New products for portable data collection, vibration analysis push leader in critical asset monitoring to next level, create integrated plant wide solution
Christchurch, NZ. -- 22 August, 2011 --- Today, GE announced the acquisition of Commtest, a provider and designer of machinery health information systems. GE Energy's Bently Nevada product line, a global leader in condition monitoring, will incorporate Commtest products into its portfolio and enhance an already robust lineup. Bently Nevada provides machinery protection and condition monitoring for refineries, petrochemical plants, hydroelectric facilities and wind farms. With more than 50 years of experience, Bently Nevada has built a reputation for improving the reliability and performance of critical production assets like turbines, compressors, motors and generators.
As a major component of predictive maintenance, condition monitoring is essential to increase asset longevity. Through condition monitoring, plant managers constantly receive data that provides input about the health of their machinery. For example, by knowing temperatures and vibration behavior of certain assets, managers can make strategic decisions about preventative maintenance to avoid asset fatigue, breakdown and failure. This is especially critical in the oil and gas industry where failed assets potentially cost hundreds of thousands of dollars a day in lost production revenue and increased operating and maintenance costs.
"The acquisition of Commtest allows us to significantly upgrade our portable data collection and vibration analysis capabilities," explained Art Eunson, general manager for GE's Bently Nevada product line. "Bently has an extensive portfolio of continuous monitoring solutions, vibration and calibration detectors and portable data accumulation, but the Commtest acquisition will help us bring our customers a more integrated offering that takes into account the health of the entire plant."
Commtest is based in Christchurch, New Zealand and primarily focuses on producing vibration analysis and monitoring equipment. Vibration analysis detects early signs of impending machine failure so managers can proactively direct repairs and make replacements before they encounter expensive failures. The vbSeries and vbOnline products are an improvement over traditional, portable walk around routines. They offer better accuracy, cost effectiveness and up-to-the-minute data collection. The acquisition of Commtest -- the latest example of how GE provides end-to-end offerings -- provides GE customers the benefits of highly reliable and accurate machinery condition monitoring for the total plant.
"With any acquisition, we look for companies and products that have a natural fit and will enhance the solutions we are currently offering," Eunson noted. "The vibration and monitoring equipment provided by Commtest elevates the Bently offering."
About Measurement & Control Solutions
Measurement & Control Solutions is a leading innovator in advanced, sensor-based measurement, non-destructive testing and inspection and condition monitoring, delivering accuracy, productivity and safety to a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation and healthcare. It has over 40 facilities in 25 countries and is part of GE Energy Services, which provides cleaner, smarter, more efficient solutions for its customers. For further information, visit www.ge-mcs.com.
About GE Energy
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world's toughest challenges. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, health care solutions and television programming, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources. With nearly 85,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, GE Energy www.ge.com/energy is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies. The businesses that comprise GE Energy---GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas---work together to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels.
Elizabeth Rex
Communications Director
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