Wireless technology helps boost safety
March 1st 2008 Emerson Process
Management has
successfully applied a
Smart Wireless solution to
the problem of monitoring
rising temperatures in
railway tank wagons
containing chemicals at
Croda Inc, an international
speciality chemical
manufacturer at its plant in
Pennsylvania.
A wireless temperature
transmitter on each wagon
sends minute-by-minute
temperature readings to a
central host. Croda uses
this information to improve
the performance and safety
of its facility. In this way,
Emerson's wireless system
contributes to overall plant
safety, making operators
aware of any unexpected
temperature rise, while
saving the company about
$15,000 per year in
reduced maintenance.
The transmitters are
quickly installed on a
wagon upon its arrival at
the site, and remain there
until the wagon is about to
be removed. The wireless
communications pass
through a 1420 gateway
(receiver) and on to the
plant's DeltaV control
system.
While operators watch
for rising temperatures,
transmitter performance is
simultaneously checked by
Emerson's AMS Suite:
Intelligent Device Manager,
which will set off an alarm if
a transmitter ceases to
operate or performs
erratically. More articles from Emerson Process Management: | 
