Yokogawa Releases Wireless Noise Surveillance System, an OpreX Measurement Solution

July 1, 2019 - PRLog -- Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) announces that it has developed a wireless noise surveillance system that monitors and maps plant noise levels in real time, and is releasing this as part of its OpreX^TM Measurement lineup. The system will be released first in Europe on July 24, with expansion to other markets following in short order.

This online plant noise surveillance system employs wireless technology and explosion-proof sensors, an industry first^*1. Even in plants where noise levels change drastically over time, noise mapping can be applied to plan work schedules that will ensure workers do not exceed specified limits for number of work hours in a noisy environment. Through the release of such solutions, Yokogawa is helping to improve health, safety and the environment (HSE) and bolster work productivity.

Development Background

In plants there are many different noise sources, and noisy work environments require measures such as limited work hours and the use of earplugs so that workers do not suffer hearing loss. Handheld sound level meters are being brought into plants to regularly measure noise levels at different locations, but actual noise levels can vary significantly between the points in time when these manual readings are made, depending on factors such as the status of the plant equipment and the time of day. To facilitate protective measures such as the creation of appropriate work schedules, there is the need for a solution that can continuously gather and analyze data in real time using readings from multiple locations throughout a plant.

In response to this need, Yokogawa began working in 2016 with Equinor ASA Norway, one of the world's largest offshore oil and gas companies, to jointly develop an online system that monitors workplace noise levels in real time. With Yokogawa's field wireless technology and expertise and Equinor's extensive plant operations knowledge, the companies were able to successfully develop this wireless noise surveillance system.

Yokogawa has now acquired a license from Equinor and will begin manufacturing and selling this system.

Features

The principal components of this system are the WN100 wireless noise meter and the WN30 noise mapping software. Compliant with the ISA100 Wireless^*2 network protocol, WN100 sensors can be installed at many locations throughout a plant to measure noise levels and transmit this data in real time to servers via gateway devices such as the Yokogawa YFGW410 field wireless management station. From this data, the WN30 software can then construct in real time a noise map and superimpose this onto an actual map of the plant. Via an Ethernet connection, computers in the central control room and other key locations can then display these graphics in a web browser.

(1) System configuration

(2) Noise map

1.      Worker health

By viewing noise maps before heading to the worksite, workers can find out in real time what the noise levels will be at that location so that they can take necessary precautions such as bringing earplugs or ear muffs that are designed for the anticipated sound levels, and estimating how long they can stay in that location without experiencing hearing loss.

2.      Design of work plans

Occupational safety-related laws and guidelines in each country help to prevent hearing loss by limiting the number of hours personnel can be exposed to specific noise levels. Noise maps can be used to design appropriate work schedules.

3.      Reduced wiring costs

This system employs ISA100 Wireless technology. Compared to conventional wired systems, this system is better suited for applications where sensors must be installed over a wide area in often difficult-to-wire locations. Installation costs are lower, even with systems that have many sensors.

Kenji Hasegawa, a Yokogawa vice president who heads the IA Products and Service Business Headquarters, had the following to say about the release of this system: "In 2017 Yokogawa established three sustainability goals, one of which is to ensure the well-being of all. This wireless noise surveillance system is beneficial in helping to ensure worker health. At Yokogawa, we will keep supporting people's health and prosperity through our business activities."

Major Target Markets

Oil, petrochemical, chemical, iron and steel, and other types of plants

Application

Real-time monitoring of plant noise levels

About Equinor ASA

Equinor is the new name of a Norwegian energy company previously known as Statoil. It is one of the largest offshore oil and gas companies in the world and a growing force in renewables. The Equinor value chain covers everything from upstream to downstream from exploration and project works to production, transport, and sales.

About OpreX

OpreX is the comprehensive brand for Yokogawa's industrial automation (IA) and control business. The OpreX name stands for excellence in the technologies and solutions that Yokogawa cultivates through the co-creation of value with its customers, and encompasses the entire range of Yokogawa's IA products, services, and solutions. This brand comprises the following five categories: OpreX Transformation, OpreX Control, OpreX Measurement, OpreX Execution, and OpreX Lifecycle. This wireless noise surveillance system is part of the OpreX Measurement category. The OpreX Measurement category includes field equipment and systems for highly precise measurement, data collection, and analysis.

With this brand, Yokogawa will deliver integrated solutions that address specific needs and support its customers in their efforts to transform and grow their businesses.

*1 Based on a June 2019 Yokogawa survey

*2 A network protocol based on the ISA100.11a wireless communication standard for industrial automation that was developed by the International Society of Automation (ISA), and the applications necessary for its implementation. This was approved as the IEC62734 international standard by IEC in October 2014. The ISA100 Wireless system is fast and reliable, and can link devices that are scattered over a wide area.

*3 WN100 and YFGW510 are to be installed at the plant site.

About Yokogawa

Founded in 1915, Yokogawa engages in broad-ranging activities in the areas of measurement, control, and information. The industrial automation business provides vital products, services, and solutions to a diverse range of process industries including oil, chemicals, natural gas, power, iron and steel, and pulp and paper. With the life innovation business, the company aims to radically improve productivity across the pharmaceutical and food industry value chains. The test & measurement, aviation, and other businesses continue to provide essential instruments and equipment with industry-leading precision and reliability. Yokogawa co-innovates with its customers through a global network of 113 companies spanning 60 countries, generating US$3.6 billion in sales in FY2018. For more information, please visit www.yokogawa.com.

The names of corporations, organizations, products, services and logos herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Yokogawa Electric Corporation or their respective holders.