Industrial Wireless - Multiple Transmitters With Master and Slave Receiver

Multiple transmitters can connect with a single receiver which
retransmits the signal to slave receiver.

Industrial wireless connections are becoming more prevalent, due to their low cost, effectiveness, and ease of installation. Being knowledgeable of the various ways in which connections can be established and signals routed can increase your proficiency at putting in place useful connections among process measurement and control points.

One easily implemented scenario enables multiple transmitters to deliver process measurements from separate locations to a single master receiver. The receiver can re-establish the analog process signals at its outputs, for use by monitoring and control equipment. Additionally, it those process measurements have use in another additional location, the master receiver can forward the signals to a slave receiver. This allows the individual process measurements to be utilized over a potentially wide area or distance not easily or economically spanned with cabling.

Analynk Wireless has a library of standard product modifications that have been previously utilized to meet special connectivity challenges. Share yours with them and build a solution.

Industrial Wireless Communications Using a Single Transmitter and Multiple Receivers

Water treatment plant

In planning a wireless installation for connecting process measurement instruments and equipment to monitoring and control stations, keep in mind that it is not necessary to maintain a one-to-one relationship among receivers and transmitters. A transmitter broadcasts the process signal on a designated channel. All the receiving devices set to that channel will receive the 256 bit encrypted signal. Each can decrypt the signal and convert the value to a common industrial analog signal for use as needed. The key takeaway is to recognize that once the process signal is transmitted, you have the ability to receive and use the signal anywhere within range of the transmitter. Effective range can extend from a few feet to several miles.

The beneficial applications for industrial wireless are limited only by your imagination and ingenuity. Share your ideas and challenges with the industrial wireless experts at Analynk, combining your own process knowledge with their application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Process Connections - Wireless is Simple Solution to Many Challenges

Wireless connections for industrial process signals

The operating personnel at almost every facility have something to which they would like to connect. Remotely located equipment, activities that require a human to be present to monitor operation, and other scenarios are all candidates for a wireless connection. Have you ever thought that it would be helpful to know more about the current status of a remotely located piece of gear, for example, the back-up generator located across the parking lot? Budgets, time constraints, cabling difficulties, and other factors seem to continually outweigh the benefits of making the connection and gathering the data. Those days are gone. In fact, they have been gone for some time.

Industrial wireless transmitters, receivers, and repeaters can be applied in place of wires, cables, conduit, trenches, overhead supports, and all the other hardware associated with a wired installation. Data is gathered using whatever process measurement hardware you prefer, just specify commonly used output signals like 4-20 mA, or a host of others. Connect the measuring device output to the transmitter input. Locate a receiver where you want the sensor information delivered. The transmitter converts the sensor analog signal to digital and the receiver converts back to analog. The connection can be accomplished in a very short amount of time without disturbance to the real estate between the two points.

How can I tell if the wireless connection can be accomplished without interference?

The transmission is accomplished in either the 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz band, delivering adequate range and power for most facility-wide applications. Obstructions can be overcome with the use of a strategically located repeater.

What about power needed to operate the sensors and wireless equipment?

Most process sensors have very small power requirements, as do the Analynk transmission units. Power, if line voltage is not available at the location, can be provided by batteries, or combination of battery and photovoltaic. Little power needs to be provided for operation.

There may be simple and effective wireless solutions to many of your remote monitoring challenges. Don't assume it is difficult, it is not. Don't assume it is expensive, it is not. Share your ideas and challenges with the experts at Analynk. Combining your facility and process knowledge with their technology and product expertise will lead to effective solutions.

Magnetic Level Indicators For Tank Level Measurement

Magnetic Level Indicator
Courtesy Orion

The magnetic level indicator (MLI), also called a magnetically coupled liquid level indicator or a magnetic level gauge, is in wide-spread use throughout process industries around the world. Originally designed as an alternative to sight glass gauges, MLIs are now commonly specified in new construction and plant expansions.

Principle of Operation

Magnetic level indicators use magnetic force couple the position of a float to a scale that indicates actual liquid level in a tank. The float movement and scale can be used to activate a switch or provide continuous level data via a transmitter. Unlike a sight glass, magnetic coupling allows the MLI to indicate liquid levels without direct contact between the externally-mounted visual indicator and the fluid in the vessel.

A magnetic field consists of imaginary lines of flux originating from the north and south poles and completely surround the magnet. This field acts on other objects (magnets or ferromagnetic materials) through these forces. When a magnetic field acts upon another body with sufficient force to influence it, the pair are said to be magnetically coupled to each other. In the case of a magnetic level indicator, the float is magnetically coupled to the indicator scale.

The MLI float, located inside the chamber and specifically engineered to provide proper buoyancy in the targeted fluid, dynamically tracks the surface of the liquid as it rises and falls. The magnet assembly inside the float generates a magnetic field that penetrates through the chamber wall to couple with the visual indicator.

Typical applications include:

• Alkylation units 
• Boiler drums
• Feedwater heaters
• Industrial boilers
• Oil / Water separators
• Process vessels
• Propane vessels
• Storage tanks
• Surge tanks
• Wastewater tanks

Advantages of the MLI

A magnetic level indicator is often used in applications where a sight glass (or glass sight gauge) is unsafe, environmentally risky, or difficult to see.

Typical shortcomings of glass sight gauges include:

• High pressures, extreme temperatures, deteriorating seals, and toxic or corrosive materials may cause a risk of fugitive emission of dangerous substances. 
• Some chemical materials within a process vessel or storage tank can attack the glass, causing discoloration of the sight gauge, thus decreasing level visibility. 
• Liquid/liquid interfaces can be very difficult to read in a sight glass particularly if the liquids are of similar color. Clear liquids can also be difficult to see in a sight glass. 
• Liquids that tend to coat or build-up on surfaces can hinder visibility by forming an opaque film on the glass. 
• To cover a large measuring span, sight glass assemblies typically must be staggered using multiple sections. 

Key reasons for selecting an MLI over a sight glass are:

• Improved safety due to the absence of fragile glass and a substantially reduced number of potential leak points. 
• Greatly increased visibility 
• Reduced maintenance. 
• Easier initial installation and addition of transmitters and switches without interrupting the process 
• Lower long-term cost of ownership and legitimate return-on-investment benefits. 
• Single chamber measurement over 20 ft. (6 m) without staggering chambers.

When using a transmitter in conjunction with a magnetic level indicator, consider using a wireless connection to deliver the process signal from the transmitter to the monitoring and control unit. Analynk has effective solutions that can be easily implemented. A video shows an application example.

Wireless Linkup For Hazardous Gas Monitor

Hazardous Area Gas
Detection Units on Assembly Line
Courtesy Starcom Solar

Analynk Wireless manufactures industrial wireless signal transmitters and receivers to accommodate a broad array of industrial process control applications. The company was selected by Starcom Solar, Inc. as the provider of the wireless communications section for their innovative portable and fixed installation hazardous gas monitoring stations. In addition to transmitter modules, the Starcom monitoring station utilizes Analynk's patented antenna for use in hazardous areas.

The wireless communication capability enables deployment of the monitoring system on mobile units or remote installations. Analynk's standard transmitter range extends up to 20 miles. New versions will soon be available with Iridium, GPS, and GLONASS satellite linkups enabling worldwide signal transmission and reception. Variants include capabilities to transmit a variety of inputs,
including 4-20 ma, switch closure, thermocouple, and RTD.

The Analynk product line of wireless transmitters, receivers, and antennas provides broad capability and is easy to apply and integrate into any installation. You can find out more about the A753 Transmitter in the data sheet included below. Share your signal connectivity challenges with a product specialist and see how easy and effective a wireless solution can be.

Analynk A750 and A753 Industrial Wireless Transmitter and Receiver from Analynk Wireless, LLC

Will Wireless Work For My Process Control Application?

Model A750/753 Wireless Demonstration Unit

Wireless transmission of process measurement and control signals has not been new technology for quite some time. That said, there still remain many facilities where it has not made any inroads yet. When technology is new to the industrial market, especially if it challenges the current way things are done, early adopters with larger scale, higher dollar operations are needed to put the technology into practical use and generate manufacturing volume for the technology producers. If deployment of the technology proves beneficial, the market grows on the consumer and producer sides. With greater efficiency and scale, the trend for the technology costs tends to decrease, while the range of feasible applications and projects grows.

Wireless communication for industrial applications is well beyond the point of early technology adoption. Protocols are in place, products for the transmitting and receiving of wireless process signals are mature. As a designer, engineer, manager, or operator of a process, you should confidently consider wireless connections between measurement and control or recording devices as part of any new installation or upgrading of existing facilities.

Regardless of what I have just written, sometimes we just need to see things work before we can make the leap of adoption. New ways of doing things bring the promise of reward, but also the concern of the unfamiliar.

Analynk has a solution for you.

Analynk's wireless demo kit includes a model A750 receiver and A753 transmitter both housed in NEMA 4 enclosures. The kit operates at 900 MHz with full 1W power. Locate the transmitter and receiver at points where you wish to establish a wireless connection. You can provide your own input signal, or use the provided simulator to show that a wireless connection can be established and function in a manner that will give you confidence to move forward with implementation. The kit is useful for testing out possible new locations for distance and signal strength. You will use it as wireless communications expand through your facility. Test the location first, then order the needed wireless equipment. It's a solid and low risk solution.

Analynk is a manufacturer of both wireless and wired devices for process measurement and control. The company's offering includes a wide array of standard products, as well as integration and customization to meet specific project requirements. Contact the specialists at Analynk to discuss your industrial wireless application requirements.

Analynk Industrial Wireless Demonstration System from Analynk Wireless, LLC

New Hazardous Area Wireless Antenna for GLONASS, Iridium, and GPS

CTX Series Industrial Wireless Antenna
for Hazardous Areas

Operators in the industrial process control field increasingly rely on wireless communication as a key element of their infrastructure. The ability to connect measurement locations, even mobile ones, to data logging and control centers has enhanced operation efficiency and enabled procedures and monitoring that were cumbersome or impractical in a totally wired environment. Analynk Wireless continues with their response to demand within the process measurement and control field to utilize wireless technology across an increasing array of application scenarios by releasing their latest Hazardous Area Explosion Proof Antenna. 

The latest version of the company's CTX/CTM series enables remote data links for customers using Iridium, GPS, and GLONASS. This new product adds to the company's already expansive line of wireless communication products specifically designed for industrial applications, providing wireless data links to mobile or remote locations.

Analynk's antennas are operable across a very wide temperature range and provide substantial impact resistance, signal output, and ratings for hazardous environments. A data sheet for the new CTX/CTM antenna is included below. You can always contact Analynk directly to discuss your application ideas and get recommendations for product and complete system configuration.

Hazardous Area Explosion Proof Antenna for GLONASS, GPS, and IRIDIUM from Analynk Wireless, LLC

Out of the Box Thinking Delivers Benefits with Industrial Wireless Test Station

Tire manufacturer used wireless technology
to improve output

Wireless network communication has enjoyed continuously increasing rates of adoption in the industrial process control field for a number of years. Protocols and methodologies are generally well established and a wide range of products are available, making it less challenging to configure an application solution. As the manufacturers of industrial wireless devices have gained production efficiency and responded to an increasingly competitive market, the cost of implementing a wireless solution has become less of a barrier. Truly, industry is now in a phase where creativity and ingenuity will bring changes to traditional process and production operations to take full advantage of the untethering of many common measurement and control devices.

Traditionally, most measurement and control instrumentation was fixed in place by piping or cabling. While that is still the case throughout much of the industrial sector, opportunities are continuously emerging for wireless technology to provide improvement in performance and efficiency. I came across an example of how one manufacturer of tubeless tires devised a wireless test station to replace their existing wired version to:

• Reduce maintenance by eliminating signal cables and power cables. No more cable damage from moving wired transmitters around the tire test area. 
• Replace manual data logging with remote automatic data logging. 
• Maintain or increase the accuracy of each measurement point. 
• Allow a single test station to be employed easily at multiple locations throughout the factory. 

This was accomplished using readily available pressure transmitters, wireless transmitters, access points, receivers, and related hardware to provide a complete measurement system delivering test and measurement data to a remotely located data logger.

Use your creativity, your ingenuity. Get outside the box and examine your industrial process or production operation. Look for opportunities to sharpen your efficiency and improve outcomes. The prospects are good that there may be more gained from a wireless installation than the mere absence of cabling. Discuss your ideas with a wireless product manufacturer, solicit their recommendations, and evaluate the potential benefits to your operation.