Wireless Technology Control Panels
Wireless technology has come a long way over the last few years.
Increased reliability and reduced hardware costs have made wireless
technology a viable substitution to running wires. Hydro-Flo offers
many different types of wireless solutions, from remote access to a
PLC and process data to skid-to-skid communication.
Most of Hydro-Flo’s more advanced PLC control systems include the
ability to access the PLC and a digital data logger over an ethernet
connection or dedicated phone line. This gives the client the
ability to monitor the process remotely, and gives our engineers the
ability to update software or troubleshoot the system without making
a service call. Most facilities today have network connections
readily available on the plant floor, but if the control panel is
located in a remote location or where a network or phone line is not
available, wireless is the way to go. Hydro-Flo can install a cellular
wireless modem in the control panel that the customer and our
engineers can dial into for access to the PLC and logged data. Some
of our customers use a cellular data card and a laptop to access the
system from anywhere in the country.
Wireless technology can also be used for skid-to-skid
communication. Some skid mounted equipment requires multiple skids for ease of installation. All of
this equipment must communicate with a central PLC control panel and
running signal wires can be a big expense. Using wireless ethernet
radios, or wireless I/O radios, eliminates the need of running these
wires. Popular wireless standards include 802.11b, 802.11g, and
Bluetooth.
Contact a Hydro-Flo application engineer for more details. |
