Product category:
Fieldbus systems, Fibre-optic systems
News Release from: Omniflex (UK) | Subject: Omniflex "Conet"
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 17 July 2006
Communications: getting alarms before
its too late
Omniflex "Conet" networks are one of very few networks capable of running underground on low grade cables and is the only network capable of distances up to 10 km on a screened twisted pair cable
Omniflex has spent the majority of its 40 plus years existence devoted to the design and development of industrial communications and alarming systems: both heavily influenced by the mining industry Hard lessons learnt have moulded Omniflex products in some of the toughest, most capable and solution-rich products for the harsh conditions imposed by this mining environment
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 6 Oct 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Omniflex provides BNFL with real time alarm system
Following a major upgrade, processes at BNFL Springfields Building 633 are now monitored in real time, with alarms being time-stamped to a resolution of 10 milliseconds.
Online data logging available for ABB flowmeter
Omniflex has brought out the Teleterm Omnilog2, an online data logging system for the ABB Magmaster Electromagnetic Flowmeter.
Mining communications must endure under.
* Harsh environment - physically, electrically.
* Network unfriendly topologies.
Further reading
Role of alarm annunciators vital, says Omniflex
Omniflex has revealed that the role of alarm annunciators for dealing with critical alarms in modern plants is as important as ever.
Omniflex has eye for remote power supplies
Omniflex has been asked to provide an early-warning monitoring system to monitor the health of remote but critical power supplies - the scheme was based upon the Omniflex M2S RTU.
* Cabling limitations.
* Long distances.
* Changing architecture.
* Cost vs affordability benefit limitations.
In recent years many communications methodologies have been invested in by the mining industry for control networks, alarms, safety and voice communications.
Networks like leaky feeder systems, Ethernet, Profibus, have all found their way into the mine underground or overground.
Each has had to deal with the limiting factors above, in some cases producing fine solutions, while in others limited due to the physical and financial constraints in implementation.
Many successful mine communications systems utilise combinations of different types of network to achieve their objectives.
For many years the Omniflex "Conet" networks have been one of the very few networks capable of running underground on low grade cables and DEFINITELY the only network capable of distances up to 10 km on a screened twisted pair cable without the use of repeaters.
The success of Conet is attributed to its ability to run on most low grade cable.
Omniflex has now developed the new M2 series RTU that supersedes the ubiquitous squeezer systems from the 1980s to current times.
The Teleterm M2 Series RTUs are now available in many variants for network flexibility from Ethernet, Conet, Modbus, wireless forms with radio or GSM communications.
The M2 Series RTUs have the following features.
* Choice of integrated GSM SMS, radio, Conet, Ethernet communications.
* 12 direct inputs or outputs analogue or binary.
* Integrated Modbus port (Master or Slave modes).
* 9-30 V dc powered.
* Option for SD memory card to log data.
* Integral real-time clock battery backed.
* Robust, compact and DIN rail mounting.
* Easy configuration with free software tools.
On top of these the M2 RTUs are simple and easy to configure.
Configuration is easily done from a computer with a serial port.
The Windows-based menu-driven configuration with on-line help provides the user with a simple configuration to set up the unit.
This can be done post-installation using a laptop computer if required.
• Omniflex (UK): contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
