FF-AUTOMATION has recently launched wireless sensors that can transfer temperature, pressure, switching and other data to PLC (programmable logic controllers), control room Scada (supervisory control and data acquisition), database or other systems.

The data is sent wirelessly and bidirectionally to and from the AutoLog master unit, from which it can be sought using standard Modbus RTU (remote terminal unit) protocol.

AutoLog wireless sensor systems can be used with any automation system in the market which supports Modbus RTU protocol (95 per cent of all automation systems support this).

FF-Automation says it can also offer complete systems to system integrators or end customers. These complete solutions include not only the wireless sensors, but also the data gateway and control unit (AutoLog) and suitable control room (Scada) solution.

“Wireless sensors open new fields of remote monitoring and control applications,” says a spokesman for the Finland-based company. “Traditional monitoring and control applications that needed expensive wirings can be now done at just a fraction of the total cost.”

Some application areas include:

• Ground water monitoring: This area of application involves level and water quality measurements that range from landfill, roadwork, construction, waste treatment to sod production areas or any other areas, which face potential contamination threat;

• Surface water monitoring: This covers level measurement (can be locked to local reference datum, for example N43, N60, N2000, ED50, WGS84), flood detection, dam leak detection as well as water quality measurements, environmental application, water treatment facilities, oil and algae concentrations in water, waste water pumps control and flow meters.

“Wireless systems eliminate expensive cabling and allow an unrestricted choice of installation areas even in the most difficult locations – an exercise that was previously not economically feasible,” the spokesman adds.

Battery-powered wireless sensors need to have their battery replaced at intervals of up to 10 years, depending on the battery capacity. At the core of the sensors is an intelligent software, which manages the device networking and power-saving modes. Information transfer is bidirectional, so the output controls are also possible to apply.

“AutoLog wireless sensors are based on the 869 MHz radio technology, a band that is free of licensing in EU and several other countries. It is defined as free radio spectrum band, which can be used without official permits as long as the transmission power does not exceed the permissible value,” the spokesman explains.

Some of the advantages include fast and low-cost installation requiring no cabling; works with power supply or battery; easy expansion of sensor network; easy addition of new routers; automatic routing; several measurements can be sent simultaneously; output controls are also possible to apply (needs power supply); rapid implementation of the entire system; compact equipment; ease of installation even in difficult places; standard Modbus RTU protocol interface; complete project solutions from the same supplier; and data transferred to PLC/Scada/GSM/web/database.

They are suitable for various measurements like temperature, pressure, flow, etc; maintenance monitoring; control of devices; alarms; energy facilities monitoring; environmental measurements; building automation; and many other applications.