Process equipment tracking system

Abstract

A process equipment tracking system utilizing an RF ID tag attached to the process equipment during manufacture or thereafter. The RF ID tag includes an identification specific to the particular process equipment. An RF ID tag reader is provided to obtain the identification from the RF ID tag on the process equipment, preferably after installation. The RF ID tag reader includes a user input for at least one trackable event and can write data based on the at least one trackable event back onto the RF ID tag. The RF ID tag reader is compatible for uploading the identification and any user input to an internet accessible device. A process equipment database is provided, having equipment-related information. The database provides access to obtain the process equipment-related information based on the identification from the RF ID tag and receives and stores data related to the at least one trackable event.

1 . A process equipment tracking system, comprising:
 an attached RF ID tag and an attachment device adapted to attach the RF ID tag to a piece of process equipment selected from the group consisting of a valve, a vessel, a pump, a filter, a bio processing bag, and a UV lamp used in a pharmaceutical or chemical processing system;   an RF ID tag reader/writer useable by a user to obtain the identification from the RF ID tag on the process equipment and including a user input configured for inputting at least one trackable event including at least one of an installation date or a number of cleanings so that a wear and/or service life of the process equipment can be tracked, and being able to write data on the at least one trackable event onto the RF ID tag which is configured to receive data on the at least one trackable event which includes at least one of the installation date or the number of cleanings, the RF ID tag reader being at least one of connectable to an internet or compatible for uploading the identification and the at least one trackable event to a network access device;   a data base having process equipment related information, including at least one of manufacturing date, replacement date, batch number, lot number, material specifications, material lot number, certificates of compliance, size specifications, fitting specifications, description, customer data, batch process description, cleaning operations and customer application associated with the identification for the process equipment, the data base provides access to the user to obtain the process equipment related information based on the identification and receives and stores data related to the at least one trackable event; and   an internet accessible history database, which is used to store data on a series of the trackable events.   
     
     
         2 . The process equipment tracking system of  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface and a re-order database provided with the database which allows the user to re-order new process equipment based on the RF ID tag identification. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The process equipment tracking system of  claim 1 , further comprising a user notice database having maintenance information for the process equipment which is accessible based on the RF ID tag identification. 
     
     
         5 . The process equipment tracking system of  claim 1 , wherein the network access device includes a computer. 
     
     
         6 . The process equipment tracking system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment device includes a molded silicone pouch which contains the RF ID tag. 
     
     
         7 . The process equipment tracking system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment device includes at least two pieces of polymeric laminate material which encase the RF ID tag therebetween. 
     
     
         8 . The process equipment tracking system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment device includes a tape which connects the RF ID tag to the piece of process equipment. 
     
     
         9 . The process equipment tracking system of  claim 8 , wherein the tape includes a silicone tape. 
     
     
         10 . The process equipment tracking system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment device includes an encapsulated RF ID strap which contains the RF ID tag, the strap including interlocking portions which connect the strap to the piece of process equipment. 
     
     
         11 . The process equipment tracking system of  claim 10 , further comprising an adhesive which adheres the RF ID strap to the piece of process equipment. 
     
     
         12 . A method of tracking a piece of process equipment using a tracking system for obtaining process equipment data, comprising:
 affixing an RF ID tag encoded with an identification on the process equipment;   providing process equipment information relating to the process equipment in a process equipment data base correlated to the identification;   a user reading the RF ID tag with an RF ID tag reader;   the user inputting data on at least one trackable event regarding the process equipment into the RF ID tag reader, the at least one trackable event including at least one of an installation date or a number of cleanings so that a wear and/or service life of the process equipment can be tracked;   writing the data on the at least one trackable event onto the RF ID tag;   uploading data from the RF ID tag reader to a PC, an internet accessible device or connecting the RF ID tag reader to an internet;   accessing the process equipment data base;   retrieving data relating to the process equipment from the process equipment data base using the identification;   uploading data on the at least one trackable event to a process equipment history data base to build the process equipment history data base; and   automatically notifying the user regarding maintenance.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 the user using the internet and logging into a host web site; and   the uploading of the data relating to the at least one trackable event regarding the process equipment includes uploading data on a series of trackable events.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the trackable event is a process equipment wear related event. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising reordering replacement process equipment based on the process equipment data base and the process equipment identification. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled)