e-Report

September 2007

Elster and DCSI Releases its A3 Alpha Meter with TWACS UMT-C

Elster Electricity has released the Universal Metering Transponder (UMT-C-A3) for Elster's A3 ALPHA meter. The UMT-C transponder expands the capabilities of the TWACS power line communications network to retrieve critical meter data from the A3 Alpha meter at commercial and industrial metering locations.

In addition to the quality meter reading features of TWACS CMTs, the UMT-C-A3 provides enhanced outage tracking and analysis, demand reset and more mapped registers (up to 32). The UMT-C communicates with the A3 ALPHA meter using ANSI C12.19-1997 standard tables to provide remote retrieval of meter data for energy consumption, maximum demand, power factor, reactive energy, apparent energy, reverse energy notification and per phase voltage readings. Status and alarms originating in the meter are also retrieved and reported.

The UMT-C provides a seven-day history of daily consumption readings and supports up to four channels of interval data with a data capacity of up to 35 days depending on the DCSI host system used. These channels can be used to record interval data of forward, reverse, net or secure energy in 15, 30 or 60 minute interval periods. The transponder is capable of supporting Fast Poll inquiries that allow quick and easy outage assessment using DCSI's Proasys software application. UMT-C transponders fully support detailed outage information in the form of blink and sustained outage information.

The UMT-C complements the A3 Alpha meter with its wide voltage range capabilities. The A3 Alpha equipped with the UMT-C transponder may be installed on any meter with voltages between 120 V and 480 V. This wide voltage application reduces the number of meter/transponder combinations that would be required to meet the variety of electrical services provided by the utility, thereby reducing inventory and operation costs.

Emerson Introduces Rosemount Ultrasonic Level Transmitters

Emerson Process Management has expanded its range of level measurement instrumentation with the introduction of the Rosemount 3100 series Ultrasonic level transmitters. The new range offers Rosemount reliability and predictive intelligence in an easy to install and configure package. The 3100 series transmitters are well suited for monitoring liquid level in tanks and open air applications where long maintenance intervals are a key requisite.

The non-contact sensor in the 3100 is made from an inert material offering superior corrosion resistance and low maintenance requirements. The integral or remote mounted temperature sensor enables automatic corrections where temperature changes in the tank free space could otherwise result in an inaccurate reading.

Available with threaded or flanged connections and suitable for the chemical, oil and gas, power, water and wastewater industries, the transmitters are easy to install and also, thanks to several pre-programmed laws and strapping tables, easy to configure. Diagnostic information from the 3100 can be captured by using Emerson's AMS Suite software, or by using any other HART communications tool such as the 375 Field Communicator. These tools, or the local operator interface, can also be used to configure the transmitter.

The transmitters can be combined with the Rosemount 3490 series of wall and panel mounted control units, providing power and comprehensive control options. The transmitter is available with two integral relays, adding to the local control functionality and can also provide both high and low level alarms.

The three new transmitters include the 3101, designed for use where an economical liquid level measurement is required with a 4 to 20 mA output, the 3102 which includes HART communications and integral relays, and the 3105 which is certified intrinsically safe and can be used to measure distance, level, or calculate volume or flow in an open channel.

Wireless Network from Banner Engineering is Purpose-Built for Sensing Applications

Banner Engineering Corp. has introduced its SureCross Wireless Network, featuring proprietary radio frequency (RF) design, advanced power management features and robust communications integrity. SureCross is designed and built by Banner, and it is optimized for a wide range of challenging sensing and control applications with reliability, security and deterministic response capabilities.

The most basic SureCross network consists of a gateway system controller and one or more remotely located nodes that bring monitoring and control capabilities to connected I/O. Nodes are easily deployed throughout a facility, gathering information to be concentrated at the gateway. Each gateway can simultaneously support up to 15 nodes and each node can accommodate up to 12 I/O points, depending on configuration. Rugged, self-contained Banner SureCross gateways and nodes accommodate both digital and analog I/O in a single platform.

SureCross also offers bidirectional Rx/Tx communications with reliable performance capabilities to provide monitoring and control in processing applications. This feature protects information during communication interruption or failure by reverting to a configured default output condition. The network automatically returns to normal operational status when the RF link is re-established.

SureCross is designed with added operational reliability and optimum security required for industrial applications by employing Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) communications, integrity verified by bidirectional transceivers in each device to fully acknowledge data transmission. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) slots guarantee bandwidth to each node, while polling and site survey capabilities ensure communication integrity, either at the gateway or locally at each device by means of an integrated display.

SureCross offers both 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz models, allowing deployment of advanced wireless capabilities anywhere in the world. Power for remote Nodes is facilitated by Banner's innovative FlexPower solution that offers the flexibility of line power, solar power or years of continuous operation using Banner's exclusive FlexPower battery module.

The SureCross Wireless Network operates in extreme environments while eliminating the need for costly wiring runs, making it well suited for a broad range of factory and process applications. Some of these applications include remote monitoring of towers or tank farms, detection of water tank levels, municipal water monitoring for multiple data points, physical plant energy monitoring and management and storage room security and access monitoring.

Your utility company operates well beyond your normal service area. At any given moment communications between nearby plants, local emergency services and fielded representatives or contractors may be required. To provide a solution in these varied environments, Raytheon JPS Communication's ACU technology allows users to interface their radio system with other radio systems without having to replace existing equipment.

The ACU-M is similar to Raytheon's ACU-1000 device in that it provides interoperability among multiple radio systems operating on different frequencies, just on a smaller scale. It provides interoperability between its four audio ports, two VoIP channels and a headset port. It is also small enough to be easily transported and robust enough to compliment most communications suites.

This device can be used to connect iDEN phones to radio users in the field or it can seamlessly connect a radio system to city, county or state public safety agencies during a time of a severe weather. The ACU-M is also feature rich, simple to use and can be networked and managed remotely. Its intuitive interface enables simple operation and provides field diagnostics and programming capabilities.

The network option for the ACU-M allows the device to be easily upgraded and controlled anywhere on a network and in a variety of field applications. This connectivity allows multiple ACU devices to be linked by an IP network and managed with the Wide Area Interoperability System (WAIS) Controller software, the system's graphical user interface. Operators stationed at multiple utility plants or control points can easily monitor communications and form or disband multiple user talk groups anywhere on the network.

ISA's Security Technologies for Industrial Automation and Control Systems Technical Report Submitted to ANSI

ISA-TR99.00.01, Security Technologies for Industrial Automation and Control Systems, has been submitted to ANSI for approval as an ANSI Technical Report.

The need for protecting Industrial Automation and Control System (IACS) computer environments from malicious cyber intrusions has grown significantly over the last decade. The combination of the increased use of open systems, platforms and protocols in the IACS environment; along with an increase in joint ventures, alliance partners and outsourcing has lead to increased threats and a higher probability of cyber attacks.

As these threats and vulnerabilities increase, the risk of a cyber attack on an industrial communication network correspondingly increases, as well as the need for the protection of computer and networked based Information Sharing and Analysis Centers.

Additionally, the growth in intelligent equipment and embedded systems; increased connectivity to computer and networked equipment and software; and enhanced external connectivity coupled with rapidly increasing incidents of network intrusion, more intelligent hackers, and malicious yet easily accessible software, all add to the risk.

There are numerous electronic security technologies and cyber intrusion counter measures potentially available to the IACS environment. The Security Technologies for Industrial Automation and Control Systems Technical Report introduces several categories of cyber security technologies and countermeasure techniques and discusses specific types of applications within each category, the vulnerabilities addressed by each type, suggestions for their deployment and their known strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, guidance is provided for using the various categories of security technologies and countermeasure techniques for mitigation of the above-mentioned increased risks.

The document does not make recommendations of one cyber security technology or mitigation method over others, but provides recommendations and guidance for using the technologies and methods, as well as information to consider when developing a site or corporate cyber security policy, program and procedures for the IACS environment.

LiveData has deployed, with Oracle, the companies' SCADA integration solution for distribution outage management by Georgia Power Company. The largest electric utility in Georgia, GPC has improved its response to outages and other distribution issues using Oracle Utilities Outage Management SCADA and the LiveData ICCP Server.

GPC's SCADA system gathers information from remote sensors, learning the status of devices on the power network. The LiveData ICCP Server interfaces data to Oracle Utilities' network management adapter. Once SCADA data reaches Oracle Utilities Outage Management SCADA, the Oracle Utilities network management system integrates and analyzes it to identify power distribution issues.

The Inter-Control Center Protocol (ICCP) is an interconnection standard between SCADA and energy management systems ( EMS). Oracle Utilities brings its expertise of analyzing SCADA data for distribution network outages, by interfacing to LiveData's ICCP Server. LiveData provides the ICCP protocol product and protocol expertise for ICCP data exchange with SCADA and EMS systems.

Providing outage management systems with SCADA data results in more efficient outage analysis and immediately allows operators to see SCADA-detected outages in the outage management system. Seeing device status and changes allows user to react more quickly and with more flexibility than waiting for customer service calls.

In the past, customers suffering a power outage would call-in to GPC's customer care center and then the system would try to discern the location and cause (a breaker, a transformer, downed power line, etc.). Using SCADA and network management software takes the guesswork out of it. Now, if a customer calls in, sensors may have already reported and isolated the problem. The system will enable the service desk to inform callers that GPC is aware that the power is out, and estimate time to restoration.

Remote Monitoring & Networking 2007 and Onsite Power 2007 • November 6-7, 2007 • Radisson Ft. McDowell Resort and Casino • Scottsdale, Ariz.

These technology-driven and solution oriented conferences bring together the innovators and users from multiple industries, including utilities, power, oil & gas, telecom, industrial, water & public utilities, agriculture and facilities management.

Remote Monitoring & Networking 2007 will focus on the leading advancements for the monitoring and management of distributed equipment and facilities, remote assets, automated process & system controls and device networks. Large-scale users and industry experts will speak on SCADA, security, control, automation, M2M, networking, telemetry and condition monitoring.

Onsite Power 2007 will cover the latest advancements in back-up, UPS, emergency and standby power systems, and design strategies for monitoring & controlling distributed, remote and mission-critical equipment and facilities.

September
24-27, ASIS International 2007, Las Vegas, NV.
Contact www.asisonline.org/asis2007

24-27, Solar Power 2007, Long Beach, Calif.
Contact www.solarpowerconference.com

24-27, Solar Power 2007, Long Beach, Calif.
Contact www.solarpowerconference.com

30 - Oct. 2, 76th Annual UPMG Conference, Atlanta, Georgia  Contact www.upmg.org

30-October 3, Autovation 2007: The AMRA International Symposium, Reno, NV. Contact www.amra-intl.org/autovation/index.cfm

SATCON, the Satellite and Content Delivery Conference & Expo takes place October 10-11, 2007 at the Javits Center in New York City and is co-located with HD World and the IP Media Expo.  These three shows in one hall include four tracks of world class conference sessions featuring primarily end-user speakers from Military & Government, Media & Entertainment, Telcos and Enterprise firms. The combined events feature over 200 exhibitors and 5,000 attendees, making it the largest event on the east coast for communications including video, voice, data, networking, IP media and more.  For more information and to register, please visit www.satconexpo.com

Remote Monitoring & Networking 2007 / Onsite Power 2007

Onsite Power 2007 covers the latest advancements in back-up, UPS, emergency and standby power systems, and design strategies for monitoring & controlling distributed, remote and mission-critical equipment and facilities.

For more information about speaking please contact Nick Depperschmidt at nickd@infowebcom.com

For more information about exhibiting or sponsorships please contact Scott Nash at scottn@infowebcom.com

*Now co-located with Zero Downtime 2007!

Zero Downtime 2007

Zero Downtime 2007 is a new spin on the popular Equipment Protection Conferences. This two-day conference focused on the latest advancements in protecting electronic equipment for data centers, communication and control networks, 24X7 industrial and facility systems, infrastructure and emergency service operations and other mission-critical electronic systems.

For more information about speaking please contact Nick Depperschmidt at nickd@infowebcom.com

For more information about exhibiting or sponsorships please contact Suzanne Harrold at suzanneh@infowebcom.com

* Now co-located with Remote Monitoring and Networking 2007 and Onsite Power 2007!

Submit editorial content to Nick Depperschmidt at
720-528-3770 X111 or nickd@infowebcom.com.

For more information on advertising or exhibiting contact Scott Nash at
800-803-9488 X114 or scottn@infowebcom.com.

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