Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring


Environmental data is in the clouds

November 2007 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

Many organisations rely on manual systems to manage SHEQ conformance with occasional hands-on verification to prove measurements and accuracy. Omniflex questions the effectiveness of these systems. When data collection, dissemination and reporting is automated, measurable benefits accrue to users.

Environmental monitoring is a topical subject and a pressing requirement for many organisations these days. This is because the burden of proof of compliance rests with companies themselves. Lack of proof means liability should any claim or charge be forthcoming as a result of an environmental impact incident.

The real challenges are in the measurement of environmental parameters. While in-plant monitoring is closely scrutinised, making measurements in more remote locations or areas where environmental risk is identified presents a real challenge. Providing a 24/7 monitoring system with open and transparent presentation of the data further exacerbates the problems. Automation of this function is a further requisite where staff levels leave no time for collection and collation of data from off-site monitoring.

Omniflex applies its latest technology to these issues enabling and empowering organisations to take the lead is this area of monitoring by providing the communications, recording and reporting infrastructure to solve the integration of diverse measurement instrumentation into a cohesive solution.

Environmental parameters that may require collection and reporting include gas emissions, dust levels, utilities values, water quality and usage, wastage, spoilage and loss.

Data2Desktop from Omniflex puts meaningful data and reports on the right peoples' desktops using the power and pervasiveness of the World Wide Web and GSM networks for the collection, presentation and dissemination of data. The technology enables large scale operations to collect and consolidate data through the use of GSM-enabled remote terminal units (RTUs) and remote field units called data access points (DAPs). Dissemination of information uses e-mail and SMS communications to reach personnel involved in the process.

Environmental infrastructure provided by Omniflex Data2Desktop services
Environmental infrastructure provided by Omniflex Data2Desktop services

The Teleterm M2 Series RTUs are available in many variants from Ethernet, Conet, and Modbus to wireless forms with radio or GSM communications. Access to the collected data is via the World Wide Web using the Data2Desktop service. This is 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 using only an Internet browser and requiring no investment in special software.

Summary screen of Omniflex Data2Desktop Service
Summary screen of Omniflex Data2Desktop Service

Data from the Omniflex Data Centres can be incorporated into corporate MIS systems through the use of an OPC server or special drivers. In this way data can be stored in databases like SQL or MYSQL which are widely used in large commercial software solutions. The actual status of measurements from geographically remote locations can thus be compared against legislated or target levels. Discrepancies in the system can be identified immediately instead of during periodic audits. Alarms and notifications to responsible people can be automatically generated. Actual non-conformance can be identified with date and time.

For more information contact Ian Loudon, Omniflex, +27 (0)31 207 7466, [email protected], www.omniflex.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.

Read more...
Taming the terrain
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Industrial Wireless
Effectively monitoring and controlling water distribution networks is crucial if we are to avoid wasting this valuable, life-preserving resource. Wireless telemetry systems play a vital role in this task, collecting data from remote locations and transmitting it to a central control station for real-time monitoring and control.

Read more...
Sustainability of surface water
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.

Read more...
Keeping an eye on invisible radiation
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.

Read more...
Cathodic protection system for hazardous environments
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
When NSW Ports in Australia embarked on a two-year programme to rehabilitate the structures and combat corrosion levels at its Bulk Liquid Berth 1, it commissioned Melbourne-based consultancy Infracorr to deliver a bespoke cathodic protection) system. To deliver the system safely, Infraccor engaged cathodic protection specialist Omniflex to support the hazardous area and remote monitoring aspects of the CP system design.

Read more...
Industrial signal conditioning
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Electrical Power & Protection
Automation for Industry 4.0, process control, data acquisition, and alarm processing all rely on the conversion of physical signals to a standardised, usable format, that engineered systems can reliably use to manage industrial processes.

Read more...
Assessing the order of events
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Industrial Wireless
Being able to monitor plant alarms and events in real time, in chronological order, is critical when a plant experiences an avalanche of alarms caused by an abnormal event. Sequence of events modules can be used to cut unplanned plant downtime and reduce operational costs.

Read more...
Signal conditioning is the protective armour between plant and field
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Sensors & Transducers
Measurement and control of physical properties are the foundation of all critical industrial technologies. Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing manager at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex explains the challenges of industrial signal conditioning and the importance of safety engineering.

Read more...
Effective dust control in sugar processing
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
BLT WORLD specialists work in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team to offer dependable solutions for specific problems at the transfer points of conveyor systems in many industries where dust and material spillage are concerns, including the sugar sector.

Read more...
A benchmark for lubricant reliability in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
According to Craig FitzGerald from ISO-Reliability Partners, mines can save R500 000 or more on their yearly mill cleaning costs, while electricity consumption can be reduced by up to 12%, and lubricant consumption lowered up by up to 60% when using Bel-Ray Clear Gear lubricant.

Read more...