Tracking of components for a new build 1

[thedecimalinch]

I have been asked by my manager to write a company standard or the labelling/ tracking of components that will arrive on a new build nuclear power station. This is a bit over my head at the moment. How does steel pipe work usually come marked up apart from just writen oon with a marker pen? My initial thoughts are some bar code device but has any one seen this in action at all?

 

[MechEngNCPE]

It comes with "Made in China" on the side of it.

 

[thedecimalinch]

I was laughing so hard at that I fell off my chair! Thank you very much for your contribution.

 

[GHartmann]

The material must come with some type of mill run certificates, etc. I can't imagine your company has taken this on without a materials management plan already in place. Especially for the nuclear power industry.

Here's a copy of a presentation that covers some of the topics you need to consider.

I will say: Double Good Luck!

 

[bimr]

The latest technology is RFID. It is a step beyond barcodes. Construction companies are beginning to use radio frequency identification tags and readers throughout the construction lifecycle.

http://www.constructech.com/news/articles/article.aspx?article_id=7858

http://www.consolidatedpower.com/construction_rfid_material_tracking.html

 

[thedecimalinch]

How would RFID actually work on site when the equiptment has actually arrived? If it was going to be read then there would be too many RFID chips in one area surely?

 

[GHartmann]

If your purchasing group hasn't already included some type of materials management into the supply of materials for your project you could be in for some big hurdles to overcome.

The second site linked by bimr might be a good place for you to start.

The supplier of the RFID chip system has Southern Company / Georgia Power plant Voglte 3 and 4 as references.

You may want to reconsider having an outside "expert" assist you in developing your program.

Take look at this specific page of the Atlas RFID program to see just how complicated this can become.

http://www.atlasrfid.com/Services/RFIDConsultingEngineering.aspx

Like I said before: Double Good Luck!

 

[bimr]

Each RFID chip is unique just like a barcode. Instead of reading a barcode, you just need to be in the vicintiy of the RFID chip to get a readout on the handheld transceiver. Your transceiver will then have all of the information on the item.

"Our solution marks materials with an electronic RFID tag, which can be quickly located by project / construction personnel, substantially reducing the time and cost associated with knowing what materials are currently on hand. Locating materials in the lay down yard is reduced from hours to minutes, which reduces labor costs and reduces personnel safety risks. Our solution provides visibility of the material's complete genealogy throughout the supply chain, providing traceability from the mill to the construction site, including all of the material's quality certifications. By reducing costs, increasing compliance, and eliminating unnecessary delays, construction projects can reap significant benefits from our solution."