“We have increased our focus on the development of digital asset management and real-time performance optimisation solutions for seals to provide our customers with greater predictability and reliability. We want our customers to feel confident that their operations will not suffer from unexpected interruptions that can become costly. With the Wärtsilä REvolution system, customers can focus on their core business and leave lifecycle management entirely to Wärtsilä,” says Harald Brodmann, Hydro & Industrial segment manager from Wärtsilä.
The new Wärtsilä REvolution system is a digital management system that controls, monitors, records and analyses the performance of seals autonomously in real time, increasing the predictability and reliability of sealing solutions in rotating equipment.
Wärtsilä’s new digital management system revolutionises sealing technology in the hydropower industry. The system incorporates machine learning, predictive modelling and model predictive control (MPC) techniques to provide customers with intelligent, real-time active management of the sealing interface fluid film, minimising wear and removing the sealing components from the maintenance schedule critical path.
The launch of this new system follows a previous product development in hydropower shaft seal applications and utilises Wärtsilä REguard shaft seal technology. In 1988, Wärtsilä launched the first face type shaft seal for hydropower turbines, which included a pressurised interface management system. Since then, there have been over 100 installations of this system around the world. The Wärtsilä REvolution system has now elevated this technology to the next level with the introduction of a digital control system.
Wärtsilä’s Hydro & Industrial services offering targets the specific needs of hydropower, tidal energy and offshore wind installations as well as mining, paper, oil & gas, water management and power generation industries.
Real-time data enables asset optimization
The Wärtsilä REvolution system’s primary application is hydropower turbine shafts, but the system can also benefit industrial applications, including pumps and other large rotating equipment. It also serves as a basis for future development, offering continuous data on product performance in the customer’s specific operating environment. The Wärtsilä REvolution system collects performance data, for example temperature, wear of the seal interface and pressure, and enables real-time lifecycle prediction and intervention to reduce friction and wear of the seal. It also protects the seal from contaminants. The Wärtsilä REvolution system analyses the collected data to actively optimise the seal performance in real-time.
By increasing the reliability of your turbine or pump shaft seals with a REvolution system, we can provide the solution to help you achieve this.
The REvolution system technology will help remove the risks of seal component failures which often result in unplanned maintenance and variability in performance. By managing your shaft seal lifecycle automatically, you can manage your workload balance more effectively.
“REvolution System Capabilities will Increase operational uptime and reliability”
OPTIMISE
The REvolution System uses data collected from the seal, such as interface temperature, service pressure and interface wear, to optimise the active control of the lubricating fluid film at the seal interface. This real-time intervention automatically reduces friction and wear.
PREDICT
The REvolution System provides real-time seal wear measurement and real-time lifecycle prediction of the seal interfaces. This real-time iniervention automatically reduces friction and wear.
SOLVE
The REvolution System provides a seal management solution which minimizes the need for customer interaction and maintenance with the seal solution, while simultaneously providing instant access to the operational condition of the seal.
Data Access
Links to your SCADA or operates standalone
Links to existing control systems
Provides real-time data and intervention
Actively uses model predictive control techniques
Tailor Made Service Agreements
Removes PULL ON RESOURCES:
Initial outlay moves from CAPEX budget to OPEX budget allowing costs re-distribution
Reduces time spent on ‘Requests for quotations’ for CAPEX
Lost revenue due to unplanned downtime & maintenance
Match service agreements to maintenance cycles 5-10 years