Monitoring Environmental Conditions
Challenge
A semiconductor fab needs to monitor temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen levels at multiple points within their processing plant, along a 2 kilometer long process piping system.
They require a solution that monitors temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen levels, provides a location for the monitoring points, and collects all data to a central point and interfaces with their SCADA system. The solution needs to create an efficient, safe work environment for all employees. With over 2 kilometers of underground tunnel piping systems, installing cable to each monitoring location is cost prohibitive.
Solution
A Modbus-based, wireless I/O network that monitors sensor data at each location, in addition to providing hard-wire control outputs based on sensor data met the customer’s needs. Using Banner’s Modbus MultiHop Wireless I/O system allows the customer to monitor each environmental variable independently. This information is transmitted through the wireless network to a local controller and then on to a central control room where additional networks of environmental and/or process data can be monitored simultaneously.
The MultiHop network consists of 25 wireless devices including sensors, controllers, and I/O devices. The Modbus MultiHop Master Radio collects and routes data from all the repeater and slave radios, communicates via Modbus RTU which is a universally accepted protocol for most HMI, PLC, or SCADA systems. The repeater and slave radios provides a junction for Modbus slave devices and has a built-in analog I/O, provides a location from its address within the Modbus MultiHop radio network, and extends the range of the network by providing a repeater station to extend distances and get around radio signal obstacles. The MultiHop network also includes the M12FTHQ3 Temperature and Humidity Sensor and CL50 Indicator Lights with Audible Alarm.