Wireless "first" for 3-in-1 monitoring
John Crane, a leading designer and manufacturer of mechanical sealing technology, has developed what it believes to be the first purpose-built wireless device of its type for the real-time remote monitoring of pressure, temperature and level of the barrier fluid in a system.
John Crane, a leading designer and manufacturer of mechanical sealing technology, has developed what it believes to be the first purpose-built wireless device of its type for the real-time remote monitoring of pressure, temperature and level of the barrier fluid in a system.
Detecting early signs of potential seal damage enable preventative measures to be taken before a seal failure occurs or the process fluid becomes contaminated.
As there is no hard wiring, the 3in1 Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is said to be easier, faster and far less expensive to install than conventional systems. John Crane estimates the potential savings to be up to 80% compared with installing an equivalent cabled system.
It also achieves significant labour savings as it removes the need for time-consuming, subjective visual inspections of vessels. Furthermore, there are health and safety benefits as operator involvement is reduced.
The sensor nodes are battery operated and have an expected life of up to five years. They are preconfigured, are quick and easy to fit and require minimal maintenance.
Up to 15 nodes can transmit back to a single gateway receiver and up to five gateways can be handled by one server, meaning that up to 75 vessels can be monitored by a single system.
The nodes are ATEX approved for zone 0, and the overall system is approved for zone 1.The range is up to 300 metres in a plant environment and up to 1,500 metres with direct line of sight.
