IoT solutions for hazardous industrial environments are transforming high-risk industries like petrochemicals and refineries. The challenges and risks associated with deploying electronic equipment in these volatile zones are significant, but innovative solutions are emerging to address these concerns effectively.
IoT Insider was invited to the Actility-hosted “Hazardous Area Certified IoT Solutions for the Process Industries” webinar to learn more, which provided valuable insights into this evolving landscape, discussing strategies, challenges, and advancements in IoT deployment in hazardous areas.
On the webinar, Olivier Hersent, CEO at Actility, discussed effective strategies for LPWAN network implementation in hazardous zones, James Eastwood, Product Manager at Extronics, analysed challenges of deploying LoRaWAN gateways in hazardous areas, Thijs Buuron, Head of Technology at TWTG spoke on navigating IECEx/ATEX certifications for hazardous areas, Rohit Gupta, Geolocation Product Manager at Actility, demonstrated asset tracking in hazardous environments with Abeeway’s ATEX/IECEx-certified trackers, and Franck Tanquerel, Senior Engineer at TotalEnergies, explored pioneering IoT in high-risk zones.
The complexities of high-risk IoT deployments
Deploying IoT solutions in explosive zones comes with a unique set of challenges. The equipment used must be meticulously designed to ensure safety and functionality in an environment where a single fault could lead to catastrophic consequences. The key is to strike a balance between technological innovation and strict adherence to safety standards, ensuring that the deployed solutions enhance operational efficiency without compromising on security.
Strategic LPWAN network implementation in hazardous areas
Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) solutions are gaining traction in hazardous environments due to their ability to provide efficient data communication over long distances with minimal power usage. Implementing these networks requires careful planning to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Key considerations include the setup of indoor gateways, management of network servers, and maintaining network resilience to ensure reliable service quality in challenging industrial settings.
Safety-centric design and certification
The design of IoT devices intended for hazardous areas is a critical aspect that requires navigating complex certification processes like IECEx/ATEX. These certifications ensure that devices are intrinsically safe, meaning they do not pose an explosion risk, even in fault conditions. The design process must incorporate safety as a fundamental principle, focusing on limiting current and temperature to prevent ignition risks.
Enhanced asset tracking in hazardous environments
Asset tracking within hazardous environments is advancing with the use of certified tracking technologies. ATEX/IECEx-Certified Trackers, for instance, are proving instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency and worker safety. These devices allow for precise tracking and monitoring of assets in explosive atmospheres, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and improving response times in emergency situations.
Pioneering IoT deployment strategies in high-risk zones
Implementing IoT solutions in hazardous areas requires innovative deployment strategies. One approach involves using specialized enclosure solutions to make equipment explosion-proof. These strategies focus on safeguarding against internal faults and ensuring continuous operation, even in the most challenging conditions.
The imperative of robust security and compliance
Security is paramount in hazardous area IoT deployments. Robust security measures, including secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and thorough security audits, are essential to protect sensitive data and systems. Compliance with stringent safety standards ensures that the deployed IoT solutions not only meet operational needs but also adhere to the highest safety protocols.
Leveraging IoT for predictive maintenance
IoT technology is proving to be a game-changer in predictive maintenance applications within hazardous environments. By continuously monitoring equipment and processes, IoT solutions can predict potential failures before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. This proactive approach to maintenance is critical in environments where equipment failure can have severe implications.
Final thoughts
IoT solutions for hazardous industrial environments are a critical step towards enhancing safety and operational efficiency. The insights from the webinar highlight the importance of strategic planning, safety-centric design, robust security measures, and innovative deployment strategies in overcoming the challenges of high-risk IoT deployments. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the promise of transforming the way hazardous industries operate, making them safer and more efficient.