South African engineering solutions company Omniflex has developed a wireless telemetry solution using mobile two-way radios which allow companies to collect data from remote sites for the control and monitoring of processing plants.
Omniflex reports that its Maxiflex system (based around Motorola's GM340 mobile two-way radio) has proved highly popular with the mining and petrochemical industries that use it to control the daily operations of automated process plants, monitor performance and to provide early warnings when a fault occurs.
In areas where distances are too vast to run cabling to a central hub, wireless communication provides an appropriate solution. By connecting a central processing unit with built-in modem to the accessory port on the radio, the user has full control of all push-to-talk functions and can connect to a local area network (LAN).
Omniflex’s Maxiflex telemetry system uses Motorola’s GM340 mobile two-way radio
"Up to 255 out-stations can exist on a single channel, providing maximum use of resources. We are also able to prioritise communication, so that the most important data is received timeously," explains Ian Loudon, sales and marketing manager for Omniflex. The company has significant experience in the field of industrial electronic instrumentation and automation and has developed a LAN protocol to run on analog radio, providing a data link for applications such as electrical out-stations and oil pumping schemes.
Customers currently using Maxiflex systems include Toyota, Anglo American, De Beers, SASOL, Sappi, Shell Research UK, British Nuclear Fuels, Hong Kong Harbour Authority and Engen. Toyota's manufacturing plant in Durban, depends on some 22 substations for power. The company uses a wireless telemetry system to detect electrical faults, overloads, loss of power and fire hazards.
"Our energy consumption averages 20 to 30 MW," explains Jaco Delport, technical specialist: Electronics at Toyota SA. "The substations send error alerts to us via radio links which enables the constant monitoring of power supplied to the plant and ensures that we are notified immediately should a problem arise. Dynamic and accumulated electrical demand parameters and consumption figures are also transmitted back via the network. In the event of a loss of power, we can switch over to a UPS to prevent downtime."
The substation automatically sends an alert to the radio control room with details of the fault and who to contact. This ensures a rapid response in an emergency situation and can save millions of rands in loss of production due to power failures.
Mike Barton, owner of Motorola authorised dealer, MD Tronics, notes that although the radio is ideal for data transfer, it can also be used in voice mode for on-site communication. "The radio is packed with features that include voice-operated transmit for hands-free operation, emergency signalling which can send a pre-recorded message to a pre-defined group of people and option board expandability for encryption and voice storage," he says.
"The GM340 meets the need in the market place for a quality product at an affordable price. It is reliable and well-supported throughout the African continent - this is critical to ensure that the telecommunications infrastructure remains operational," adds Loudon.
Although Omniflex has expanded its business globally, its strong local presence and engineering expertise have resulted in the company being the preferred supplier of industrial electronic instrumentation and automation products for many of South Africa's Blue Chip companies. "We expect the successful rollout of this application to gain favour with other companies operating in environments similar to those in South Africa. It is therefore important that we use quality products that have strong local back-up services," he concludes.
For more information contact Ian Loudon, sales and marketing manager, Omniflex, 031 207 7466.
Novel closed-loop CP technology wins innovation award Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Researchers at Deakin University have won the Corrosion Innovation of the Year Award at this year’s AMPP Annual Conference and Expo in Nashville, USA. The award recognised the development of a novel closed-loop cathodic protection system for localised corrosion control in challenging industrial environments, which Omniflex helped with as a technology partner.
Read more...Improved networking technology for fire and gas detection Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Critical alarm and event management technology supplier, Omniflex has worked with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation to upgrade equipment providing digital and analogue signals for its safety critical fire and gas alarm systems.
Read more...Novel closed-loop CP technology for corrosion control Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Cathodic protection specialist, Omniflex has collaborated with researchers at Deakin University to develop corrosion monitoring electronics for a novel closed-loop cathodic protection system for localised corrosion control in challenging industrial environments.
Read more...How industrial network design impacts ESG commitments Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In safety-critical industries like nuclear, petrochemical and oil and gas, installing a new industrial cable network is an extremely complicated task. Gary Bradshaw, a director of industrial network specialist, Omniflex explains why this is often unnecessary as plants are likely to have existing cabling capable of being used to create new industrial networks.
Read more...How CP system design can support ESG commitments Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Major infrastructure like wharves, bridges, pipelines and tanks are under constant threat of corrosion, which can render them unsafe. David Celine, managing director of cathodic protection specialist, Omniflex explains how CP system design can support ESG commitments while simultaneously lowering costs and improving maintenance capabilities.
Read more...RFID tunnel solution for intralogistics
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Turck Banner’s new UHF-SYS-TUNNEL RFID tunnel offers a ready-to-use, flexible detection solution for the automation of intralogistics processes.
Read more...Providing visibility over critical infrastructure Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Sequence of event recorders or sequence of event monitors play a significant role in monitoring and maintaining critical infrastructure. Gary Bradshaw, director at remote monitoring equipment specialist, Omniflex, outlines the applicable industries and reasons for use.
Read more...Taking control of your warehouse stock is no walk in the park TransLution Software
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Most companies focus on their production operations as a pain point. This is a mistake, as scheduling, moving, tracking and reporting on inventory at the operational level can have a major impact on production efficiency and profitability.
Read more...Boosting long-distance critical signal delivery in mining Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In mining applications globally, conveyor belts of up to 20 km are used to transport ore. Damage to conveyors often causes cargo spillage and creates major safety risks. Ian Loudon, international sales manager at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex explains how these challenges can be combatted using bidirectional fibre optic modules.
Read more...Improving mining efficiency with wireless telemetry Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Computer Hardware
Wireless telemetry systems are a critical tool in the mining industry as they facilitate automation, data collection, communication and remote monitoring and control in challenging environments. Ian Loudon, international marketing manager at wireless telemetry specialist, Omniflex explains how wireless telemetry systems can automate water pump monitoring and control in the mining sector.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version