Define Instruments provides innovative solution to plant breeding research centre
January 2015
News
Agri Seeds Research Centre in Canterbury, New Zealand, commissioned Define Instruments to provide a wireless link between a reservoir and a pump station. The link was required so that the reservoir’s level sensor could communicate with the pump controller to maintain a consistent water level.
But there was a complication, a site evaluation showed that there was no line of sight between the reservoir and the pump station and that there were significant RF obstacles in the form of large trees and buildings. Taking these into account, it was decided to install a Define Instruments Twin Link (point to point) wireless system.
To achieve a successful link three devices were required: the Twin Link I/O pair plus a repeater unit.
The P2P-I unit takes two isolated input signals which include temperature sensors, process inputs, and frequency, as well as four digital inputs. In this case it was used to measure a single 4-20 mA output signal from the reservoir level sensor.
This analogue signal was converted to a digital message and transmitted to the repeater, which automatically forwards it to the P2P-O unit. This then reconstructs the original 4-20 mA signal which is wired to the pump controller.
“Commissioning the system was straight forward,” said installer John Green. “The radio system is based on Zigbee technology and is thus self-configuring. Within minutes of going live the system was functioning, however, we noted from the input unit’s LEDs that the RF signal link quality was poor.
“To overcome this we changed the antennas to higher gain versions to punch through the obstacles. Once this was done the signal link quality LED’s indicated maximum quality and we were confident that we had achieved a reliable setup for our customer.”
Define Instruments Rolla Afrogheh explained that it would also be possible to reduce costs in a new installation by programming the input device to control the pump directly, removing the need for a separate pump controller. The digital inputs and outputs are transparently transmitted between the input and output devices. So in the case where the input is setup as a controller, the output relay states are automatically routed to the output device’s relays.
For more information contact Dylan Swartz, Define Instruments South Africa, +27 (0)87 945 2700, dylan.swartz@defineinstruments.co.za, www.defineinstruments.co.za
Further reading:
From the editor's desk: Is additive manufacturing poised to go mainstream?
March 2021, Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
, News
As digital manufacturing technology pushes its way further towards the production floor, additive manufacturing (3D printing) is emerging as a viable option to complement the more traditional methods
...
Read more...
Female talent switches on to engineering careers with ABB
September 2021, ABB South Africa
, News
ABB’s Sustainability Strategy incorporates driving social progress, equality and diversity to create safe, fair and inclusive working environments and support community building.
Read more...
MESA Africa – call for papers 2021
September 2021, MESA Africa NPC
, News
We invite you – the manufacturing community – to submit papers showcasing your success stories and inspiring ideas, coping under restrictions, and illustrating this year’s theme: The Art of the Possible: Manufacturing Without Limits.
Read more...
Hazardous locations seminar and cable gland training
September 2021
, News
The courses equip artisans and engineers with the skills needed to gain maximum benefit from Pratley’s electrical products.
Read more...
Endress+Hauser integrates concentration measurement specialist
September 2021, Endress+Hauser South Africa
, News
SensAction was founded in 2008 and has been part of the Endress+Hauser Group since 2017.
Read more...
Omron joins The Valuable 500
September 2021, Omron Electronics
, News
The Valuable 500 aims to get leaders of multinational companies to bring about changes in business, society and the economy so that persons with disabilities can realise their true potential.
Read more...
Endress+Hauser honours its inventors
September 2021, Endress+Hauser South Africa
, News
More than 500 inventors gathered virtually for Endress+Hauser’s 21st Innovators’ Meeting.
Read more...
Neles to acquire the valve and pump businesses of Flowrox
September 2021, Neles South Africa
, News
Neles has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire the valve and pump businesses of the Finland-based technology company, Flowrox.
Read more...
Bosch Holdings celebrates 60 years
September 2021
, News
In 1961, it was inconceivable for the founders of Bosch Holdings to have known that 60 years later, the company would have expanded into a global operation.
Read more...
Danfoss completes acquisition of Eaton’s hydraulics business
September 2021, Danfoss
, News
Danfoss has officially finalised its US$3,3 billion acquisition of Eaton’s hydraulics business, following confirmation of all necessary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Read more...
printer friendly version