Wireless Instrumentation— A Comparison in Project Execution Are Wireless Installations a Safer Option?

摘要

In hazardous areas, wireless has a clear benefit; safety. When instrumentation is to be installed in hazardous locations such as those found in oil seed processing facilities, wireless implementations can reduce the installation risks. The number of wireless instrumentation installations continues to grow (see http://www.ceasiamag.com/article-4951-healthygrowth-forindustrialwirelessdespiteeconomy-Asia.html) due to the benefits that wireless offers: reduced installation time resulting in lower installation costs, increased device and process information resulting in improved maintenance practices, and ability to add instrumentation resulting in lower costs for process improvement projects. The disadvantages of wireless continue to be minimal. The approval of ISA 100.1 la standardizes industrial wireless, limiting the life cycle risks associated with changing standards. The battery life of wireless transmitters has improved from several months to several years while the cost of replacement batteries has decreased. Yet the decision to utilize wireless is not simple. The added benefit of safety due to the significantly reduced amount of time required to install wireless equipment or instrumentation may make the decision a little easier.