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Wireless network monitors equipment at PPL power stations
Emerson Process Management’s Smart Wireless technology has proved to be “extremely cost-effective and reliable” for PPL Generation in providing continuous performance data on critical boiler feed pumps at Montour power station in Washingtonville, Pa., as well as feedwater and air heaters at the Brunner Island Unit 1 in York Haven, Pa.
“The additional information provided by the wireless instruments allows us to more effectively monitor the mechanical and thermal performance of these valuable assets,” according to Joe Murach, supervisor of equipment reliability.
Key temperature and pressure measurements were not available previously to populate software designed to analyze thermal performance and determine preventive maintenance schedules. Company officials have long wanted to obtain this information, but the high cost of installing wiring was a roadblock they could not overcome. Wireless was the only option for obtaining the needed data, Murach said.
Emerson’s Smart Wireless technology was chosen following an on-site demonstration that proved its ability to transmit reliably despite the dense infrastructure of the power plant. Then Rosemount wireless transmitters were installed at the Montour plant to monitor suction pressure and DP across the suction screen as well as other points that provide valuable insight as to the overall condition of the feedwater pumps.
A Smart Wireless network was installed at the Brunner Island plant to include wireless measurements that help determine thermal efficiency of the feedwater heater and the air preheating systems. More than 25 wireless transmitters were installed in a widely distributed layout around the unit’s feedwater and air heating systems. These points are pulled into the plant’s history as well as its reliability monitoring software.
“The Emerson technology is able to handle the power plant environment,” Murach said. “The transmitters communicate with the gateway without a problem even across several floors and through walls. Going wireless eliminated the need for drilling through concrete decks, installing conduit and cable trays, and pulling wires. Instead, we have an easily installed, cost-effective and reliable wireless network.”
Each wireless device in the PPL self-organizing network acts as a router for other nearby devices, passing messages along until they reach their destination. If there is an obstruction, transmissions are simply rerouted along the mesh until a clear path to the Smart Wireless Gateway is found. As conditions change or new obstacles are encountered, such as temporary scaffolding, new equipment or a parked construction trailer, the self-organizing wireless network simply finds a way to deliver the messages.
All of this happens automatically, without any involvement by the user, providing redundant communication paths and better reliability than direct, line-of-sight communications between individual devices and their gateway. This technology optimizes data reliability while minimizing power consumption. It also reduces the effort and infrastructure necessary to set up a successful wireless network.
Murach said, “We are now able to more closely monitor the condition of our valuable assets like the feedwater pumps and determine the thermal efficiency of critical equipment. The newly available information allows us to optimize boiler efficiency and detect problems at their onset. This enables our maintenance personnel to make repairs at the most opportune time rather than waiting until something fails unexpectedly.”
For further information, visit www.emersonprocess.com/smartwireless.
About PPL
PPL Corporation, headquartered in Allentown, Pa., controls more than 11,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets, and delivers electricity to more than 4 million customers in Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom.
Emerson Process Management, an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, water and wastewater treatment, mining and metals, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb, Fisher, Rosemount, Micro Motion, Daniel, DeltaV, Ovation and AMS Suite.
