Process automation solutions

Automation value chain

Wood has executed some of the most prestigious automation projects in the world and adapted itself to changing market conditions and client strategies. We offer fully integrated solutions and established key value-added services that complement the process control design. Some of these key value areas include the following:

• Greenfield and brownfield control system integrations and migrations
• MAC toolkits and interface management expertise
• Obsolescence management tools
• Functional safety and assurance
• Human factors engineering
• Remote Instrument Enclosure (RIE) integration
• Analyser systems integration
• Direct hire I&E construction

Control system design and implementation

Wood’s expertise spans the entire lifecycle of control system projects, from concept through commissioning, optimisation, maintenance and replacement. We utilise a network of technical authorities and subject matter experts to maintain competency on all major programmable electronic systems in use by our clients. We work smarter and design the systems with field commissioning, startup, maintenance and operations in mind.

The use of automated design tools, Wood PowerTools, allows us to progress automation projects before the final technology is chosen. This ensures a fit-for-purpose design and eliminates the vendor bias associated with preselecting a vendor early. In fact, the industry shift to more open architectures is changing the game for project execution and putting more emphasis on the technology integrator and less on the vendor. PowerTools, a suite of virtually deployed technology tools, allows for the digitisation of many tasks including system-independent controls configuration.

Main automation contractor (MAC)

Our MAC approach focuses on providing engineering design, procurement, programming, integration and commissioning services on all major control hardware and software vendors to help you identify the best available, proven technologies in the marketplace.

Managing instrument and control project cost and scheduling risks that have historically plagued large-scale capital projects engineered by multiple EPCs is critical for achieving the core objectives of MAC projects.

Wood advantages:

• Early engagement of MAC prior to vendor selection sets the basis for system design
• Multi-system experience enhances sub-system integration
• INtools administration and hosting for multiple EPCs
• Expertise in managing multiple complex interfaces between EPCs, owners and third parties
• Larger scope of supply capability versus OEM hardware vendor or EPC instrument department
• Full engineering discipline support for instrumentation, electrical, mechanical, civil and other areas for complete turn-key automation projects
• Process control knowledge, ensuring a focus on the operability of the facility

Process control solutions

True process control starts with understanding the process.

Our automation and control specialists have real-life experience from operating facilities, plants, mills and operations around the world. That expertise, combined with a strong engineering background, ensures our solutions are truly fit for purpose and will deliver safe and reliable startup and full operation.

Our extensive use of PowerTools allows our control experts to spend more time focusing on the application versus analysing and entering data.

• Concept
• Project management
• Engineering and design
• PLC software solutions
• Simulation
• SCADA and MIS systems
• Control panels
• Safety systems
• Medium and low voltage control design
• Low voltage control design
• Drive and servo systems
• Water / wastewater
• Services
• Experience

Power systems

With physical integration systems designed for every level of your business, Wood gives you the power to make your operations safer and smoother, boosting efficiency and reducing costs with power systems including:

• Medium-voltage distribution switchgear
• Medium-voltage motor control centres
• Medium-voltage metering and termination panels
• Medium-voltage local isolation panels
• Medium- and low-voltage refurbishments and extensions
• Neutral earthing resistor panels
• Turnkey package solutions
• Containerised substations
• Low-voltage distribution switchgear
• Low-voltage motor control centres
• Integration and network control
• Control panels

Project execution

We perform all types of control projects in a variety of industries and geographies, and our execution methodology is applied consistently on projects that may range from a small obsolescence upgrade on a lithium mine in Chile to a Main Automation Contract (MAC) project for a world-scale upstream facility in Kazakhstan.

Our team of dedicated automation project managers understand the uniqueness of automation projects and use our best-in-class project management tool, PaceSetter^TM to standardise project management activities.

Customer service and 24/7 emergency support

Wood recognises that excellent customer service beyond system handover is essential. Across diverse industries – from automotive manufacturing and steel production to water processing and baggage handling – our clients rely on us to provide rapid and expert support to maximise the uptime of their production or distribution operations.

Our reliable service operation provides you with a competitive advantage by allowing you to focus on your core activities.

For ultimate peace of mind, a custom support contract can be developed to provide 24/7 direct contact with a service technician through our call centre. On-line engineering support and, where necessary, an emergency site visit can be set up to suit your operational and production requirements.

Warranty support

We provide warranty support for our own equipment and can also offer third-party and extended warranties for selected competitor equipment. Our service team will provide rapid support and deliver a solution designed to minimise disruption to ongoing operations.

Preventative maintenance

To ensure reliable system operation, we can provide a range of periodic preventative maintenance checks. From component and software audits, through thermal imaging surveys to complete plant maintenance, our service experts can provide the reassurance you expect from a professional OEM.

Retrofits and upgrades

To provide maximum benefit for minimum capital expenditure, we investigate and recommend cost-effective retrofits and upgrades for our customers’ existing systems. Our experienced service team undertakes all enhancement work in accordance with our stringent quality standards.

Field and workshop investigations and repairs

• Exceptional circumstances may require your low-voltage or medium-voltage product to be returned to one of our workshops for investigation by our specialist engineering team. Faults and failure modes are fully analysed, and we work with you to find a cost-effective solution.
• All workshop repairs are fully tested in accordance with our quality standards and our installation and commissioning personnel ensure that all equipment is returned to service as quickly as possible.
• Problems encountered in daily operations can be investigated on site by our experienced engineers. In many cases, the issue – whether mechanical, electrical or software-related – can be remedied during the initial visit and a warrantied repair provided.

Spares and obsolescence management

The service life of electrical and control systems often exceeds that of the components and software within them. Our service team is able to advise on spares inventory levels and hardware or software obsolescence, as well as managing system upgrades to ensure minimal disruption to your operations.

Decommissioning

When it comes to replacing ageing, redundant or obsolete equipment, our service team can offer inspection services and safe removal. We can assess the viability of your equipment’s reuse, enabling you to make an informed decision about your assets prior to disposal.

Training

Recognising that having trained and competent staff to operate and maintain our solutions at customer sites contributes greatly to their reliability, we can provide operational and maintenance training for clients’ employees, either on-site or at our own premises. We also invest in The Academy, our in-house apprenticeship scheme, to train future engineers to support our current and legacy systems.

Open Process Automation (OPA)

OPA is a new approach to industrial automation that allows for greater flexibility, interoperability, scalability and security. As one of the largest vendor-independent systems integrators globally, we can help you drive transformative value for your organisation by utilising the power of open process automation.