CERN Selects Datastream 7i to Optimize the Performance of the World’s Largest Machine
Datastream Systems, Inc. today announced that CERN, the world’s premier particle physics research center, has selected Datastream 7iTM to manage the maintenance and ongoing performance of the largest machine ever built by man: The CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
When the CERN LHC goes live in 2007, it will comprise millions of assets and extend 17 miles in circumference. Scientists from around the world will use the LHC to conduct sophisticated experiments in which they can re-create the forces present at the dawn of the Universe. The results of these tests will give the world new insight into the formation of the Universe and all of its matter.
“This is an incredibly complex machine to maintain, not only because of the enormous number of assets involved, but also because it uses cryogenics and superconductivity to transmit the energy to the particle beams,” said Pedro Martel, electrical and computing engineer for CERN. “Repairing the LHC is not like repairing an airplane or other large system. It can take weeks to make even a simple repair and a replacement part might weigh 15 tons, which makes preventive maintenance absolutely critical to the ongoing performance of the system.”
According to Martel, CERN must shut down the LHC during the winter months because of the high price of electricity from its sources in France and Switzerland. Additionally, the LHC is the coldest facility in the world, with cryogenic technology keeping the system cooled to almost absolute zero (-459 degrees Fahrenheit). If there is a breakdown in the LHC, it takes three weeks to warm the system to the point where workers can make repairs and another three weeks to cool it down again so research can resume.
With roughly a six-month window to operate the LHC each year, preventive maintenance and system uptime are critical. “If we have just four critical breakdowns per year, there simply will be no advanced particle physics research that year,” Martel added. “We are literally inventing new maintenance procedures because there never has been a machine like this before. We chose Datastream 7i because we believe it can provide the scalability and flexibility to support the incredibly complicated maintenance requirements of the LHC, no matter what they are.”
CERN is a European organization of 20 member states and relies on multiple suppliers and contractors for the construction and maintenance of the LHC. As a result, there are multiple types of contracts involved in the “business” of the LHC, all of which must be accurately reported on for the member states. With robust reporting capabilities, Datastream 7i enables CERN to accurately track the status and costs of every operation involved with the LHC maintenance. “This is important, not only for accurate cost accounting, but also because the nuclear authorities of our host states do not allow any grey areas when it comes to reporting on our asset tracking methodologies,” Martel said.
“Our deployment at CERN is a great testament to the flexibility and power of Datastream 7i,” said Datastream CEO Larry Blackwell. “CERN will use Datastream 7i to manage a variety of ‘first-ever’ processes and equipment. Datastream 7i has proven itself able to meet this type of challenge with its scaleable architecture, multi-organizational capabilities and successful deployment in other complex environments.”
About Datastream Systems, Inc.
Datastream provides Asset Performance Management software and services to enterprises worldwide, including more than 60 percent of the Fortune 500. Datastream’s solutions combine world-class asset management functionality with advanced analytics to deliver a powerful platform for optimizing enterprise asset performance.
By using Datastream’s solutions, customers can maintain and manage capital assets — such as manufacturing equipment, vehicle fleets and buildings — and create analyses and forecasts so they can take action to improve future performance. Datastream’s flagship product, Datastream 7i, delivers a complete Asset Performance Management infrastructure by combining an Internet, Web services architecture with broad enterprise asset management functionality, integrated procurement, advanced analytics and multi-site capability.
Datastream was founded in 1986 and has customers in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit http://www.datastream.net/ .
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Datastream and Datastream 7i are marks of Datastream Systems, Inc. (“Datastream” or the “Company”). All other products or Company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
