Energy & Power, Heating, Cooling & Drying

Enhanced remote monitoring solution for industrial refrigeration plant operators

Phil Black - PII Editor 28/03/2013

146 2 minutes read

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Star Refrigeration has enhanced its remote monitoring solution for users of industrial cooling plant in the process cooling industry.

Star Diagnostic Solutions (SDS) is a unique off-site service designed for all operators of refrigeration plant. The SDS service now features enhanced data collection and ongoing plant performance reporting as standard. SDS is the latest addition to StarCare, Star¹s planned preventative maintenance programme for process cooling customers.

The SDS remote monitoring system provides a live 24/7 link from the facility to Star¹s nationwide network of nine branch offices. It enables Star¹s engineering team to oversee all aspects of refrigeration plant operation around the clock.

The SDS system constantly monitors plant performance with particular focus on cooling temperatures and power consumption. It also monitors critical oil/refrigerant levels and equipment operation (e.g. compressors and pumps) within the refrigeration plant. The service works via a broadband connection, sending data from the cooling plant¹s computerised control system to Star¹s data collection centre.

Full documentation and reporting is a key aspect of Star¹s SDS service, with the production of performance graphs and analytical data, including plant efficiency and energy consumption. The remote monitoring system is also designed to alert engineers to any developing maintenance issues or faults, so that they can be targeted and dealt with effectively before any plant failure occurs.

The SDS monitoring system also features a 24 hour emergency call out service. This is designed to alert engineers to situations that may require attention outside normal working hours.

Star Refrigeration Operations Director John Fraser says: ³Star Diagnostic Solutions is a smart approach to industrial cooling plant maintenance. With 24/7 monitoring, fast emergency response and full data analysis, SDS is designed to improve plant reliability and safety, boost efficiency, reduce engineering site visits and cut maintenance and running costs.²

He adds: ³Star was at the forefront developing site-based industrial refrigeration plant monitoring and reporting back in the 1980s. Now we can offer enhanced remote monitoring to meet the increased demand for analytical data to help our customers achieve optimum plant performance and lower running costs with a reduced carbon footprint.²

The new SDS service is part of the StarCare planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programme for refrigeration plant operators. This pro-active PPM programme for cooling equipment ensures optimum long-term performance and reliability. StarCare is proven to increase energy efficiency and significantly reduce lifecycle costs.

John Fraser adds: ³Equipment operation and maintenance typically accounts for over 80% of a refrigeration plant¹s lifecycle cost. Investing in pro-active maintenance is absolutely vital in order to ensure optimum long-term performance and lower running costs. In our experience, the cost of plant inefficiency and unreliability far outweighs the investment required in an effective PPM regime.²

When it comes to designing and maintaining energy efficient cooling and heating systems, Star is a natural innovator. Star works with strategic partners across the globe to deliver low carbon, cost saving solutions.

For more information, phone Star Refrigeration on 0141 638 7916, email star@star-ref.co.uk or visit www.star-ref.co.uk.
Star Refrigeration, Thornliebank Industrial Estate, Glasgow G46 8JW.