Articulating a coherent message for wireless instrumentation

When Emerson Process Management was selected by New York-based consultancy Frost & Sullivan as “Company of the Year” for industrial automation and process control, Emerson's Smart Wireless automation solutions were a big part of the story.

One outcome of wireless capabilities will be extending Emerson's PlantWeb architecture for digital predictive analysis and monitoring, whereby Smart Wireless will make it possible to monitor systems, valves, and other assets that were previously considered too difficult or expensive to reach.

While a number of concerns have limited wireless deployment rates, new technologies make it possible to overcome them. In Emerson's case, it's banking that self-organizing “mesh” networks—which route data via radio signal pathways that overcome or “go around” obstructions or interference—will be the most efficient method of doing so. With mesh, if the direct line to the base station is blocked, sensors route the data to the next node.

Smart Wireless also addresses security and power-related concerns. Data flows are encrypted, and devices are designed to last up to 10 years using ultralow power technology and power-management features.

Emerson worked closely with various end users in piloting the new solution. According to Dave Lafferty, CTO, BP, “Even during the trials, operational issues were identified that could be addressed using this technology, and word of mouth created interest in other plants.”

To promote adoption, Emerson offers a Wireless SmartPack, which has measurement instruments, a wireless gateway, device manager, and assessment tools to ensure the network is robust enough for mission-critical processes. Emerson also is offering an upgrade guarantee to support migration to future standards. n