These wireless products include an EJX-B series differential pressure and pressure transmitter, a YTA series temperature transmitter, and an integrated field wireless gateway  for field sensor networks.These field wireless devices are expected to satisfy a wide variety of requirements in the industrial automation field. To help companies achieve ever higher levels of productivity, Yokogawa will continue to develop various kinds of field wireless devices for both monitoring and control applications, and is also proposing the development of new field digital networks that integrate wireless and wired technologies.

Development Background

Wireless technology has the following strengths that well suit it for field device and control system applications:1. Reduces wiring and engineering costs 2. Field devices can be installed in difficult-to-wire locations 3. Plant safety is improved through the use of low-cost online device diagnostics. Despite such benefits, wireless networks have seen limited use to date in industrial automation applications due to their requirement for advanced technologies that ensure high reliability, real-time response, environmental resistance, and explosion-proof protection, and because of the absence until recently of an industrial communications standard for field wireless devices.

Approved in September 2009, the ISA 100.11a standard presents the following advantages for use in industrial automation:1. High reliability2. Suitable for a wide range of applications3. Improved flexibility and network expandability4. High compatibility with existing wired systemsThese new field wireless devices based on the ISA 100.11a standard fully complement Yokogawa’s measurement, control, and information solutions and are expected to make a significant contribution to the realization of the company’s VigilantPlant3 concept of the ideal plant. This new technology will help Yokogawa’s customers “See clearly, know in advance, and act with agility.” Yokogawa will continue to seek out solutions that secure its customers an optimum return on their investment throughout the plant lifecycle.

Product Concept

1. Suitability for monitoring, diagnostics, and control With bidirectional digital wireless networks based on the ISA100.11a standard, the production, device diagnostic, and parameter data transferred between a control system and field devices are securely encrypted. This wireless technology is ideal for status monitoring, device diagnostics, and control applications. 2. Multiple power sources These wireless devices are designed to run on explosion-proof batteries that can easily be replaced in hazardous locations. Yokogawa also plans to develop easy-to-maintain solar batteries for use with these devices. 3. The development of new technology while safeguarding investment in existing assets. As a partner with its customers, Yokogawa is always looking to develop new technology solutions while working to ensure full compatibility with customer’s current assets, thus protecting their investment. These products were designed with this requirement in mind.