Industrial wireless for machine condition monitoring
November 2011
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Kobus van der Westhuizen, Ideas Solutions
In the early 2000s, when reliable technology came into being that allowed industrial process and measurement data to be transmitted wirelessly from sensors to the plant information systems, it seemed natural to develop these technologies into workable solutions due to the challenges associated with traditional methods. The price of copper rose steadily and became unpredictable, whilst cable theft and the cost of installing and maintaining wired sensor networks became problematic – sometimes costing more than the sensors themselves.
Process industry practitioners are all too familiar with the complexities of wired sensor networks. They are expensive to install and maintain, requiring special signal wiring and accurate technical drawings. Furthermore, changes to or relocation of the installed environment can require major rework at a high cost and with significant impact on production and safety.
Wireless networking, on the other hand, can reduce capital expenditure significantly. Wireless systems use self-forming, self-healing mesh technology based on industrial standards, making it simpler for systems to communicate with each other.
In the machine condition monitoring environment, we recently saw wired networks being replaced with wireless networks, but that only alleviated part of the problem, the cost of some copper wiring. Sensors are still typically wired a fair distance to the junction box, where the power supply and signal conditioning is located, together with the expensive wireless transmitter to keep it out of the harsh environment in which the machine typically operates.
The ideal would be to have a low-cost condition monitoring sensor installed that can be autonomous, with its own power supply, integrated wireless transmitter/receiver and sensing device. This would eliminate cables almost completely, while at the same time being robust and designed to handle the harsh environment the sensors are subjected to in industries like mining, petrochemicals and steelmaking.
Using a modern, industry-standard wireless protocol, it would also allow each wireless device in a self-forming, self-healing network to perform as a router/repeater for other nearby devices, passing data to the final destination.
This need prompted a local condition monitoring company to develop such a sensor, measuring 1, 2 or 3-axes vibration and temperature, complete with its own built-in power supply and wireless transmitter/receiver. Based on the industry-standard ISA-100 wireless networking protocol, the sensor transmits information via a gateway, to plant condition monitoring personnel, as well as to the plant information sand control system. Measurements are transmitted periodically, or on-alarm, or both. Condition monitoring personnel can view the vibration spectra, temperature and defined parameter trends, while plant parameter information, such as overall vibration, bearing condition, unbalance, misalignment, etc, is sent to the Scada/DCS via a built-in OPC client/server module. Battery life, even under a high workload, is expected to exceed two years.
The vPod sensor series also carry an Intrinsically Safe rating of Ex ia I/IIC T4, for use in hazardous locations such as underground coal mining, petrochemical plants, gas compressor areas and flour mills.
For more information contact Kobus van der Westhuizen, Ideas Solutions, +27 (0)82 552 4790, [email protected]
Further reading:
The industrial era of wireless telemetry and radio communication
Schneider Electric South Africa
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Today’s advanced wireless telemetry offers a range of benefits that go beyond cost savings, including greater flexibility and mobility, remote monitoring capabilities, and enhanced safety.
Read more...
Connecting every transport node
RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Stockholm's bus system strategically links urban mainline, suburban mainline, non-mainline routes, community service buses and night buses. To acquire and process data from multiple sources and analyse onboard information on their moving buses, Transdev sought a dependable and powerful onboard computer. It teamed up with CatAB, Moxa’s local representative, known for delivering top-notch industrial data communication boards and equipment since 1988.
Read more...
Paratus South Africa boosts Tantum IT’s connectivity with Eutelsat
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Tantum IT is a leading IT service provider specialising in remote IT management, cloud services, and secure data handling for industries in remote and high-demand environments. To overcome its connectivity challenges, Tantum IT chose Paratus, an official distributer of Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit services, to provide the solution.
Read more...
Wireless communication system for remote access to data
KROHNE
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
KROHNE has introduced the OPTIBRIDGE 3880 IIoT data logger for remote data services, acquisition and evaluation. It is a fully autonomous battery- or mains- powered wireless communication system for remote access to measurement data.
Read more...
New industrial tablet series for non-ex applications
Pepperl+Fuchs
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Pepperl+Fuchs is introducing a rugged tablet series in accordance with
MIL-STD-810H. The slim Windows-based devices are available with a 20 or 25 cm display, offering numerous customisation options and an extensive range of accessories.
Read more...
New wireless communication system for remote access to measurement data
KROHNE
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
KROHNE has introduced the OPTIBRIDGE 3880 IIoT data logger for remote data services, acquisition and evaluation. This is a fully autonomous, battery- or mains-powered wireless communication system for remote access to measurement data, aimed at the water and wastewater industry.
Read more...
Programmable LED indicators
Turck Banner Southern Africa
Industrial Wireless Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Turck Banner is expanding its portfolio of LED lights with the robust LED indicators of the K100 series. These units improve workflow and reduce downtime through clearly communicated status information.
Read more...
Decoding the world of direct part marks
Omron Electronics
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
OMRON has unveiled its latest breakthrough, the V450-H ultra-rugged handheld scanner. Tailored specifically for industrial DPM reading, this innovative device sets new industry standards for durability and performance.
Read more...
Green manufacturing energy conservation and emission reduction
Dahua Technology South Africa
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
As a world-leading video-centric AIoT solution and service provider, Dahua is committed to improve its sustainable development capabilities and to make continuous efforts in building a greener and safer digital world by developing innovative solutions that can help conserve energy and reduce carbon emission.
Read more...
Adding value in a Heartbeat
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
This Endress+Hauser technology provides enhanced measuring reliability and safety, higher efficiency in operation, productivity gains and compliance, and fewer unplanned shutdowns.
Read more...
printer friendly version