Case Study: System O&M

A Soil Vapor Extraction and Treatment System

System operation and maintenance (O&M) field logs are still challenging to digitize, as the forms and field workflow varies for each system. However, QNOPY successfully created a custom system O&M solution for an SVET system in San Jose, California and completely digitized the field data workflow. The solution has been operational for over two years and has achieved significant cost savings for the client, as well as better data quality and control. The SVET system has multiple components, and several monitoring points require different types of recorded data. The QNOPY Mobile App guides the technicians to record the required parameters and improves the data quality by validating the entries in the field. Field logs are exportable in Excel, EDD, and PDF formats. With QNOPY, the consultant has completely automated the system O&M process and has achieved better quality data with permit compliance.

Challenges

  • SVET system comprises 23 extraction wells, three manifolds, a blower, a knockout tank, a thermal oxidizer, and carbon vessels
  • Measure certain parameters, such as PID, flow rate, and vacuum, at the system manifold
  • Must record valve positions for all the extraction wells
  • Apply permit limits for the flow rate, oxidizer temperature, and effluent PID reading
  • Notify the project manager if permit limits are exceeded
  • Record parameters in a specific sequence in the field
  • Need to maintain equipment calibration logs

    • QNOPY's System O&M Solution

    QNOPY created a customized solution for the SVET system O&M data management. Additionally, subforms replaced a long field log, in order to follow the field workflow. In-app validations enforce permit limits, and when any parameter is outside of the historic range, a warning message notifies field technicians. Once field data is uploaded into the QNOPY cloud database, users can generate field logs and export them in PDF, Word, or Excel formats. QNOPY also set up custom formats for exporting the data into Excel workbooks.

    Highlights

  • QNOPY provided cellular tablets as well as the software subscription
  • QNOPY built custom forms for the system O&M field data
  • Three types of in-app validations:
  • (a) Not to exceed limits – readings outside this range are not accepted
  • (b) Warning limits – when a reading exceeds warning limits, the user is notified
  • (c) Mandatory fields – technicians must record certain fields before submitting the forms
  • Project managers receive an email notification when any readings exceed the permit limits
  • Daily logs are exportable in either Word, Excel, or PDF formats
  • Customized Electronic Data Delivery (EDD) formats allow data exports into an Excel workbook with multiple sheets
    • QNOPY created a customized solution for the SVET system O&M data management
    An SVET system

    Results

    Digitization of complex system O&M field data collection

    Assured compliance by instituting required fields

    Eliminated the cost of field log transcription

    Improved data quality and integrity

    Real-time issue resolution and system performance optimization

    Facilitated trend analysis via parameter time series charts

    Learn more about QNOPY's System Operation and Maintenance solution