Special K-ellanova upgrade for aging alarm system

Omniflex has delivered a retrofit solution for an aging alarm system at Kellanova’s Wrexham facility, replacing obsolete units with its SIL-1 rated Omni16R rack-based alarm logic and Omni-X LED Displays. The upgrade has helped to modernise a number of legacy alarm systems, that are nearing end-of-life, while retaining existing panel space and wiring to minimise engineering changes and disruption. Designed to meet current safety guidelines, the new installation has helped enhance the monitoring of critical substation processes across the site.

Kellanova Wrexham is a major cereal manufacturing facility in North Wales, and one of the largest producers of breakfast cereal Special K. Across the site, there are three substations that previously relied on Highland MPAS 90 rack-based alarms to monitor fault conditions of critical processes. However, the original manufacturer of these systems in no longer in business, which makes replacement parts and technical support difficult to access.

So, when these units began to reach the end of their service lives, Kellanova turned to Omniflex for help. After conducting a site survey on the annunciators, Omniflex’s engineers provided an upgrade using the Omni16R unit and Omni-X displays as a direct retrofit, using the existing space and hardwired connections.

“Work began at Substation one initially, which was completed successfully and now the upgrade of Substation two is in progress, with Substation three to shortly follow,” said Darren Barratt, Sales Manager at Omniflex. “The Omni16R and Omni-X units provided for Kellanova reliably monitor electrical substation alarms, such as those reporting on transformers and circuit breakers.

“The Omni16R and Omni-X provides a cost-effective direct upgrade of MPAS 90 alarm systems with minimal operational disruptions. By using the existing panel space and wiring, it saves any costly engineering reconfiguration and enables a smooth transition,” Barratt said.

Omniflex can provide consultation advice for site managers about the status of alarm units relative to safety guidelines and best obsolescence management practice.

Top image credit: iStock.com/pamela_d_mcadams