Wireless Monitoring Offers Unique Approach To Redundancy

Oct. 5, 2009

Responding to end-user requirements, Emerson has recently announced a unique approach to redundancy for Smart Wireless monitoring and control solutions. Available with the DeltaV S-series digital automation system, full redundancy protects the wireless network from any single point of failure by allowing primary failover to ensure that data is always delivered even if there is a malfunction.

The enhancements include redundant Wireless I/O, power and communications and a redundant Smart Wireless Remote Link. The Remote Link can be mounted in class 1/Div 1/zone 0; it easily links the wireless field network into a DeltaV system which makes an optimized PID available for wireless control. The new full redundancy furthers the strength of Smart Wireless technology as a complement to wired and bus approaches on capital projects.

"As plant studies have shown, reliable robust wireless technology should be a key component of all capital projects," said Bob Karschnia, vice president Wireless for Emerson Process Management. "Plants using wireless realize savings and become smarter through simpler engineering and construction, flexible start-up, faster deployment and project completion, and changing automation needs. Today wireless is readily deployed for monitoring, and customers have asked for redundancy for control as well as for critical monitoring points.

"Further, customers need proof that control with wireless is viable," continued Karschnia. "We’ve responded with real-world Smart Wireless installations using 1-second updates, enhanced PID, battery management, and WirelessHART™. We’re excited about the expansion of benefits these new user-driven solutions offer."