timeline indicates the service needs of each machine as well as planned visits, enabling efficient service planning and parts handling. This helps to ensure increased machine uptime and improved production.

Atlas Copco has also developed a customisable, free mobile application (app) that provides the operational status of a compressed air installation and gives access to air compressor manuals and service history. Push notifications on the app help customers to keep compressed air systems in optimal condition. Customers can also receive insights into a compressed air system’s performance from actionable dashboards by combining the SmartLink portal and mobile app.

The fully integrated solution from Atlas Copco is designed to maximise uptime, reduce the risk of catastrophic failures, and improve the overall efficiency and health of machines, thereby reducing the total cost of compressed air systems.