Tracking Transportable Wireless Transmitters in Process Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial settings, especially in hydrocarbon production and processing plants, existing wireless transmission devices for sensor data are often not transportable, prone to misplacement, or confused with other devices, hindering system monitoring, diagnostics, and troubleshooting due to the lack of a reliable method for tracking and locating these devices.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transportable wireless transmission device that can receive and transmit sensor data and component-specific information using RFID and GPS, allowing for the mapping and tracking of components within a plant layout, enabling efficient localization and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless transmission devices are made transportable to improve flexibility and reduce cabling costs, then ease of operation and cost are improved, but the devices become susceptible to misplacement, loss, and confusion with other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location tracking devices as intermediaries between the transportable wireless transmission devices and the central repository. These tracking devices attach to the movable wireless devices and provide continuous location information, mediating the problem of device misplacement while maintaining transportability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the location of wireless transmission devices through tracking devices and communicating this information to the central repository. This feedback mechanism allows operators to know the real-time status and location of each device, preventing misplacement and enabling quick recovery if devices are lost.
2Reliability
If wired data transmission is used to ensure reliable data transmission, then reliability is improved, but cabling costs and commissioning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with wireless transmission technology. Wireless transmission devices communicate with the central repository through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cables, junction boxes, and trenches while maintaining data transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transmission devices perform multiple functions: they transmit sensor data wirelessly, provide location information through integrated tracking, and enable both permanent and temporary monitoring applications. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate wired infrastructure and tracking systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless transmission devices are used to reduce cabling costs and commissioning time, then ease of manufacture and installation are improved, but tracking and monitoring of device locations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The location tracking device is nested within or attached to the wireless transmission device, forming an integrated unit. This nesting approach allows the tracking functionality to travel with the wireless device, enabling continuous location detection without adding separate external tracking infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the physical device location through the tracking device. The tracking device captures and transmits location information that replicates the physical position of the wireless transmission device in the digital monitoring system, enabling easy location detection and mapping.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for wirelessly monitoring a property in a process, comprising a sensor data device for providing sensor data relating to the process a memory device comprising information, wherein the information comprises transmission information, a transportable wireless transmission device configured to receive the sensor data and the information, interpret the transmission information, and transmit the sensor data, the information, or both to a receiving station using the transmission information, and a temporary mounting position in proximity to the memory device for temporarily positioning the transportable wireless transmission device.