New generation energy monitoring for mine and metallurgical industries
January 2007Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Information Security
The mining and metallurgical industries are some of the largest consumers of energy in the country. It thus stands to reason that understanding the consumption of energy in these large concerns has the potential to generate substantial savings to not only the industry but the power generation industry.
Omniflex has harnessed the power and pervasiveness of the worldwide web for the presentation and dissemination of data enabling large scale operations to collect and consolidate energy consumption data through the use of GSM enabled Remote Terminal Units which can interface with existing power meters installed at a multitude of local sites around the plant or mining operation.
Typical application for monitoring remotely distributed power meters
Omniflex has spent the majority of its 40 plus years' existence devoted to the design and development of industrial communications and alarming systems both heavily influenced by the mining industry. Hard lessons learnt have moulded Omniflex products in some of the toughest, most capable and solution-rich products for the harsh conditions imposed by the mining environment.
Mining communications must endure under:
* Harsh environment - physically, electrically.
* Network-unfriendly topologies.
* Cabling limitations.
* Long distances.
* Changing architecture.
* Cost vs affordability benefit limitations.
The Omniflex product offering takes the form of RTUs located in the field distributed as necessary amongst the assets that required monitoring. For example power, air, ventilation, environmental and safety equipment. The Teleterm M2 Series RTUs are available in many variants for network flexibility from Ethernet, Conet, Modbus, wireless forms with radio or GSM communications. This provides many solutions in data gathering to GSM data access points. Access to the monitored devices is via the worldwide web using a service called Data2Desktop provided by the Omniflex Data Center which is located within the GSM cellular communications cloud and accessible via the Internet. This allows many users access to data with simply the use of an Internet browser and no investment in special software. Widely distributed company assets can be viewed at a single web page by authorised users from any remote location.
Summary screen of Omniflex Data2Desktop service
The M2 Series RTUs have the following features:
* Choice of integrated GSM SMS, radio, Conet, Ethernet communications.
Banking’s AI reckoning
Commercial (Industry) Surveillance Access Control & Identity Management Fire & Safety Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Information Security Asset Management News & Events Integrated Solutions Infrastructure Security Services & Risk Management Education (Industry) Entertainment and Hospitality (Industry) Financial (Industry) Healthcare (Industry) Industrial (Industry) Mining (Industry) Residential Estate (Industry) Retail (Industry) Transport (Industry) Conferences & Events Products & Solutions Associations Videos Training & Education Smart Home Automation Agriculture (Industry) Logistics (Industry) AI & Data Analytics Facilities & Building Management IoT & Automation Power Management
From agentic commerce disputes to quantum-powered risk modelling, SAS experts offer a ‘banker’s dozen,’ 13 industry-defining predictions that will separate institutions that master intelligent banking from those still struggling with the basics.
Read more...Axis signs CISA Secure by Design pledge Axis Communications SA
News & Events Surveillance Information Security
Axis Communications has signed the United States Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure by Design pledge, signalling the company’s commitment to upholding and transparently communicating the cybersecurity posture of its products.
Read more...Upgrading an outdated alarm monitoring system Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Legacy alarm replacement specialist, Omniflex has successfully upgraded Guernsey Electricity’s MPAS90 alarm annunciator systems, which were first installed decades ago and are obsolete.
Read more...Introduction to Part 2 loop signatures and process transfer functions
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The previous series of loop signature articles dealt with the basics of control loop optimisation, and concentrated on troubleshooting and ‘SWAG’ tuning of simple processes. In this new series, consideration will be given to dealing practically with more difficult issues like interactive processes, and with processes with much more complex dynamics.
Read more...Siemens sets new standards in drive technology
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is setting new standards in industrial drive technology with the launch of its new high-performance drive system, Sinamics S220. This offers a seamless and innovative drive system with comprehensive simulation and analysis capabilities and advanced connectivity features that enable full integration into digital work processes.
Read more...Cathodic protection design considerations that influence ESG outcomes Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Electrical Power & Protection
Major infrastructure like wharves, bridges, pipelines and tanks are at constant risk of corrosion. David Celine, managing director of cathodic protection specialist Omniflex, explains how CP system design can support ESG commitments, while simultaneously lowering costs and improving maintenance capabilities.
Read more...AI cybersecurity predictions for 2026
AI & Data Analytics Information Security
The rapid development of AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape in 2026, for both individual users and businesses. Large language models (LLMs) are influencing defensive capabilities while simultaneously expanding opportunities for threat actors.
Read more...PC-based control in the plastics industry Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Nissei Plastic, an injection moulding machine manufacturer based in Japan is implementing a worldwide tend towards open automation systems from experienced specialists using PC and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Upgrading obsolete rack-based alarms Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Legacy alarm replacement specialist, Omniflex has supported a major oil and gas company in Qatar by upgrading the obsolete MPAS 90 alarm systems at one of its major plants in the country.
Read more...Becoming a leader in alarm annunciators Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
SCADA/HMI
The rise of the digital age and PC-based systems and graphical interfaces led many to view the traditional annunciator market as obsolete. Omniflex explains how the company saw the market differently to then established players like Highland and Rochester, and how it reshaped the industry.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.