Yokogawa released its first field wireless devices in North America based on the ISA100.11a industrial communications standard.

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Yokogawa Electric Corporation announced that it has developed a new group of field wireless devices based on the ISA100.11a industrial wireless communications standard, released in Foreign Markets in July 2010. These wireless products include an EJX-B series differential pressure and pressure transmitter, a YTA series temperature transmitter, and an integrated field wireless gateway for field sensor networks. These field wireless devices are expected to satisfy a wide variety of requirements in the industrial automation field. 

Development Background

Wireless technology has the following strengths that well suit it for field device and control system applications:

1. Reduces wiring and engineering costs
2. Field devices can be installed in difficult-to-wire locations
3. Plant safety is improved through the use of low-cost online device diagnostics

Despite such benefits, wireless networks have seen limited use to date in industrial automation applications due to their requirement for advanced technologies that ensure high reliability, real-time response, environmental resistance, and explosion-proof protection, and because of the absence until recently of an industrial communications standard for field wireless devices.

Approved in September 2009, the ISA 100.11a standard presents the following advantages for use in industrial automation:

1. High reliability
2. Suitable for a wide range of applications
3. Improved flexibility and network expandability
4. High compatibility with existing wired systems

These new field wireless devices based on the ISA 100.11a standard fully complement Yokogawa’s measurement, control, and information solutions and are expected to make a significant contribution to the realization of the company’s VigilantPlant concept of the ideal plant. This new technology will help Yokogawa’s customers “See clearly, know in advance, and act with agility.” Yokogawa will continue to seek out solutions that secure its customers an optimum return on their investment throughout the plant lifecycle.

Product Concept

1. Suitability for monitoring, diagnostics, and control. With bidirectional digital wireless networks based on the ISA100.11a standard, the production, device diagnostic, and parameter data transferred between a control system and field devices are securely encrypted. This wireless technology is ideal for status monitoring, device diagnostics, and control applications.
2. Multiple power sources. These wireless devices are designed to run on explosion-proof batteries that can easily be replaced in hazardous locations. Yokogawa also plans to develop easy-to-maintain solar batteries for use with these devices.
3. The development of new technology while safeguarding investment in existing assets. As a partner with its customers, Yokogawa is always looking to develop new technology solutions while working to ensure full compatibility with customer’s current assets, thus protecting their investment. These products were designed with this requirement in mind. 

Major Target Markets

Oil and gas, LNG, refining, petrochemicals, chemicals, iron and steel, pulp and paper, power, non-metal/cement, food and beverages, water treatment, waste water

Applications

Temperature, flow, and differential pressure/pressure measurement in plant processes

1. Following approval by ISA and ANSI, this standard will be published and submitted for the review of the IECSC65C Subcommittee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
2. Connects field wireless devices with a host system and provides a number of field wireless network setting and management functions
3. Yokogawa’s vision for the ideal plant. Based on this, the company provides a variety of solutions that help its customers realize Safety Excellence, Asset Excellence, and Production Excellence throughout the plant lifecycle. 

www.yokogawa.com/us 

Also see: www.controleng.com/wireless

www.controleng.com/instrumentation