Integrated wireless streaming video improves safety

22 February 2010

Emerson Process Management has further developed Smart Wireless solutions by integrating video streams from the Industrial Video & Control Co.’s (IVC) Relay Server, with the DeltaV digital automation system. For process manufacturers, the benefits of having a live video feed embedded within the DeltaV Operate display are many.

Integration of wireless streaming video improves safety

These benefits include improved safety, as operators can remotely monitor hazardous areas, enabling an additional "all-clear" visual before the execution of a process start-up, shut-down, or turn-around and improved security by providing additional ‘eyes’ on the process area, remote plant areas, or site perimeter. In addition, productivity is improved by enabling a live visual of the process being controlled to appear alongside the process measurements. Emissions monitoring is also improved with video monitoring for plant emissions, exact start and stop times for excursions can be identified so reporting to regulatory agencies is more accurate.

Video surveillance is becoming an indispensible part of process plant safety, security and operations. Using wireless technology, mission-critical video feeds can now be delivered to the control room, office buildings and other areas in the plant in a highly flexible way that is not possible with a wired solution. Live video feeds can augment the operators control of volatile processes.

IVC offers a range of industrial video solutions that include enterprise-class camera management software and rugged IP camera hardware. For hazardous areas, IVC has developed ATEX Zones 1 and 2, Class 1 Division 1 and 2 Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ), fixed, and high megapixel cameras. IVC’s software provides powerful and flexible features for viewing and controlling cameras from multiple locations, as well as sophisticated storage and automatic alarm functions.

The operator will now be able to view multiple video feeds within the context of the Operate screen, and with onscreen buttons, switch cameras or manipulate the PTZ camera’s view. IVC’s View Station software can also be used to provide operators with many additional features including video system automation, alarm management, and live and stored video viewing and control.

Emerson can provide services to install, qualify and support these wireless offerings as well as integrate wireless products from other wireless partners, providing process manufacturers with a single point of contact for their wireless needs.

Smart Wireless solutions for plant-wide operations include a variety of applications including, mobile worker, field data backhaul of remote WirelessHART field instruments, safety mustering, location tracking for personnel, control network bridging and remote video monitoring.

Smart Wireless is an extension of PlantWeb digital architecture that offers solutions for field instrumentation and plant operations. Emerson’s Smart Wireless products include pressure, temperature, level, vibration, and pH field devices; wireless enabling devices; and native wireless interfaces to the DeltaV and Ovation automation systems, AMS Suite software, Syncade suite smart operations management, and SmartStart services.