Emerson Introduces Wireless Functionality for Tank Gauging Systems
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WirelessHART tank gauging system enables high precision tank gauging and improved inventory and loss control at installation costs 70% less than wired systems
AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 15, 2010) -- Emerson's Rosemount® TankRadar Rex and Pro tank gauging system now include Smart Wireless functionality. With innovative Smart Wireless technology, new-radar based Rex and Pro systems can be installed in a storage tank farm without the need to install costly long distance signal wiring. Tank gauging data from remotely located tanks, previously collected manually or not at all, can now be easily integrated into the control system, resulting in more efficient tank capacity utilization, more accurate inventory and better loss control.
Many tank storage facilities that would benefit from modern, non-contact gauging have obsolete or non-existent signal wiring from the tank storage area. Retrofit of the gauging system in such plants is normally expensive and time consuming as the distance between storage tanks and the control room can be more than one kilometer, requiring extensive trenching and cabling. Costs associated with wiring, additional hardware, and labor easily drive up the budget for any tank farm expansion project. Emerson's Smart Wireless solutions enable cost-effective implementation of new measurement points. In addition, compared to wired systems, the time between project start-up and an up-and-running Smart Wireless tank gauging system is drastically reduced.
A Smart Wireless Wireless THUM(TM) Adapter is easily installed on existing HART® field instruments to free up diagnostics and process information that had previously been inaccessible. The THUM adapter provides the wireless interface between the TankRadar Rex or TankRadar Pro radar gauge and the TankMaster inventory software or host/DCS system via WirelessHART communication with 99.9% data reliability.
The self organizing mesh network ensures uninterrupted data communication in an environment with large obstacles such as storage tanks. Every THUM Adapter serves as a network connector and backup so there is no single point of failure. All data transfer is protected by 128-bit encryption for best-in-class-security.
Data is received by the Smart Wireless Gateway in the control room area and fed into the inventory management software package or DCS system. In addition to level data, all relevant data from multi point temperature transmitters, pressure sensors and water bottom level sensors are transmitted.
Wireless tank gauging also means that precise inventory data for remotely located tanks that was previously out of reach can be made available. For those plants already using Emerson's Smart Wireless, installation of the first gauging units will be even easier as they can use mesh nodes from other Emerson equipment to expand and strengthen the wireless network.
"The first installations of wireless tank gauging are operating successfully," says technical product manager Mikael Inglund. "All those tanks had power cabling available but no proper signal wiring so the customers saw significant cost savings by not having to do new cabling work."
Emerson's Rosemount Tank Gauging Systems are global market leaders in high precision tank gauging, used at refineries and bulk liquid storage plants. The custody transfer approved system can be applied on all types of storage tanks, both fixed roof and floating roof tanks. Applications range from light products such as LPG, LNG and gasoline to crude oils and asphalt.
About Emerson Process Management
Emerson Process Management (www.EmersonProcess.com), an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, tank storage, power, water and wastewater treatment, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. A business unit of Emerson, Rosemount Tank Gauging, (www.Rosemount-TG.com) is the largest manufacturer of high-precision tank gauging with radar level gauges, temperature and pressure instrumentation. Rosemount's best-in-class technology and expertise play a key role in Emerson's combining of superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Emerson brands include PlantWeb®, Rosemount®, Fisher®, Micro Motion®, Syncade(TM), Daniel®, DeltaV(TM), Ovation®, and AMS(TM) Suite.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Emerson's sales in fiscal 2009 were $20.9 billion. The company is ranked 94th on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest companies. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com.
Contacts:
Kim Polk,
Emerson Process Management
1 (512) 834-7043,
Kim.Polk@Emerson.com
Lisa Eisenbrey,
Emerson Process Management
1 (512) 834-7106,
Lisa.Eisenbrey@Emerson.com
Emerson Process Management, 12301 Research Blvd, Bldg III, Austin, TX 78759 United States
