Emerson Exchange 365

The many virtues of wireless video surveillance were on full display today at the 2014 Emerson Global Users Exchange in Stuttgart, Germany. I&C project managers René Biordi and Christian Gergen of EDF Group demonstrated how a new remote video monitoring system based on Emerson Process Management’s SmartWireless technology has improved safety and efficiency at the company's Belnod Thermal Power Plant.

The video installation project was part of a safety upgrade last year at the Blenod facility, located in Pont-à-Mousson, France. Working with Emerson engineers, EDF's project leads began by identifying eight coverage zones throughout the plant complex where video surveillance was needed. Emerson used Google Maps software to assist with conducting a site survey for planning the location of the network components and to help the customer visualize the various coverage zones.

“The project specifications called for the eight zones to be monitored by a digital camera linked to one of four wireless mesh access points (MAP), each of which would be connected to a wired root access point (RAP),” explained Biordi. “The proposed architecture was based on a mesh WiFi network with a theoretical maximum throughput of 270 Mb/s to ensure reliable video feeds. We used a mix of PTZ and fixed cameras linked to a large multiplex flat screen monitor in the control room for easy monitoring.”

“The wireless system was much cheaper and easier to deploy than traditional video,” Biordi said. “When we compared the cost and complexity of installing fiber optics, especially at an older facility like Blenod, wireless was clearly the better solution. Running cable could have also exposed workers to safety hazards and may have required shutting down parts of the plant during installation, which would have cost time and money. As far as risk mitigation is concerned, wireless was the obvious choice.”

Factory acceptance tests (FAT) were performed on all system components, allowing the engineers to troubleshoot problems and calibrate the equipment prior to installation. “The FAT process was a very important part of the project. It saved us the trouble of having to fix technical problems after the system was already in place,” said Gergen. Installation was completed in December 2013 and the system was brought online in January of this year.

With the cameras up and running, the results were immediate. “The new system allows our managers to optimize plant activities, which means fewer costly on-site maintenance trips,” said Gergen. “Key plant elements can now be monitored prior to dispatching workers into potentially hazardous areas. This will help reduce emergency response times. In addition, wireless mobility tools employed in the control room and throughout the plant will simplify troubleshooting and enhance overall operational efficiency,” he said. “The system will already begin paying for itself.”