Process Control Using People and Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process control systems in large industrial facilities face challenges in implementing continuous real-time people and asset tracking, which is crucial for safety and operational efficiency, especially in managing access to restricted areas and responding to incidents.
Innovation Solution
Integration of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and real-time location systems (RTLS) into process control systems to track people and assets, enabling the system to control processes based on location data, such as evacuating areas or identifying personnel presence, through a network of wireless devices, RFID tags, and RTLS servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous real-time people and asset tracking systems are implemented in large processing facilities, then safety monitoring and operational efficiency are improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is divided into multiple independent components: UWB RFID tags attached to people and assets, fixed infrastructure nodes deployed throughout the facility, and a central processing system. Each component performs a specific function, making the overall system manageable despite its scale and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The UWB RFID tracking system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks location of people and assets, monitors safety conditions, enables operational efficiency improvements, and provides data for process control decisions. This multi-functionality justifies the system complexity by delivering comprehensive value across multiple operational dimensions
2Area of stationary object
If UWB RFID tracking technology is deployed to cover large indoor or outdoor areas, then tracking coverage and real-time location accuracy are improved, but infrastructure requirements and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system deploys infrastructure nodes at specific strategic locations throughout the large facility areas, creating localized tracking zones that collectively provide comprehensive coverage. Each node is positioned to optimize coverage of critical areas while managing overall deployment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional tracking to three-dimensional spatial tracking using UWB technology, enabling accurate location determination in large volumetric spaces including indoor and outdoor areas, thereby expanding effective coverage area
3Productivity
If real-time location data is integrated into process control systems, then operational efficiency and automated control workflows are improved, but data integration complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is merged with the existing process control system, allowing location data to be integrated into current control workflows and decision-making processes. This integration enables automated control actions based on real-time location information without creating entirely separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time location data from the tracking system provides continuous feedback to the process control system, enabling dynamic adjustments to operational parameters, automated safety responses, and optimized workflow management based on current personnel and asset positions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safer and more efficient control of industrial processes by ensuring proper personnel and asset management, enhancing compliance with safety regulations and allowing for real-time monitoring and response to incidents within large facilities.
Implementation Method 1
The development of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking technology and other technology has made it possible to track people and assets in very large facilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and computer program for process control using people and asset tracking information are provided. One or more process control data elements are received, which define a location associated with a person and/or an asset in a processing environment. At least part of the processing environment is controlled using the one or more process control data elements. For example, the processing environment could be controlled based on whether a specified area has been evacuated or whether one or more specified personnel or types of personnel are present in the specified area. The location can also be used to prevent the person and/or the asset from entering a restricted part of the processing environment, identify any people failing to reach specified zones of the processing environment during an incident, and identify a current actual or estimated location of at least one person to be rescued in the processing environment.