Emerson's Smart Wireless Solutions at PPG
Emerson's Smart Wireless Solutions Enable Temperature Profiling and Tank Level Measurement Redundancy at PPG
Emerson's self-organizing wireless mesh networks are on line five minutes after an easy cost-saving installation, and they continue running without maintenance
AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 13, 2007) - PPG Industries has installed and commissioned Emerson Process Management's Smart Wireless solution at its expansive Chemical Division facility in Lake Charles Louisiana. The production installation follows field trials of Emerson's self-organizing wireless networks conducted by a PPG cross-functional process and corporate IT personnel team. The team verified the reliability and coexistence performance of the network, and also deployed it in the plant.
"When Emerson first approached me with their industrial wireless solution, they said 'We're plug and play,' said Tim Gerami, senior design engineer at PPG. I have to admit I laughed; nothing I'd seen so far was that easy. "But I'm a believer now. Five minutes after installing it, the wireless network came to life. It's been there ever since."
The plant's Smart Wireless network uses ten wireless Rosemount® transmitters for pipeline and steam header temperature measurement which enables operators to watch for cold spots and adjust steam throughput. PPG also plans to use the Smart Wireless solutions to do temperature profiling of the entire expansive plant, enabling load sharing and balancing to maintain superheated steam plant-wide.
PPG has also commissioned eight wireless Rosemount transmitters on the self-organizing mesh for tank level measurements to provide backup of primary radar level measurements, helping ensure level control.
Wireless transmitters allow PPG to install instrumentation that would normally be cost-prohibitive in the plant that covers approximately 765 acres and is dense with pipes, buildings and equipment. PPG estimates installation costs for wired instruments that include near $20 per foot for wiring and conduit. These wireless measurements have the potential to increase process reliability and provide low-cost redundant measurement.
Emerson's Smart Wireless solution is an extension of the PlantWeb® digital plant architecture, combining highly reliable, smart monitoring devices with wireless transmitters in an innovative self-organizing mesh network that automatically adapts as device points are added or removed, or obstructions encountered. The network, which uses Time Synchronized Mesh Protocol (TSMP) technology, has been extensively tested in real-world environments.
PPG is using wireless to make operational improvements by capturing and using new data, and is also anticipating cost advantages.
"Maintenance on the Emerson network?" questioned Reese Borel, process control specialist at PPG. "I haven't had to do any. It just runs."
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, pulp & paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, and project management, and maintenance services to help customers achieve the potential of their operations. Emerson brands include PlantWeb®, Rosemount®, Fisher®, Micro Motion®, Mobrey®, Daniel®, Bristol®, DeltaV(TM), Ovation®, and AMS(TM) Suite.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, 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. Sales in fiscal 2006 were $20.1 billion. For more information, visit www.emerson.com.
PlantWeb, Rosemount, Fisher, Micro Motion, Mobrey, Daniel, Bristol, DeltaV, Ovation, and AMS are marks owned by one of the legal entities of Emerson Process Management.
CONTACTS:
Jerry Moon, Emerson Process Management
1 (512) 832-3089, Jerry.Moon@EmersonProcess.com
Peter Dossing, Emerson Process Management
1 (512) 832-3162, Pete.Dossing@EmersonProcess.com
