Wireless Goes Process Automation ¿ Challenges in Hazardous Areas
Stephan Schultz · 2007
Wireless is predicted to be one of the fastest growing technologies in the area of automation technology in the upcoming years. It is obvious that the ongoing trend towards wireless transmission of data like e.g. WLAN, Bluetooth, ZigBee is entering the hazardous areas of the chemical, petro-chemical or pharmaceutical industry too. There is unfortunately not the one and only technology covering all needs. The applied wireless solution need to be selected carefully based on the demands of the application. Beside all mentioned challenges in the field of wireless functions what are the specifics when wireless enters the hazardous area? Could a wireless signal become an ignition source? What are the limits for the radiated power? How could wireless technology be implemented in the hazardous area? What is the best and most effective way to install it? The presentation discusses these questions and will explain solutions with the advantages and disadvantages. The Pros and Cons of available and future explosion protection techniques will be discussed with the necessary background information and standards.