Belden creates breakthrough network solution for oil refinery

August 2014 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

Dexter System Solutions is an operations and solutions integrator for the industrial process industry. The company has built a global reputation by producing mission-critical networking solutions for the oil and gas industry, within a wide array of hazardous environments according to the latest safety requirements such as ATEX, IEC-Ex and NEN.

To meet the needs of one of the world’s largest petrochemical companies, Dexter Solution Systems and Belden were asked to provide a redundant industrial Ethernet and WLAN network according to IEC 61850 specification for an oil refinery location. This would require explosion-proof certifications (UL and ATEX) and shipboard approvals (ABS and DNV) and would have to provide a high level of industrial security.

Using Hirschmann RSR(S) and OpenBAT-F combined with ruggedised industrial backbone switches Hirschmann MACH1040 and Hirschmann MACH4000, Belden and Dexter were able to deploy a comprehensive and redundant WLAN and Ethernet Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) solution that could withstand the rigorous environment and strict standardisation requirements commonplace within the oil industry. This PRP was created in accordance to series DIN EN/IEC 62439. PRP is relatively new in Ethernet via the RSP. PRP executed over WLAN via the RSPS is a breakthrough development. Both networks are managed centrally via their own devoted Hirschmann MACH1040 switches. In addition, both networks are connected centrally to the plant control room and managed by the Hirschmann MACH4000 switch. Industrial security is provided by the EAGLE30; segmenting each independent network into subnets. For the first time, networks are able to guarantee uninterrupted data communication over WLAN and Ethernet.

System requirements

This project required stable and reliable wireless links because:

* Video is transmitted, demanding high bandwidth.

* Safety of information technology equipment needs to be EN 60950.

* Transmission rate is 450 Mbps according to IEEE 802.11n for WLAN network.

* Operation temperature is between -40°C to +70°C.

* High Availability Ethernet is required in accordance with IEC 62439.

* A multimode fibre optic network is applied.

* Certification for Atex Zone 2 hazardous environment is required.

The Belden solution

Adjacent redundant fibre optic rings support Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) over two separate networks; one industrial WLAN (OpenBAT-F) and one industrial Ethernet (RS40). Both networks are managed centrally via their own devoted Layer 2 industrial 19-inch workgroup switch; the Hirschmann MACH1040. Both networks are connected centrally to the plant control room and managed by Hirschmann’s Layer 3 industrial backbone switch; the MACH4000. Industrial security is provided with the EAGLE30; segmenting each independent network from the control room. Because BAT devices with Atex Zone 2 certification do not require external housing, they are lightweight and easy to mount.

Belden and Dexter System Solutions were able to meet the customer’s wireless and Ethernet network demands with a minimalist solution that surpassed the competition in redundancy features, technical capability and overall cost-effectiveness. The Belden solution also provided the customer with access to network design and integration support.

For more information contact Greg Pokroy, Jaycor International, +27 (0)21 447 4247, [email protected], www.jaycor.co.za

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