Podcast: Using Data Gathering and Analysis to Manage Industrial Thermal Processes

Using sensors and software to aggregate, analyze and detect anomalies and trends in thermal processing operations is a key trend. Collectively known as the industrial Internet of Things, these smart solutions can provide previously undetected insights into thermal processing by using the data to look for key performance criteria, process upsets and anomalies and performance degradation or improvement over time.

Dale Smith of Honeywell Thermal Solutions joins editor Linda Becker to talk about the digitalization of industrial thermal processes and how IIoT is changing how we manage processes and produce products.

Let’s start with the easy first question: What is the simplest explanation of the industrial Internet of Things? [1:01]
Why does it matter for process heating? [1:58]
In a recent article and webinar with Process Heating, you pointed out that one of the benefits of adding IIoT technologies is that data that would otherwise be trapped at the equipment level or collected uselessly could be converted into actionable insights. Can you tell me a bit more about that? [3:17]
In previous articles, you've mentioned that without some way to analyze the data and extract actionable intelligence, organizations may find they are “DRIP” — data rich, information poor. So what does it take to get started? Is it necessary to completely remove your existing temperature and control infrastructure and start fresh? [5:52]
You alluded to using a cellular network mesh network to gather some of the data, Are there any concerns with cybersecurity with using a cell network in IIoT applications? {8:34]
Are there any codes or standards that apply to or limit the use of IIoT technologies? Or, a better question perhaps might be, are there any places that you shouldn't be trying to implement these types of technologies? [11:24]
Are there any places you should not use IIoT in industrial process heating applications? Are there any drawbacks to adding IIoT technologies? For instance, does it require that the process be shut down while it is working? Could it — on its own — cause process upsets? [13:39]
For somebody just starting out, what would be a good starting point for them to manage their own processes? [16:40]
What is a reasonable payback? How is your company positioned to help companies achieve this? [21:15]
We've all heard how institutional knowledge is leaving our manufacturing facilities. How do we attract, retain and put in place the people that can really act on these actionable insights? [29:40]