PASS Training: Improve Analyzer Sample System Performance
Process analyzer sampling systems (PASS) are critical to maintaining safe operations, product quality, and reliable analyzer performance, yet many facilities struggle with sampling system problems that can be difficult to diagnose and resolve. In this video, learn how Swagelok's PASS training equips engineers, technicians, and other industry professionals with the knowledge needed to better understand sample system design, operation, and troubleshooting. Taught worldwide by experienced Swagelok field engineers trained by industry expert Tony Waters, the course helps participants identify root causes of common issues, reduce downtime, improve safety, increase system reliability, and return to their facilities with practical solutions they can immediately apply.
Video Transcript
Most of the customers that attend the process training tell us that their system has never worked since they started with the company. Eighty percent of the issues that you have to face in a sample system come not from the analyzer, but from the sample conditioning system, the sample probe, or the sample line. It’s much more complicated than just taking some fluid out of a sample tap and sending it to an analyzer.
Going through this training gives attendees an opportunity to really close that gap, have a better understanding of systems, and learn how to fix the problems they face on a daily basis. So, it really makes their lives easier. They understand some of the components in their systems, and when they leave the class, they come back with a fresh set of eyes. They’re able to look at the system in a different way than they did before.
In classes, we’ll hear a customer speak up and say, “Oh, that makes perfect sense.” They’ll explain how they have a specific problem in their sample system, and going through the class, they may figure out the solution in the middle of class, something they can take back to the site and use to get the system up and running.
Rather than looking at the whole system as one large system, you’re looking at the key areas you know are your focus right now. That reduces downtime quite significantly. When you’re not stopping production, you’re not losing money. We’re not just focusing on cost savings; we also focus on safety and system reliability to make sure the system is running properly. That’s what we want to achieve.
The course really breaks down the sample system itself, all the way from point A to point B, to make sure you get your sample from the tap to the analyzer efficiently, without changing the composition, and in a timely manner.
We see a variety of people taking the course, from engineers and lab managers to highly trained technicians, anyone who has to work on the systems, design the systems, and, to some extent, even project managers who are looking at purchasing systems.
If you’re doing an in-person class, we can either do it on-site, or a lot of times, companies will prefer to do it off-site so their personnel can focus on the material and truly get something out of the week.
All the instructors are part of the field engineering network, so these trainings are available through all the different Swagelok sales and service centers. We became qualified by spending over a year with Tony Waters, shadowing him and understanding the different parts of the sample system, as well as the specific training that’s required in the class.
Tony Waters is an industry expert who works with sample systems, and he’s been doing it for over 50 years. He’s written the book on sample systems, and he’s well respected throughout the sample system and analyzer community. The instructors have a lot of experience in the field actually looking at problems. They’ve also spent a lot of time sitting in training classes, listening to the material, and now they’re in a position to go out and teach it.
I’m really quite impressed. These are all very good engineers to start with. They know it, and they can teach it. I’m very proud of them. They’re doing a great job.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent time with Tony Waters and learned under him. That’s something very rare. The ability for me to do that and learn from his many years of experience is just an amazing opportunity. I’m looking forward to continuing his legacy, continuing the course that he built, and using the concepts he has shared with so many people before.
It’s an amazing feeling to see the relief on customers’ faces after solving a problem that has been plaguing them for so long and helping them put that issue behind them.
