I'm leading a PdM Workout team at our chemical facility. We currently have an extensive Vibration and oil analysis program but we are looking to see where we can improve. I'm looking for practical applications for any PdM Tools on Instrumentation such as Control Valves, Flow meters, and other piping system type instruments that can fail. I imagine there may be some applications for Ultrasonics and Thermography. Is anyone doing this type of analysis?

The essencial questions are :
. What are the parameters to be checked? ,and
. What are the instruments and tools neccesary to do it?
.What is the knowing that the inspector need to have (training) to deside about Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) applied on inspection routes.

The answer to the last is the first begining.

You mentioned flow meters and control valves. You can include inspection program for steam traps and mechanical seal.

Speedy,
I believe every PDM Tool Box should have a good quality ultrasound meter. I use a SDT-150 with several types of sensors. Considering the wide variety of applications and relatively low cost, compared to other technologies, it should be on top of the list. Another excellent tool is a clamp-on current transformer that can be used with your vibration analyzer for motor current spectrum analysis. A microphone or low cost sound level meter with AC output can be used with your vibration analyzer for locating and evaluating sources of unusual or loud noise.

Walt

For control valves, have you considered valve signature analysis? I tried to review the PM for instrumentation before, I found out one company where they monitor the performance of instrument loops instead of the individual field devices to indicate which loops are not performing well. There are many articles related to instrumentation in Chemical Engineering Online if you are interested to dig.