Colloquia

Summary

This study introduces a new methodology for detecting failures in gas separation membranes, with the goal of improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs. By analyzing historic field data, a model was developed to identify potential failures, significantly reducing the detection time. This faster detection could lead to earlier interventions, facilitating improved maintenance planning and reduced downtime.

The analysis highlights a positive business case, with potential cost savings of up to €2,850 per plant annually, achieved through more timely maintenance actions. The model not only improves failure detection but also links each identified fouling to its root cause, providing deeper insights for better system management. Additionally, the proposed methodology allows for enhanced maintenance strategies by integrating data analysis with operational decision-making, thus extending the useful life of the membranes and optimizing resource allocation.

While further testing in real-time environments is necessary to fully validate these findings, the results suggest that this approach can provide substantial benefits in terms of cost efficiency, system availability, and overall maintenance effectiveness.