Emerson leads wireless transformation in global industrial facilities
November 2011
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Emerson Process Management has achieved significant milestones in driving the adoption of wireless technologies in refineries, chemical plants, and other industrial facilities around the world. With 580 million total hours of wireless operation across 6100 networks, Emerson Smart Wireless solutions have gained widespread adoption as they deliver proven performance while addressing critical business challenges.
Emerson Smart Wireless technologies have enabled industrial customers to monitor processes in places where wired connections are impractical or where humans should not go. Emerson, the largest provider of wireless solutions based on the internationally recognised IEC 62591 WirelessHART standard, delivers wireless communications for highly complex operations, including process automation, emissions controls, maintenance, and worker safety – and, in many cases, in very challenging and extreme environments.
“We have focused on wireless innovation to enable industrial efficiency in the toughest environments, from monitoring oil pipelines on the North Slope of Alaska, where wind chill temperatures are minus 56°C, or in the desert, where temperatures rise to over 40°C, with sandstorms and even the gnawing jaws of camels damaging wired connections,” said Steve Sonnenberg, president of Emerson Process Management. “We are seeing tremendous growth in our Smart Wireless solutions, as thousands of industrial customers realise the unique benefits and broad potential of wireless communications to improve operations, enhance safety, and reduce environmental risks.”
IMS Research reports that worldwide shipments of industrial products that are wireless-enabled are set to grow from an estimated 1,2 million in 2009 to more than 3 million in 2015, at an average annual growth rate of 18%. Since WirelessHART was approved in 2010 as the first international wireless communication standard, it has been validated and accepted globally by industry.
The majority of industrial wireless users rely on these devices to extend the plant information network with additional sensors, streamline maintenance, and improve worker safety. Future Smart Wireless products from Emerson will extend customers’ capabilities from monitoring to control functions, enabling customers to not only gather critical information but also to act on it remotely. Emerson will also extend wireless to new applications that historically have relied only on manual observation and periodic reporting, giving industrial customers real-time, constant visibility to new and better data for improved control systems, safety systems, asset management, machinery health, and overall plant performance.
Emerson offers a wide range of wireless field instrumentation and plant operations equipment, including Fisher position monitors, Rosemount transmitters, and Rosemount analytical and machinery health management devices. Other components of an Emerson Smart Wireless solution include AMS Suite predictive maintenance software, DeltaV digital automation systems, and wireless SmartStart Services. Smart Wireless is an extension of Emerson’s PlantWeb digital plant architecture.
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