Bring your environmental monitoring out of the cold
May 2007Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
A popular topic with many organisations today is the issue and proof that companies are taking care of the environment. There are many benefits to be gained out of well managed monitoring systems for industrial environments. Conversely, the risk of poorly-monitored systems has huge potential liabilities with consequential losses.
Summary screen of the Data2Desktop service
Environmental monitoring is diverse with many constraints and disciplines requiring measurement, recording and reporting. Omniflex applies its latest technology to these issues enabling and empowering organisations to take the lead by providing the communications, recording and reporting infrastructure to solve the integration of dissimilar measurement instrumentation into a cohesive solution.
"It all boils down to how to measure better and provide the results where you need them and in a form that is easy to use," explains Omniflex's Ian Louden. "That is where Data2Desktop from Omniflex shines. If it can be measured, Omniflex can present the data to the people that need it anywhere the organisation operates.
Louden continues: "Omniflex's solution leverages the power and pervasiveness of the world wide web and GSM networks for the presentation and dissemination of data. Large-scale operations can collect and consolidate data through the use of GSM-enabled (global system for mobile communications) RTUs (remote terminal units). The RTUs can interface with remote installed field units called data access points (DAPs) at a multitude of local or global locations.
End-user access to the collected data is via the Internet using a service called Data2Desktop. The service is provided by the Omniflex Data Center and is located within the GSM cellular communications cloud. This allows many users access to data with only an Internet browser and no investment in special software.
Environmental monitoring infrastructure
Effectively realtime data from the Omniflex Data Center can be acquired into corporate MIS (management information systems) through the use of an OPC (object linking and embedding for process control) server. Alarming and notification of responsible people can be automatically generated. Actual non-conformances can be identified with date and time and not just by processed historical logged data files.
"The implications?" asks Louden. "Automated real measurements from remote distributed assets without reliance on human intervention."
He elaborates: "Many organisations rely on manual systems within a SHEQ portfolio to manage conformance with occasional hands on verification to prove measurements and accuracy. Are these systems effective? Very often not, as time-stretched staff struggle to maintain the system. When this is automated, real measurable benefits accrue very quickly to the organisation.
Getting the chemistry right
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Grace’s European production site has relied on analogue compression load cells from Minebea Intec for decades, with the long-proven measurement concept now serving as the reference for new silo projects as the company expands its capacity.
Read more...Modernising acid cooler protection without disrupting production Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex has supplied an advanced anodic protection control system to phosphate producer Foskor, replacing a legacy transformer rectifier system while maintaining uninterrupted production. The distributed PowerView CP solution provides remote monitoring and DCS integration.
Read more...Why measurement matters in smelting Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
South African smelters returning to operation after energy constraints face new demands for tighter control, better visibility and environmental compliance. Endress+Hauser explains how modern measurement technology supports safer, more efficient furnace operation and local beneficiation.
Read more...Sun tracking with pinpoint precision Senseca
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced the SEMS-2000 solar energy measurement system, a 2-axis solar tracker with pinpoint sun-pointing accuracy that automatically monitors direct, global and diffuse irradiance for unattended outdoor solar installations.
Read more...Upgrading alarm systems for critical industries Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Omniflex’s OMNI16R alarm annunciator platform provides a direct replacement for legacy CSA systems such as MPAS 90 and SA9100, enabling operators in oil and gas, nuclear and power generation to modernise alarm infrastructure without sacrificing the clarity required for safe operations.
Read more...Rethinking corrosion protection in process plants Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Remote monitoring is changing how cathodic and anodic protection systems are managed in process plants, giving operators continuous visibility of corrosion protection performance and enabling more proactive maintenance decisions.
Read more...AMETEK expands 993X gas analyser series with explosion-proof enclosures
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
AMETEK Process Instruments has added ATEX and IECEx Zone 1-certified explosion-proof enclosures to its 993X series of gas analysers, enabling reliable installation in Zone 1 hazardous locations where purge gas is unavailable.
Read more...Why medical device leak testing matters for South Africa's MedTech future ATEQ South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
As South Africa works to grow local medical technology manufacturing, non-destructive leak and flow testing is becoming a strategic quality assurance tool, helping manufacturers verify device integrity, meet regulatory requirements and improve production efficiency.
Read more...Rethinking corrosion protection in process plants Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex explains how integrating remote monitoring and cloud-based platforms into cathodic and anodic protection systems is helping process plant operators stay ahead of corrosion and make smarter maintenance decisions.
Read more...Moving forward with reverse osmosis
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Rising water costs and pressure on infrastructure are changing the way industries view reverse osmosis. G-Chem Aquacare is developing tailored, containerised solutions that make the technology more accessible for South African 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.