Go Wireless for easy temperature monitoring

The advent of wireless technology has brought many benefits to the process control industry and in many applications offers a more practical solution than the hard-wired alternative, according to Ian Pullin, managing director of Status Instruments. The company has recently launched a wireless temperature monitoring system.

“Investing in wireless technology means that installing new control solutions no longer means the disruption of laying new cable and puts an end to adjusting plant layout temporarily or permanently to accommodate the new cabling, not to mention the associated downtime that generates. In fact, downtime can be a thing of the past because wireless technology installation can be almost instantaneous (well, at least in comparison to standard hard-wired cabling installation).

“There are so many benefits to wireless technology that it’s the obvious choice when the time comes to replacing ageing monitoring equipment or installing new monitoring systems, especially where hard wiring would be costly and disruptive. As a result Status has launched a new wireless temperature and transmitter and receiver, ideal for industrial applications where installing hard wired technology could be problematic.

“The new WX series consists of the WTX700 wireless temperature transmitter and the WRX 900 DIN rail receiver. Together, they provide an adaptable option for all types of facilities, including the harshest of industrial environments.

“The WTX700 transmitter accepts RTD and thermocouple sensors as well as slidewire and mV signals. It is powered using a 3.6V Lithium battery with a lifespan of up to 3 years depending on the transmission rate. The battery is fitted in custom-designed antenna housing, which screws into the cable entry of the connecting head for easy access when it does need to be changed. A low battery warning is transmitted to the receiver before the battery reaches the end of its life. Two choices of connecting heads allow for maximum flexibility, the aluminium SCH11 is sensor-mounted while the ABS plastic SCH4 can be sensor-mounted or surface-mounted, particularly valuable when used with a flying lead sensor.

“Data gathered by up to 16 WTX700 transmitters is sent to the WRX900 DIN Rail receiver.  The receiver converts up to four temperature values into isolated current or voltage signals or into two current signals and two relay alarm signals. Any one of the in-head transmitters can be linked to any one of the analogue or relay outputs and all are available via the RS485 digital interface.

“An optional antenna mounting bracket and extension cable is available for cabinet installations or to optimise signal strength. The WX Series has an open air range of up to 300 metres, making it a valuable resource for large-scale operations.

“The data signal is transmitted on the ISM band (Industrial Scientific and Medical Band) of 868,4MHz, a frequency resistant to external interferences, making the WX Series suitable for use in the harshest of industrial environments.

“Investment in wireless technology is now gaining pace and is now the preferred option for some facilities where the cost and disruption of installing hard-wired technology is unacceptable when compared to the wireless alternative.

“Ease of use is always a major factor when choosing new equipment. The receiver can be push button programmed if needs be, but Status anticipates that most users will choose to use the configuration kit and software (which can be downloaded from Status’ website) so it can be programmed from a PC.

“Wireless technology is making new measurements possible in the process control industry. Status’ latest product looks set to help the technology take a giant leap forward in terms of its practical value to the industry”, Ian Pullin concludes.