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Emerson's Smart Wireless Technology Helps Atlas Pipeline - Westex Improve Production Efficiency

ControlGlobal
01/19/2011

By Emerson Process Management

Emerson Process Management's Smart Wireless technology saved Atlas Pipeline - Westex an estimated $725,000 in installation costs and has improved production efficiency at Atlas' Benedum natural gas processing facility near Midkiff, Texas.

The self-organizing IEC 62591 (WirelessHART®) network connects a new plant with an older unit in the same facility.  Pulling data from the old plant into the new plant's control room using conventional wiring was not financially feasible because of the distance and obstacles between the two plants.

The wireless network includes 99 of Emerson's Rosemount® wireless temperature, pressure, level, and discrete-input transmitters that communicate with three Smart Wireless Gateways to collect real-time data from gas processing and storage tanks, cooling towers, and compressors. The majority of the wireless devices replaced local indicators in the old plant, while others measure pressure along pipes between the two plants and tank level in the new plant.

Data from the wireless network is integrated into the plant's DeltaV digital automation system, which monitors and controls critical plant processes. Atlas operators also use AMS Suite: Intelligent Device Manager predictive maintenance software to actively manage key field devices in both plants, including Fisher® valves. Predictive diagnostics provided through AMS Suite have enabled Atlas to eliminate operator rounds to the old plant, saving multiple trips per day.

The Smart Wireless network was up and running after installation. It can easily be expanded with the addition of new transmitters.

For more information about Smart Wireless, visit www.EmersonProcess.com/SmartWireless, and for videos go to www.EmersonSmartWireless.com/Videos.