Coso Softec & IT Services » Computer Solutions

Wireless Sensor and Actuators network

The focus on Wireless Sensor (& Actuators) networks, WS(A)N, is growing fast. Not so strange, because for every cabled measurement you need to invest between €800 and €1000,- average on infrastructure only. This infrastructure consists of: I/O modules, terminals, signal conditioners (like relais, galvanic separation, EX- barriers), cabinets, junction boxes, cabling, (multicores and twisted pairs), cable trays and an instrument room. All this equipment needs to be engineered, installed, tagged, tested and documented and at the and delivered as-built. After delivery the continuously process starts for keeping the documentation up-to-date, which in many cases is not successful.

Due to this high cost many measurements are not installed simple because it isn’t economic feasable. With wireless technology these infrastructure costs nearly decrease to zero. Wireless HART and ISA100 are both very suitable for the process industry. Both protocols are high reliable due to techniques like MESH networking and Channel Hopping.

CoSo has invested in in-depth knowledge of wireless solutions for the process industry and in analysing equipment to be able to install and maintain a reliable wireless network.

VOIP

Voice over IP means conversation over existing ethernet infrastructure instead of telephone lines.

If a wireless ethernet network is installed (WiFi), this network could be used for Wireless VOIP. Important to know is that VOIP requires a set amount of bandwith and thus has an impact on the network capacity. This means the quality of the sound and the conversation itself is depending on the network capacity. To be able to have an non-disturbed conversation you need to integrate QoS (Quality of Service) into the network. But how can you embed VOIP along with other more or less critical wireless applications in the same network? CoSo is very capable to help you with this.

HMI

The Human Machine Interface (HMI) normally is located in the control room of the plant. But more and more this kind of screen-controlled applications are implemented in a small portable unit, like a tablet PC or a palmtop. These small PC’s have the same visualization and control functionality as the user interfaces on the big screens in the control room. These devices are available in industrial housings compliant with IP65/67, are easily cleanable, and of course are certified to be used in ATEX zone 1 and zone 2.. Also barcode reader or RFID scanners can be added to this HMI’s. A combination of GSM/telephone, VOIP and HMI plus RFID or barcode scanners in one unit is also possible. CoSo has the knowledge to implement and maintain all this technology in a reliable network. Our technical software engineers could easily integrate the mobile HMI application into the upper systems.

RFID

Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) have been frequently used for logistical applications. But also in the process industry RFID could be very useful. A transmitter, valve, motor or even a pipe could be equipped with a low cost RFID chip. Depending on the functionality and the ruggedness, the price fluctuates between a few Euro cents and a few Euros.

When constructing a new plant you can equip all parts with a RFID chip. You can also do this later on. A chip could hold the right user manual, installation and calibration instructions, but even a maintenance history or a logbook. By equipping part with chips you can prevent that field engineers are working on the wrong instruments or pipes. From the operator room you can see where they are going to work and which pipe they are going to cut. By this direct feedback to the operator room you are able to identify mistakes in time. Also during an inspection tour through the plant you can easily identify parts.

RTLS

With Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) you are able to track persons or equipment within accuracy of approximately 1 foot. This technology can be used for personal safety in case of emergency, authorisation or access control. Depending on the solution you choose you can prevent that the privacy is harmed. It cran also be used fo fall detection.

CoSo is a supporting and active member of a SCALA project by the University of Antwerp and Gent. In this project a universal, technology independed, location tracking adapter technology is the main target. By combining different technologies like WiFi, GPS, and sensor networks in different environments we should be able to track a location. GPS is ideal for outdoor application while WiFi is more suitable in an office environment and a sensor network in a production plant.

Vision cameras

Camera's are frequently used for site security. With vision software you can rework the images, analyse them. This way the camera’s can detect situations and events and warn users. Besides site security you can implement safety functions like panic detection, fire and leakages.


	advanced search Takkebijsters 17G 4817 BL Breda The Netherlands Telefoon: +31-76-5202405 Telefax: +31-76-5202407	Wireless Sensor and Actuators network The focus on Wireless Sensor (& Actuators) networks, WS(A)N, is growing fast. Not so strange, because for every cabled measurement you need to invest between €800 and €1000,- average on infrastructure only. This infrastructure consists of: I/O modules, terminals, signal conditioners (like relais, galvanic separation, EX- barriers), cabinets, junction boxes, cabling, (multicores and twisted pairs), cable trays and an instrument room. All this equipment needs to be engineered, installed, tagged, tested and documented and at the and delivered as-built. After delivery the continuously process starts for keeping the documentation up-to-date, which in many cases is not successful. Due to this high cost many measurements are not installed simple because it isn’t economic feasable. With wireless technology these infrastructure costs nearly decrease to zero. Wireless HART and ISA100 are both very suitable for the process industry. Both protocols are high reliable due to techniques like MESH networking and Channel Hopping. CoSo has invested in in-depth knowledge of wireless solutions for the process industry and in analysing equipment to be able to install and maintain a reliable wireless network. VOIP Voice over IP means conversation over existing ethernet infrastructure instead of telephone lines. If a wireless ethernet network is installed (WiFi), this network could be used for Wireless VOIP. Important to know is that VOIP requires a set amount of bandwith and thus has an impact on the network capacity. This means the quality of the sound and the conversation itself is depending on the network capacity. To be able to have an non-disturbed conversation you need to integrate QoS (Quality of Service) into the network. But how can you embed VOIP along with other more or less critical wireless applications in the same network? CoSo is very capable to help you with this. HMI The Human Machine Interface (HMI) normally is located in the control room of the plant. But more and more this kind of screen-controlled applications are implemented in a small portable unit, like a tablet PC or a palmtop. These small PC’s have the same visualization and control functionality as the user interfaces on the big screens in the control room. These devices are available in industrial housings compliant with IP65/67, are easily cleanable, and of course are certified to be used in ATEX zone 1 and zone 2.. Also barcode reader or RFID scanners can be added to this HMI’s. A combination of GSM/telephone, VOIP and HMI plus RFID or barcode scanners in one unit is also possible. CoSo has the knowledge to implement and maintain all this technology in a reliable network. Our technical software engineers could easily integrate the mobile HMI application into the upper systems. RFID Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) have been frequently used for logistical applications. But also in the process industry RFID could be very useful. A transmitter, valve, motor or even a pipe could be equipped with a low cost RFID chip. Depending on the functionality and the ruggedness, the price fluctuates between a few Euro cents and a few Euros. When constructing a new plant you can equip all parts with a RFID chip. You can also do this later on. A chip could hold the right user manual, installation and calibration instructions, but even a maintenance history or a logbook. By equipping part with chips you can prevent that field engineers are working on the wrong instruments or pipes. From the operator room you can see where they are going to work and which pipe they are going to cut. By this direct feedback to the operator room you are able to identify mistakes in time. Also during an inspection tour through the plant you can easily identify parts. RTLS With Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) you are able to track persons or equipment within accuracy of approximately 1 foot. This technology can be used for personal safety in case of emergency, authorisation or access control. Depending on the solution you choose you can prevent that the privacy is harmed. It cran also be used fo fall detection. CoSo is a supporting and active member of a SCALA project by the University of Antwerp and Gent. In this project a universal, technology independed, location tracking adapter technology is the main target. By combining different technologies like WiFi, GPS, and sensor networks in different environments we should be able to track a location. GPS is ideal for outdoor application while WiFi is more suitable in an office environment and a sensor network in a production plant. Vision cameras Camera's are frequently used for site security. With vision software you can rework the images, analyse them. This way the camera’s can detect situations and events and warn users. Besides site security you can implement safety functions like panic detection, fire and leakages.
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