Configuration Management an Introduction

IDENTIFICATION

Plant Coding

For complete and accurate identification of plant components one requires correct base documentation and system boundaries. The content of the documentation will always be the responsibility of the system engineer but each coding technician (mechanical, electrical and Control) is responsible for the coding on all base documentation. No item can be coded unless it appears on the base documentation.

Base documentation:

  • Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
  • Process flow diagrams
  • Mechanical flow diagrams
  • Electrical board general arrangement
  • Cable schedule
  • Cable block diagram
  • Line diagrams
  • Control desk layouts
  • Equipment room cubicle layouts

Plant coding is done for all three disciplines and certain principles need to be adhered to:

  • Apply coding principles.
  • Document site specific decisions.
  • Apply standards for plant descriptions.
  • Capture all information in the database.


Classification

Each plant item identified can be classified according to the plant and site requirements.

Identification Documentation

This includes a technical data package that accurately describes the functional and physical characteristics of the plant. Documentation included is: engineering, operating and maintenance documentation, All documentation is identified and linked to the unique plant component.

Plant Labeling

To complete the identification part of Configuration Management, each component needs to be physically identified in the plant. This is the process of plant labeling. A site specific specification will be created and used.

CONFIGURATION CONTROL

This is a continued function that manages changes to the baseline. This is the management of Modifications. The key performance areas are the accuracy of the documentation to the as-built status of the plant.

Modification Approval

The co-ordination and approval or disapproval of proposed changes to the plant design.

Registration and Classification of Modifications

Each Modification must be registered in the database and classified.

Modification Documentation and Tracking

Ensuring that the changed plant is correctly and accurately described by the corresponding documentation. Ensuring all required documents are revised as needed and all new documents are obtained, registered and linked to the correct plant component.

Modification Package

A detailed design procedure will specify minimum requirements that need to be met.

CONFIGURATION REPORTING

Management reporting as required.

CONFIGURATION ACCOUNTING

Continuous auditing to verify information reflects the as-built status of the plant and reporting to show status of plant at any time.

 

Ennead Consulting Configuration Experience

Ennead Consulting has been contracted as the configuration management contractor at Camden Power Station and Grootvlei Power Station. Both of these old moth-balled power stations are undergoing refurbishent for return to service. These are monumental projects the configuration data will be monumental in the success of the projects. Duties included in the projects are:

  • Training – principles and concepts.
  • Development of custom business processes i.e.
    • Plant Walkdowns,
    • Codification,
    • Modifications,
    • System Audits,
    • Documentation Control etc.
  • Implementation of processes.
  • Resources supplied to manage and run the system