The Swanson Flo Blog is dedicated to provide educational and new product information on process control instrumentation, control valves, and valve automation. For more information on these products, visit SwansonFlo.com or call 800-288-7926.
Wireless Networking in Industrial Plants
Using a wireless system can result in an efficient supply of networking resources to field devices. The system facilitates an effective exchange of data between the host server and the field devices in the industrial setting.
Only a few industry-grade wireless field sensors have been offered so far in the year 2019. The reason for this is mainly a lack of information regarding its benefits. Once the cost-saving aspects of wireless networking become known in the industrial setting, it will likely spur the demand in the market and lead to an influx of innovative wireless devices for different field applications.
Benefits of Wireless Networking Systems in the Industrial Setting Explored
Wireless technologies offer great value over wired solutions. A reduction in cost is just one of the many benefits of switching to the wireless networking system. There are many benefits, including enhanced management of legacy systems that were previously not possible with a wired networking connection.Here is an overview of some of the value-added benefits of adopting wireless networking in industrial plants.
Reduced Installation Costs
Savings in installation costs is the key benefit of a wireless networking system. The cost of installing a wireless solution is significantly lower as compared to its wired counterpart.Installing a wireless network requires less planning. Extensive surveys are not required to route the wires to control rooms. This reduced installation cost is the main reason industrial setups should consider going wireless instead of having a wired networking system.
Improved Information Accuracy
Adopting wireless networking also results in improved accuracy of information. The wireless system is not prone to interferences. As a result, the system ensures consistent and timely transfer of information from one node to another.Enhanced Flexibility
Enhanced flexibility is another reason for deploying wireless networking solutions in an industrial setting. Additional points can be awarded easily in an incremental manner. The wireless system can also integrate with legacy systems without any issues.Operational Efficiencies
Migrating to wireless networking can help in improving operational efficiencies as well. Plant managers can troubleshoot and diagnose issues more easily. The system facilitates predictive maintenance by allowing the monitoring of remote assets.Human Safety
Another critical factor that should influence the decision to migrate to wireless networking is the human safety factor. Wireless technologies allow safer operations, reducing exposure to harmful environments. For instance, a wireless system can be used in taking a reading and adjusting valves without having to go to the problematic area to take measurements.Efficient Information Transfer
Another advantage is that the time required to reach a device is reduced. This results in a more efficient transfer of information between network segments that are geographically separated. The industry wireless networking standards use IP addresses to allow remote access to data from field devices.With wireless networking systems, readings can be taken more frequently that can help in early detection and reduction of possible incidents.
Wireless Networking Standards for Industrial Plants
The ISO100 standards committee has introduced a whole set of new standards for wireless communication in industries. The first standards include the ISA100.11 that pertains to processing data transfer while fulfilling limited control needs in the industries. |
| Hybrid architecture using WirelessHART mesh networking coupled with ultra-efficient BLE Instrument Area Networks. Image courtesy of Foxboro Schneider Electric. |
Technical Basis
ISA100.11a is based on IEEE 802.15.4:2006 standard, similar to WirelessHART with 15 to 16 channels in the ISM band 2.4GHz range. However, the former can be used for a wider networking application in the industrial sector such as peer-to-peer messaging and network segmentation.Distinct Hopping Patterns
Each segment in the network may use a distinct hopping pattern, unlike the WirelessHART. Moreover, the network segment has a dedicated time slot that results in the formation of large networks with overlapping segments.Mesh Networking
Another important point to note is that the ISA1001.11a wireless networking standard for industrial process makes use of mesh networking, which is similar to WirelessHART. However, the standard also allows devices at the network’s edge to not route information to different devices. This results in increased security that prevents unauthorized access to networks.While not being technically different, the details of the two standards set them apart. However, the IS100.12 is already in development, and it will reduce the divergence in specifications between WirelessHART and ISA100.11a.
Challenges in Adopting Industrial Wireless Networking
Industrial wireless communication technology is a work in progress. A lot of work is required to address specific technical challenges for adopting the networking solution. Some of the challenges include evaluation and communication of the wireless technologies that are available for industrial concerns.Another challenge in the adoption of wireless technology is solving the issues of latency or time synchronization. This is important to ensure the reliability of data transferred in the industrial setting.
Based on the challenges identified, here are three key suggestions for implementing wireless technology in the industrial setting.
- Create a science-based methodology for measuring the performance of wireless communication
- Create guidelines for the deployment of wireless networking in an industrial environment
- Address issues of latency in systems with high-reliability aspects with error rates less than 10 percent
Key Takeaway
Wireless networking is an enabling technology that can result in improved operational efficiency in the industrial systems. The technology can improve control and safety and lead to enhanced cost savings.Adoption of the wireless networking system creates huge potential for increased operational efficiencies. The system can reduce installation cost, enable enhanced monitoring, reduce risks, and improve profitability.
For more information on industrial wireless networking, contact Swanson Flo by calling 800-288-7926 or by visiting https://swansonflo.com.
Swanson Flo Has You Covered
Founded in 1960, Swanson Flo has long maintained our position as an industry leader in process automation with unmatched project success leveraging industry preferred products and services. Our mission is to provide innovative process control solutions for engineers, managers and maintenance professionals through quality equipment and experienced application engineering.
Swanson Flo
https://swansonflo.com
800-288-7926
An Excellent Industrial Valve Glossary for the New Engineer, Technician, Maintenance Person or Buyer
Here's a great resource (courtesy of Jordan Valve) for the new process engineer, plant maintenance person, industrial valve buyer, or service technician. This document is called "A Glossary of 864 Valve Terms". This may be the most comprehensive valve glossary we've ever seen. We hope you find it useful.
Attend the 2019 BioFuels Automation University Ethanol Maintenance Classes
BioFuels Automation University provides Best Practice Certification courses designed to enable participants to learn directly from some of the industry’s top technical professionals and gain valuable hands-on training to best utilize the technology driving your facilities.
Ethanol Maintenance 101
A strong combination of concepts and best practice Hands-on Training – this course really delivers for insight and troubleshooting skills for instrumentation and valve technologies. BioFuels Automation University experts stand ready to help define your needs and craft a customized program.
- Jun 20 - 21, 8:00 AM
- Oct 24 - 25, 8:00 AM
Day Two: Valves - Automated On/Off Valves, Valve Monitors, Control Valves, Positioners, Communication Protocols, Shop Tools - Hands On
Fee: $1,350 per participant. Fee includes lodging and meals. Payment information required to complete registration.
Location: BioFuels Automation University Training Center, 151 Cheshire Lane, North Plymouth, Minnesota
Ethanol Maintenance 201
All devices and technologies from 101 will covered in-depth at the master technician level. Course structure is 80% hands-on and centered around your specific plant needs. To maximize the impact of this course, extensive application challenges as well as Q&A sessions are conducted. BioFuels Automation University experts stand ready to help define your needs and craft a customized program.
This class will take you through an analysis of the complete control loop, providing you with a deeper understanding of the relationship between the three segments of a control loop. Sensing Element, PID Controller, Final Control Element, C (control) DCS, I and V.
Two Sessions available in 2019:
Topics covered: Loop Configurations, Controller PID Tuning: Theory and Practical Application Instruments, Advanced Valves
Fee: $2,250 per participant. Fee includes lodging and meals. Payment information required to complete registration.
Location: BioFuels Automation University Training Center, 151 Cheshire Lane, North Plymouth, Minnesota.
This class will take you through an analysis of the complete control loop, providing you with a deeper understanding of the relationship between the three segments of a control loop. Sensing Element, PID Controller, Final Control Element, C (control) DCS, I and V.
- July 25 - 26, 8:00 AM
- Dec 05 - 06, 8:00 AM
Topics covered: Loop Configurations, Controller PID Tuning: Theory and Practical Application Instruments, Advanced Valves
Fee: $2,250 per participant. Fee includes lodging and meals. Payment information required to complete registration.
Location: BioFuels Automation University Training Center, 151 Cheshire Lane, North Plymouth, Minnesota.
The Flowserve Valtek MaxFlo 4 Eccentric Rotary Plug Control Valve
An optional ISA 75.08.01 or DIN EN 558 series 1 long-pattern body makes this valve an easy drop-in replacement for a globe control valve.
Schneider Electric Foxboro Pressure Transmitter Models 05S/10S/50S
Available in absolute pressure, differential pressure and gauge pressure, the new Schneider Electric Foxboro Models 05S/10S/50S pressure transmitters are designed to make your process more profitable by giving you the opportunity to select your transmitter at the best ratio of performance/price for your application.
Innovative FoxCal™ technology, accuracy expressed as a percentage of reading, 400:1 turndown, Safety SIL2 certification, are some of the exceptional features in the 05S/10S/50S family.
For more information, contact:
Swanson Flo
https://swansonflo.com
800-288-7926
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