eNewsletter

August 2009

Compression Monitoring: Applying Technology for a Safer, Lower Cost Operation
Jim Fererro, Vice President, Business Development • GlobaLogix

The efficiency and economic outlook of upstream oil and gas operations have never been more critical issues for oil and gas operators. As the industry continues to grapple with economic pressures, reductions in staff and a volatile market, operators realize that now is the time to seek out technologies that will help them lower costs and improve productivity.

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IntelliCom Launches True Plug-n-Play GPRS Based M2M System
IntelliCom has launched NetBiter EasyConnect, a new product concept for plug and play remote monitoring and control. The NetBiter EasyConnect product family is designed to be plug-n-play and easy to install, configure and maintain. It solves common challenges to use wireless GPRS based communication. Its design makes it possible to do large scale installations quickly and without being an IT/GPRS expert.
 
The automatic integration with the www.netbiter.net online server offers secure bi-directional communication to monitor the health, readiness and geographical position of remote devices 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. NetBiter.net is completely web based and becomes a single place to manage all remote sites.

The NetBiter EasyConnect product family is designed to be easy to install, configure and maintain. EasyConnect products solve common challenges to use GPRS based communication in an easy and cost efficient way.

The NetBiter EC220 is a small remote unit with a range of common discrete and analog I/O’s to integrate with I/O based installations. It includes a built-in GSM/GPRS modem that automatically communicates with the online management portal at power up. It automatically starts to show the latest I/O data from the EC220. An optional SIM card can be included at shipment that makes installation true plug-n-play.

New Modbus Interface Added to the IntelliLogger Data Acquisition and Reporting System
Logic Beach, Inc. has added a Modbus/RTU Master feature to its IntelliLogger data logging and alarming instrument, which enables data acquisition from Modbus slave instruments, controls, smart transducers and other Modbus enabled devices. The IntelliLogger is a line of rugged, network enabled, stand-alone data logging, reporting and alarming instruments.

Register values can be read from connected Modbus slave transducers, power meters, controls, flow meters, etc. Scanned Modbus register values can then be processed, logged to memory, used to trigger alarms, and incorporated into FTP, email and Web pages served by the IntelliLogger. The connection to slave devices via Modbus complements the existing hard-wired analog and digital signal and sensor I/O capability of the IntelliLogger.
 
The IntelliLogger is a low-power, stand-alone instrument that samples connected analog, digital and now, Modbus inputs, processes these signals and stores the results to internal or CF Card memory for reporting over the Internet and/or later download for analysis. Logging, alarm conditions can be detected and appropriate action initiated, whether it be turning on an integral output relay or emailing or texting an alert message.
 
The IntelliLogger is simply programmed via the included HyperWare-II software, which features intuitive drag and drop icon-based programming. With HyperWare-II, simple to complex logging and alarming scenarios can be implemented from math to inter-channel calculations to conditional logging to statistical reduction and more. The IntelliLogger also features a network stack, facilitating direct connection to a LAN and the Internet. Automated data downloads via FTP are supported as well as email and SMS for status and alarms. The IntelliLogger also has an integral Web page server allowing users to check the IntelliLogger current status, download data and even change program parameters via browser access over the Web.

ADLINK Provides Turnkey Software Solution for Data Acquisition Applications  
ADLINK Technology, Inc. has released the AD-Logger, a ready-to-run data capture application that offers a simple configuration-based means to log data. AD-Logger can be used with any one of hundreds of ADLINK data acquisition or digitizer cards to log data from a variety of sensors, including thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors, strain gages and accelerometers.
 
AD-Logger is specifically designed to provide extensive data logging features without the need for complex programming. Users simply configure ADLINK data acquisition or digitizer card functionality via AD-Logger through the use of intuitive and interactive configuration dialogs.

AD-Logger also provides a real-time viewer with basic FFT power spectrum analysis and a historical view. Logged data can additionally be exported to external applications such as NI LabVIEW, NI DIAdem and MathWorks MATLAB for post-analysis.

Newest Addition to HART Test System Supports Testing for Interoperability of WirelessHART Devices
The new Wireless Test System recently released by the HART Communication Foundation is the latest update to the HART Test System. The HART Test System is a set of testing tools that play a key role in ensuring device interoperability of both wired and wireless HART-enabled devices. The new Wireless Test System supports testing of a WirelessHART device’s TDMA Data Link Layer and is now available to all Foundation members.

“The HART Test System is an integral part in the HART Device Registration Program. The system helps to assure the interoperability of wired or wireless devices produced to the HART standard regardless of the device manufacturer,” said Ed Ladd, HCF director of Technology Programs. “Users can buy with confidence a device that has been HART Registered, knowing it will work with the devices and systems already installed in their plant.”

The HART Test System is a complete testing tool produced on the Linux operating system that works with wired HART devices or through WirelessHART gateways that support the standardized HART UDP interface. With the addition of the Wireless Test System the tools now include automated testing of the application layer, token passing data link layer, TDMA data link layer and analysis software for the verification of a device’s conformance to the HART Protocol specification.

Hear the Hart Communications Foundation Speak at the Remote 2009 Conference & Expo
Visit www.RemoteExpo.com  for more information

Industrial-Rated Security Devices Provide All-in-One Firewall, Router And VPN Capability
Phoenix Contact has introduced the FL mGuard series of industrial-rated security devices. The FL mGuard products provide stateful firewall, router and VPN functionalities in a single, rugged device. The line is available in two hardware styles for industrial Ethernet: the FL mGuard RS DIN rail-mount devices and PCI card versions for integration into industrial PCs.

The FL mGuard solution has dedicated hardware providing security functions, which allows higher data throughput rates than software-based solutions. There are no limitations to the operating system or the type of devices connected to the FL mGuard. It can protect PCs running all versions of Windows, as well as PLCs, I/O units, bus couplers and other industrial Ethernet devices.
 
The PCI version of the FL mGuard is currently the only PCI form factor security device that combines firewall, routing and VPN in a single device. It integrates quickly and easily, without modifications to the system settings or driver installation.

Shelby County Tennessee Enhances Communications Interoperability Via SkyTerra
SkyTerra and the Memphis/Shelby county, Tennessee Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) are deploying push-to-talk satellite services via SkyTerra to provide a network for interoperable contingency communications for emergency operations throughout their six county Homeland Security region.

The Memphis/Shelby County UASI is using a portion of its UASI grants funding designated for one of its Interoperable Communications Projects to purchase more than 250 MSAT-G2 satellite radios and service subscriptions. UASI grants provide funding support for emergency response agencies in areas that are considered high-risk for events, either natural or man-made, and are located within one of the specific Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated urban areas, such as Memphis.  The Memphis/Shelby County UASI includes Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Lauderdale counties in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas and Desoto County in Mississippi.

SkyTerra and its local service provider, Central Communications, worked with the Shelby County Office of Preparedness to develop the required documentation for grant funding approval. Once the funds were approved, the county commissioners approved the purchase and the UASI-wide distribution plan for the MSAT-G2s.

According to county planners, more than 230 mobile units in hardened travel cases with power adapters will be placed with emergency response agencies throughout the Memphis/Shelby UASI region where they can be readily deployed during emergencies.  The rest of the satellite devices will be deployed in critical command and control facilities including the county Emergency Operations Center, the Memphis Police and Fire Department headquarters, and other UASI emergency management locations.

Hear SkyTerra Speak at the Remote 2009 Conference & Expo
Visit www.RemoteExpo.com for more information

SMUD Selects Silver Spring Networks for Smart Grid Rollout
Silver Spring Networks has been selected by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to provide the network infrastructure for their Smart Capital initiative, which will network approximately 600,000 homes and businesses in Sacramento County.  Silver Spring Networks will provide field-proven, open-standards-based, secure, wireless network communications, software and services in support of SMUD’s efforts.

In partnership with Silver Spring Networks, SMUD intends to implement a number of advanced Smart Grid applications, including distribution automation and home area networking.  The new, networked grid will enable SMUD to provide its customers with actionable information about their energy use, as well as enhance system efficiency and reliability by giving the utility complete visibility across its service area. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District is the sixth largest community-owned electric utility in the country, serving approximately 600,000 residential and commercial customers.

Sensus Acquires Telemetric Corp.
Sensus has acquired the assets and business of Telemetric Corp. With more than ten years of experience in distribution automation technology, Telemetric has provided utilities with intelligent, reliable and secure end-to-end solutions for distribution automation systems utilizing commercial cellular networks and PowerVista, a web-based software application.

Coupled with Sensus’ activities in demand response and home automation, this acquisition gives Sensus an established presence in the distribution automation portion of the utility landscape. Through the integration of Sensus’ FlexNet smart grid communication technology, Telemetric extends Sensus’ reach and solutions to all parts of the smart grid.

“I am very pleased to complete the acquisition of Telemetric, which was a significant strategic objective for Sensus. This acquisition brings with it a team of talented and dedicated employees, a broad proven product and software offering and many strong customer and business relationships,” said Peter Mainz, CEO and president, Sensus. “Integration of Telemetric’s assets and engineering capability into Sensus brings a key solution set that electric utilities want from their smart grid applications, distribution automation and asset management solutions.”

Telemetric offers a complete line of communication solutions specific to electric distribution system monitoring and control, including applications like capacitor control, voltage regulation, medium and low voltage sensors, reclosers, remote substations and other distribution assets. Telemetric enabled equipment can be monitored and controlled through distribution SCADA or DMS systems using PowerVista’s optional SCADA-Xchange module.

Wyless and Enfora Partner to Provide Pre-Provisioned Wireless Devices for Asset Management
Wyless and Enfora have formed a partnership that will permit Enfora's Spider devices to be pre-enabled with Wyless' global connectivity and managed services for ease of installation and deployment of new applications for ASPs and larger enterprises worldwide.
 
Enfora specializes in providing wireless networking solutions for location-based monitoring, tracking and asset management applications. Consisting of wireless devices and middleware software that permits users to directly connect, manage and provision wireless devices from existing applications, Enfora helps connect remote unpowered assets to the enterprise network. The Spider Asset Tag (AT), a battery-powered wireless monitoring device, is one of Enfora's newest products, and enables the monitoring and management of high value assets.

Remote 2009 Conference & Expo IEC 61850/61400-25, DNP3 Workshop
The reality of the world-wide retiring process of the most valuable assets (the senior engineers in the utilities), the aging systems, the companies tightening budgets and lowering sales expectations - could bring some great opportunities for everyone involved in information management of local and remote devices and processes. Less people means less proprietary solutions could be supported. This is the time for a single, internationally standardized and accepted solution: IEC 61850.

In this comprehensive two-day workshop students learn the fundamental concepts and vision of the IEC 61850 standard series. Students compare traditional solutions like DNP3 and the new OPC UA to IEC 61850 and discuss the strength each method offers. All the IEC 61850 standards, their extensions, and many application domains are briefly discussed and the class delves into IEC 61850 real-time and client/server solutions.

Added Attendee Benefits:
Attendees will also receive access to Remote 2009 Conference & Expo morning keynote sessions, networking breaks, lunches, cocktail reception, and the show's expo hall. 

Learn More HERE

August 2009
4-6, 4th ISA Water/Wastewater Automatic Controls Division Symposium (WWAC), Orlando, Fla. Contact www.isa.org/wwac

20-26, APCO, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.apco2009.org

September 2009
1-2, Antenna Systems Conference, Philadelphia, Pa. Contact www.antennasonline.com

13-15, Infobatt Conference, Ontario, Canada, Contact www.infobatt.com

13-15, EGSA's Fall Technical & Marketing Conference, Colorado Springs, Co. Contact www.egsa.org

13-16, Autovation 2009, Denver, Co. Contact www.utilimetrics.org

14-15, 13th Annual Power Switching Safety and Reliability Conference, Boston, Mass.
Contact www.epri.org

14-21, GridWeek 2009, Washington DC, Contact www.GridWeek.com

15-16, Field Service 2009 East, Atlanta, Ga. Contact www.FieldServiceEast.com

20-24, BICSI Fall, Las Vegas, NV. Contact www.BICSI.org

21-24, 2009 Wireless Infrastructure Show, Nashville, Tn. Contact www.pcia.com

BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition
9/20-9/24
Las Vegas, NV
Times are tough. Earning your CECs with high quality education and taking in the latest products and services shouldn't be.

ITS education takes the stage at the MGM Grand Hotel & Convention Center from September 20-24 in Las Vegas, and we want to make sure you're there to take it all in.

Here are some of the Fall Conference’s Top Technology Topics:

• Electronic Safety and Security (ESS)
• Green Building and LEED
• Optical Fiber

That’s not all! More than 20 educational sessions and a top-notch exhibit hall await you this September.  We look forward to seeing you there!

GridWeek
September 21-24, 2009
Washington DC

A realization is emerging that a new view of energy, beyond oil, coal and other fossil based fuels, will result in decentralized components of the electricity grid, a far cry from the central generation and structured system of the past. A smart information network—the Energy Internet—for the electric grid is seen as necessary to manage and automate this new world.

GridWeek provides the opportunity for organizations and businesses focused on Smart Grid to hold meetings and participate in collaborative sessions and learn from leading experts on Smart Grid.

GridWeek 2009, produced by Clasma Events Inc., brings together U.S. and international energy and environmental leaders; policy makers and regulators; utility and smart grid technology companies; the venture community and consumer advocacy stakeholders for a four-day forum from Sept. 21st through the 24th in Washington, D.C.

www.GridWeek.com

2009 Wireless Infrastructure Show
The Wireless Infrastructure Show is an annual opportunity for industry leaders to showcase their products and services, network, collaborate and exchange information. The 2009 event will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN. from September 21-24.  It is expected to draw more than 1500 executives from the wireless industry and policymakers from all levels of government.   The Wireless Infrastructure Show offers you networking with industry decision-makers; educational sessions on a variety of topics including: 4G/LTE, Distributed Antenna Systems, Wireless Investment Opportunities, ARRA/Broadband Stimulus, Federal, State, and Local Regulatory Issues; lively interactive sessions moderated by top professionals; participation in special events; keynote speeches featuring industry leaders.  For more information, please visit www.wirelessinfrastructureshow.com.

ISA Expo
October 6-8, 2009
Houston, Texas

In these tough economic times you need to get the most for your training and travel dollars. And there is no better value than ISA EXPO. With a packed schedule of Open to All events including keynote presentations, forums, hands-on demonstrations, presentations from leading authors and standards developers,
an exhibit floor full of the leading suppliers, as well as North America’s only vendor-neutral fee-based Technical
Conference for instrumentation, automation, and
control professionals, ISA EXPO 2009 delivers
exceptional relevant and applicable
technical knowledge.

ISC East
October 27-29, 200
New York, NY

SatCom LatAm 2009
11/11 - 11/13, 2009
Rio de Janeiro

SatCom LatAm 2009 brings together operators, regulators, financiers, developers and end-users to help enable profitable satellite communications in Latin America.

At SatCom LatAm 2009, you will:

• Gain insight into satellite financing and investment – helping you identify opportunities for investment and growth
• Enable alignment of regulation and investment by bringing you the key regulatory players in Latin America
• Give you insight into market trends and hot spots for expanding your reach and increasing revenue
• Assist you to evaluate the current up-take of services and assess how you can increase penetration in emerging markets

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