Engineering Magazine – June 2019

ENGINEERING JUNE 2019 21

predictive maintenance and energy
efficiency would easily justify the costs of
digitisation in this case.

Developments in compressor
communication
Smart factories depend on
communication between equipment,
automation systems and the cloud.
Multiple compressor installations come
with integrated digital systems, but a
standalone 10 kW installation may have
no external connectivity. Ironically it is
the standalone compressor that may
actually benefit more from IIoT – for
example by sending status notifications
and alarms via SMS to warn of
potential shutdown.
Compressor manufacturers are
developing their IIoT solutions in their

own proprietary platforms. These

solutions may be limited to specific

models or even custom developed for

a particular customer. Ultimately, there

is a need for a universal language for

interdevice communications. An open

platform will realise the maximum

benefits of IIoT, but this could be up to

15 years away in terms of development.

The risks of connectivity

The potential for security breaches

poses a challenge to the connectivity

between process devices and the

internet. Industrial enterprises are

accustomed to complete separation

between automation systems and the

cloud, and between vendor systems

and process operations. However,

obtaining the benefits of IIoT will

require an openness to consider

digital technologies in a new light.

Compressor manufacturers and

specialist consultants will be critical

resources for industrial enterprises as

they embark on an IIoT journey.

The change that IIoT demands

Moving from closed compressor

control systems to a digital architecture

that embraces IIoT is more than just

a technical issue. It affects production

processes, data management protocols

and organisational culture. The move

to IIoT will not be possible without

developing or hiring for the new skillset

that digitisation requires.

Industrial enterprises have the

potential to upgrade their factory

units from cost centres to profit

centres. Advanced technology

compressor manufacturers also have

the opportunity to change perceptions

of their role. They can move from an

equipment supplier to a consulting

role – educating users on energy

efficient upgrades and adding value

through smart connectivity and the

implementation of IIoT.

Stef Lievens is Industrial Air Business Line

Manager - Atlas Copco Compressors UK

http://www.atlascopco.co.uk/compressors

COMPRESSOR TECHNOLOGY