(37f) The Future of Wireless in Refining

Wireless technology is currently used in refining for remote applications like in the tank farm where wired solutions are costly because of distances. What will be the role of wireless in five years for the refining industry? The refinery of the future will be an open, smart, wireless digital plant. Wireless will be used for all kinds of applications, including advanced process control. State-of-the art security is enforced, so that unwanted influences cannot penetrate the control network. For applications powered by batteries, it is important to note that battery life continues to improve, but the other side of the signal transmission power requirement equation is just as important. Methodologies have been developed that use exception reporting to conserve power. In other words, signals are transmitted only after a significant difference in the signal is detected. Control algorithms are modified to account for intermittent signal transmission. Sophisticated scheduling is used to ensure bandwidth. Communications use the new wireless HART standard so that the technology can move ahead with standard protocols.

This presentation will focus on the enablers of advanced process control in refining using wireless communications.