As the world moves towards technology improvement, the requirements of safety and security in industries have also risen. There are some industries which have hazardous environment in some places around their factory spaces. Sensors are used in similar industries to check the occurrence of unfortunate events.
But sensors are used in only few industries. The main reason – you have to spend a fortune to buy them. Then there are other costs such as installation and maintenance. In this article you will gain details for pervasive sensing, explain its advantages and also the industries which use this tool.
In definition, pervasive sensing can be defined as using sensors to capture any kind of data in a manufacturing plant that can stall or cause hindrance in its full operation. Usually industries make use of inexpensive wireless users to monitor the activity.
Now shall we look into the details of this sensing in daily life?
A look at today’s cars and you can understand the importance of sensors. So you have engine knock sensors, mass airflow sensors which give essential data to the main computer that is related to engine control. Some sensors trigger alarm if the pressure in the tire becomes low and there are some which monitor the brake fluid (also washer fluid). There are some cars of the elegant variety which have been designed to trigger alarm if the driver is feeling drowsy or the car goes out of the traffic side lane.
In the manufacturing industry, pervasive sensing gives many advantages in regulatory compliance, worker safety, energy efficiency and reliability on equipment.
In case of an unfortunate situation, such as breakdown of fires, prediction of failures, shutdowns, slowdowns, it spots the problems and conveys the messages early. This allows the industry persons to avoid any causes of potential security threats. If you look at profits, it can provide better insight in operations so that the processes get optimized and there will be improvements in profitability and productivity.
Initial Stages
It was simple technology. In other words, wireless mesh technology. When small devices (let us imagine battery operated) were joined together and also to a main station to make a network, there was stable communication. But the distance was only few meters. Since these devices were wireless, there was absolutely no dependency on cables, and they can be monitored online.
The first companies to use this technology were industries which used rotating pumps to monitor the running of equipment. There was specialized software designed to keep a tab on reading and notify in case of failure. Technology then evolved and now oil processing plants are the major sectors which use these kinds of sensors to detect corrosion in equipment, safety release of components etc.
In recent times, pervasive sensing means deployment of many sensors but they need not be wireless. The normal sensors can monitor pressure, temperature, position of valves and oil spills whereas the wireless sensors can be used to detect gas leaks for smoke and flames.
- Process Critical Applications
As the title implies, it focuses on process safety and control. In case of severe mishaps, it triggers immediate response to avert manufacture of a low quality product to even the entire plant shutdown. However, it can happen only when the entire equipment as well applications are automated and there is a proper control system.
However, every industry is yet to accept this facility. At present, the sensors keep the operators informed and in case of problems, the operators do the necessary work.
In the future, there has to be specially designed tools so that only one alarm is sounded and the plant goes for a shut down. Or else, there will be so many alarms and the result will be a complete chaos.
- Business-critical Applications
You say, business critical application, you are focusing on reliability, energy efficiency and site safety. The data gathered from various sources needs a better and patient response than an immediate one. Failure to act on the data will lead to unwanted increase in use of energy or total plant shutdowns.
Conclusion
In the last decade, pervasive sensing for businesses was mainly stunted by the cost, lack of experienced workers, complex technology and the challenges in accessing and using of the stored data. The expense was high while the returns were low. But times changed, and instrumentation improvements as well analytic software changed the very equation.
In the future, pervasive sensing will definitely make a mark on all industries in the sectors of profitability, productivity and environmental compliance.
Are you an entrepreneur? Do you dabble in many businesses such as home services and also manufacturing of components for oil refineries? Then please note that pervasive sensing will the major contributor for safety in oil refineries in the future.
