Smart wireless enables instrumentation upgrade in Czech Republic 28 March 2013

RWE Gas Storage says it is now maximising the capacity of its Dolní Dunajovice underground gas storage facility in the Czech Republic, thanks to Emerson Process Management's smart wireless technology.

Five smart wireless networks and more than 100 wireless measurement devices were installed, and Pavel Silinger, energy manager at RWE Gas Storage, says the result is increased visibility into the process, and hence improved capacity.

Automating data collection has also eliminated manual rounds at the plant, improving operator efficiency and safety, he indicates.

"We needed to upgrade our existing instrumentation and add additional measurements, but with just two short windows of opportunity each year and no available cabling infrastructure, it was impossible to complete the work [in time]," explains Silinger.

"And extending the downtime would cost RWE an estimated $250,000 a day in lost income." Hence the value of the cable-free technology, and hence RWE's selection of smart wireless IEC 62591 (WirelessHART) technology from Emerson.

RWE simply added Smart Wireless Gateways to its existing Modbus network, says Silinger, and all data from the new wireless transmitters was then available within the control system.

Instruments installed are predominantly Emerson's Rosemount wireless pressure and temperature transmitters, with some Rosemount guided wave radar level transmitters and Fisher control valves connected, using Emerson's THUM adapters.

"Emerson's wireless solution takes only a quarter of the time to install, and saves around 20% of the cost of a cabled installation," states Silinger.

"The availability of HART data, including diagnostics, from new and existing devices, was another significant reason for selecting smart wireless and is helping us to improve plant maintenance procedures."

Interestingly, in addition to better process management, Silinger says RWE is also now saving 10% per year on its total maintenance costs.

Remote online access to diagnostic information enables operators to identify potential instrument problems earlier and correct them before poor measurements start to affect the process.

Access to online data has also reduced the number of trips into the field, helping to improve the safety of equipment and workers.

Based on the successful implementation of wireless technology at the Dolní Dunajovice site, RWE now plans to implement Emerson's smart wireless at all of its underground storage facilities in the Czech Republic.

Brian Tinham

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