Remote
control technology is changing the every aspect of the process control
industry in the same way it is changing our everyday lives. The most
important part of the industrial automation system is that it needs to
be able to quickly and cost effectively obtain real-time data from
anywhere in the field at any time. As the numbers of gigantic machines
are increasing gradually the plants are also seeking for modern devices
to control and evaluate critical processes over wireless networks.
The
obvious advantage of wireless automation is the immediate savings that
can be realized in installation process as well as the maintenance of
the system. Using remote control technology can save as much as 50
percent less than the manual labors as an alternative way. Industrial
wireless automation isn’t just an idea about data acquisition and
process control. It is actually a tool for ensuring effective solutions
for workforce mobility, equipment monitoring, physical and cyber
security, and at the same time personal safety. There are also some
users who are currently employing wireless automation systems just for
only field instrument monitoring, most of the large industrial plants
have already employed wireless networks into other areas of the plant
rather than field instrument monitoring.
There are different
types of wireless industrial remote controls such as crane service
remote controls, RFID Equipped Remote Readout System, Aircraft Refueling
System, Transport Leak detection System, Wireless Driver Authorization
System, Wireless Emergency Shut-off System and many more. These modern
wireless industrial systems provide cost effective means to controlling
machineries such as pumps, fuels, tank truck equipment, wirelessly.
These
remote control systems help the companies to save a large amount of
money per year on average through improved uptime and reduced
maintenance and repair costs. These remote control solutions wirelessly
transmit data about the condition of the equipments to the control
system and asset management system. This unique system equips operators
and maintenance personnel with the knowledge to schedule maintenance,
manage inventories and support efficient workflow scheduling.
The
main parts of these radio remote control systems are the transmitter
unit and the handheld receiver control unit. The frequency of the
transmitter can be up to 433.92MHz. The transmitter can work with 56 bit
DES encryption key transmission method. Most of these wireless
industrial transmitters are generally constructed in a rugged
weatherproof aluminum enclosure. An externally mounted helical antenna
is also available with a normal ranging power up to 1000 feet. Higher
power is also available. This transmitter can work well within a
temperature specification of minus 20 F to 185 F. Normal ‘AA’ type
battery is used as a main power supply for the system. The battery has
300 hours of continuous using capacity. Low battery LED indicator is
also available. The transmitter is actually an intrinsically safe unit
for using in hazardous environments.
The receiver unit of these
modern radio remote controls is controlled with 12/24VDC power supply.
Optional 120VAC systems are also available. The receiver unit can take
the current load up to 4 Amps @ 12VDC per channel or 8 Amps total. The
receiver unit is constructed in a Water resistant, impact resistant
polycarbonate enclosure.