Emerson launches wireless system in Europe

Bologna, Italy -- In a move its officials described as “one of the most significant events for the process industry in the last 30 years,” Emerson Process Management has launched 2.4GHz Smart Wireless systems for in-plant manufacturing processes.

The systems are claimed to be the first to use self-organising network technology to deliver data at unprecedented levels of reliability from assets previously out of physical or economic reach. Field trials with North American and European customers over the last three years have demonstrated greater then 99% network reliability and an installed cost as much as 90% lower than a wired equivalent.

The Smart Wireless systems are highly reliable because they allow wireless devices to serve as alternate communication paths, providing redundancy that enables over 99% of network messages to reach their destination, irrespective of the quantities of metal that make up today’s manufacturing facilities.

The networks are designed for use with wireless-enabled Rosemount measurement transmitters and AMS Suite: Intelligent Device Manager predictive maintenance software integrated with DeltaV and Ovation automation systems or with legacy hosts. They are scaleable from five to 10,000 devices, while installation requires no complex site surveys or special tools, according to Emerson.

Smart Wireless systems can be deployed in refining, oil and gas, chemicals, pulp and paper, and water and wastewater plants. The technology can also be applied to remote monitoring of oil and gas wellheads, pipeline stations and production platforms.

To simplify customer entry to the technology, Emerson is introducing SmartPack starter kits. These comprise between five and 100 wireless Rosemount flow, pressure, level or temperature transmitters, a wireless gateway and an AMS intelligent Device Manager software application for predictive diagnostic information across the gateway.

At a press launch in Bologna, Emerson official also announced the addition of 19 courses, each of 15 minutes duration, to its on-line PlantWeb University, to provide a practical introduction to the technology and highlight typical applications.