Applying Wireless Communications Technology to Industrial Trace Heating

Abstract

Wireless technology as a means of providing communications for industrial electric trace heating installations has proven to be a positive alternative to hardwired solutions. Furthermore, wireless technology can be an effective means to extend or supplement existing hardwired installations. Advancements in wireless technology provide ripostes to common issues encountered in an industrial facility, interference chief among them. Selection of wireless, hardwired, or a combination of both technologies depends on several considerations such as overall installation complexity, area of installation, monitoring and control communication requirements and cost. Wireless is typically applied for a variety of reasons - as a means to reduce Total Installed Cost (TlC), to provide communications to less accessible locations, and to reduce overall implementation time. The design and implementation of wireless systems pose several new and interesting challenges resulting in the creation of new design practices and execution procedures. The wireless solutions created to overcome multiple trace heating communication challenges at a North American petrochemical facility resulted in valuable insight, considerations and recommendations for future installations. As demonstrated in this application, wireless systems designed and implemented in a concise and logical manner can be an attractive alternative to hardwired systems.