LIMELIGHTS

Safety and smart detection preventing Lignite Solid Fuel Backflow

Identify issue and automated maintenance activity in response to an alarm that generates downtime and huge loss at Calcis Group

DIG:ITA
Published in
3 min readMay 3, 2023

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What did our team find?

Recently, a plant utilizing the iDO smart notification system and MOSAICO WORKSPACE experienced an alarm indicating potential backflow of fuel solid powder in cooling air system on a QualiCal PFR Lime Kiln operating at Calcis Warstein. X4LIME Team highlighted an undergoing increase of alarms 🚨 mainly related to the PINCH VALVE COMPRESSED AIR PRESSURE which constricts the flow path and stops the (back-)flow of the solid powder back to cleaned air pipiline.

What was the trigger for this analysis?

Analysis was possible thanks to #iDO, the Industrial Digital Operator working within Mosaico Digital WORKSPACE. #iDO collected the most recursive Alarms and identified the Lance Cooling Header AntiBackflow System as the key components object of the problem.

Mi-LIVE Smart Notification on Safety Issue

Pinch valves are a type of valve used for controlling the flow, in this case possible backflow of lignite powder. They operate by using a flexible elastomer sleeve or tube that is “pinched” or compressed to either open or close the valve, regulating the flow of the medium passing through it.

When the compressed air pressure is insufficient to operate the proper valve positioning there is a high risk the valve is not correctly open or close.

What was the value to the customer?

Upon detecting the low-pressure alarm🚨, the iDO smart notification system immediately alerted the relevant personnel, providing them with detailed information about the issue. This real-time notification enabled the team to quickly assess the situation, understand the potential risks, and prioritize their response.

Following the alarm, the iDO system automatically generated a maintenance task within the MOSAICO WORKSPACE. This platform, designed to streamline maintenance activities and enhance communication, assigned the task to the appropriate team members and provided them with all the necessary information to address the issue

These important insights allowed field operators to make decision to timely deal on what really matter and act for a fast resolution.

Mi-TASK Smart Generation of Maintenance activities
Edoardo Cella — X4LIME and DIG:ITA CDO

“The integration of iDO smart notifications and task creation with MOSAICO WORKSPACE demonstrates the power of automation in modern industrial operations. By automating maintenance activities in response to alarms, customers can quickly react to potential issues, minimizing downtime and maximizing plant efficiency. This innovative approach provides a competitive edge in an increasingly demanding market, ensuring optimal performance and long-term success. ” — Edoardo Cella — X4LIME Team Leader.

Digital Transformation for Sustainability

MOSAICO workspace aims to upgrade all industries and infrastructures for sustainability. This is GOAL 3.D of the Global Goals 2030.

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DIG:ITA
X4LIME
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