Versatile modular radio network keeps cost of environmental monitoring under control
August 2003
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
With its Versanet low power radio network, Radio Data Technology (RDT) is aiming to bring the benefits of low cost communications to a wider range of environmental monitoring and analysis applications.
The benefits of deregulated wireless telemetry have been used for many years by industry and the utilities as a cost effective means of providing data links. Versanet offers unlimited range by linking multiple RF transceiver networks and chains together for applications including waste water monitoring, atmospheric analysis, air and water pollution, land fill sites and water management.
The technology takes advantage of frequency allocations in the 406 to 470 MHz range which allows the operation of type approved equipment with or without licensing requirement. This means that a user may simply install a radio data system and avoid installation as well as ongoing costs that are incurred with line rental and call charges when using telecom lines, PSTN systems or the tariffs levied by cellular radio data networks.
Radio Data Technology's Versanet radio telemetry transceiver network is fully fieldbus compatible, using standard ModBus protocol as a transparent structure with Genesis for Windows software. Users can assemble their own custom HMI/scada or data logging system by combining the Genesis for Windows modular components, with a network of up to 250 Versanet radio transceivers.
This off-the-shelf system enables fully independent, cable free communications at distances of up to 20 km between any two radio nodes in the network. ModBus is RS232 based for polling architectures and long distance links with Master-Save technology. The system enables seamless interface with PLCs, loop controllers and digital I/O signals, collection of realtime data from any remote node.
A key feature of this radio telemetry network is its ability to use standard ModBus ASCII transmission mode, so there are no proprietary protocols to learn or support on site. The Versanet system also has a programmable alarm delay period. This avoids unnecessary site visits, because lost transmission is re-established automatically via another node in the network.
The transceivers are housed in IP67 enclosures and can be powered independently by battery, solar panel or wind generator.
Further reading:
Oxygen measurement in beverages
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar offers a complete range of oxygen measurement instruments for total package oxygen (TPO) measurements, at-line quality control (QC), and in-process monitoring. These instruments help beverage manufacturers achieve accurate, reliable oxygen control at every stage of production.
Read more...
Analysers achieve OIML R140/MID accuracy class A certification
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Qmicro by Sensirion has received the OIML R140/MID accuracy class A certificate No. TC12537 for its DynamiQ-X GC analysers for the analysis of natural gas and natural gas blended with hydrogen.
Read more...
Sustainable water management
Wearcheck
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Water sustainability is critical for the future wellbeing of people, land and marine ecosystems, and socio-economic development. WearCheck Water provides a range of water analysis techniques to determine water quality for various sectors, including mining, agriculture, domestic and the healthcare industry.”
Read more...
Biofilm monitoring system
Instek Control
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Alvim, through Instek Controls, provides innovative, high-tech solutions for biofilm and biofouling monitoring in industrial plants.
Read more...
WearCheck Water earns AdBlue/DEF analysis accreditation
Wearcheck
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
WearCheck Water recently became the first laboratory in Africa to be officially ISO17025 accredited to test AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid by the South African National Accreditation System.
Read more...
Streamlining strain gauge load cell integration
Vepac Electronics
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Vepac’s data acquisition hardware provides an efficient and effective all-in-one solution for customers looking to simplify, enhance and optimise their strain gauge load cell systems.
Read more...
Oxygen measurement in beverages
Anton Paar
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar offers a complete range of oxygen measurement instruments for total package oxygen (TPO) measurements, at-line quality control (QC), and in-process monitoring. These instruments help beverage manufacturers achieve accurate, reliable oxygen control at every stage of production.
Read more...
Sensors and controls for food, beverage and pharmaceutical
Instek Control
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Included in Instek Control’s range is Anderson-Negele, which has adopted ‘Hygienic By Design’ as its guiding principle, with a particular focus on meeting the stringent regulatory requirements found in industries such as dairy, brewery or pharmaceutical.
Read more...
Vertical labelling of test tubes in clinical laboratories
Omron Electronics
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Werfen has implemented a new automated machine for the supply of reagents to drug toxicology laboratories, built by MACCO in collaboration with OMRON and Marini Pandolfi. It uses OMRON SCARA robots and advanced vision systems to ensure reagent quality through vertical handling and labelling process of test tubes.
Read more...
Keeping a close eye on product quality and purity
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Colour measurements are necessary in many processes to avoid product losses and ensure safe production and batching.
Read more...
printer friendly version