eNewsletter

February 2010

Electromagnetic Threats to Your SCADA System: Not All Are Innocent
Your SCADA system has worked reliably for years, and performed well in its process monitoring and control role.  You have periodically upgraded RTU PLCs, sensors and software.  The self-checking software and built in redundancy has prevented a few component failures from causing major problems.  But the world you operate in is changing rapidly.  How safe are you from events and technologies in this changing world severely blindsiding you and crippling your SCADA process operation?

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Banner Engineering’s first FlexPower™ Solar Supply Designed for SureCross™ Wireless Sensing Applications

Banner Engineering’s FlexPower™ Solar Supply, BWA-SOLAR-001, delivers a complete solution specifically designed for powering SureCross™ Wireless Network devices—offering an integrated charge controller, rechargeable battery pack, AC wall charger and mounting hardware. The battery pack recharges in direct sunlight and continues to power the SureCross™ devices autonomously when sunlight is not available. The Solar Supply is an ideal solution for applications where wired power is not available or that require more power than a single-cell DX81 battery supply can provide.

Solar Supply Example:  Continuously Monitoring a 4–20 mA Transmitter
Often, in the oil and gas industry, the high value of the product requires that flow be measured continuously. Examples include custody transfer, remote drilling, and pipeline flow applications. A single FlexPower™ Solar Supply provides enough current to continuously power a 4–20 mA two-wire transmitter and FlexPower™ Node. This application requires an average of 80 minutes of sunlight per day and provides about 10 days of power without sunlight.
                                  
Battery Backup Feature
The FlexPower™ Solar Supply can be used in addition to the DX81P6 Six-Pack Battery Supply as a backup power source. If the solar panel is damaged, the DX81P6 Battery Supply will provide backup power for a few weeks or longer depending on the load. For example, the battery backup can support a 2-wire sensor powered continuously with 15V at 20mA and a FlexPower™ Node transmitting once per second for up to 30 days.

Visit BannerEngineering.com/Solar for more information.

New Analog+Dry Contact IP Gateway for Utility, SCADA And Industrial Applications
A new IP gateway that extends 600Ω analog connections and dry contacts across Layer 2/3 Ethernet networks has been added to the TC Communication’s JumboSwitch Industrial gigabit Ethernet modular switch product family. Featuring low latency, the TC3846-6-2 (two wire) and TC3846-6-4(four wire) analog/dry contact IP gateway provides four channels of 2/4 Wire analog and four channels of dry contact.  It supports frequencies from 300 Hz to 3.4 KH and offers VLAN and QoS for reliable communications and packet prioritization.

Typical applications include linking or extending various analog, audio and intercom devices, E&M, teleprotection relay controllers and dry contacts over Layer 2/3 IP networks in utility, SCADA or industrial environments. It is also used to improve voice quality and increase system reliability in harsh environments.

The TC3846-6 offers an industrial hardened version and meets or exceeds all pertinent industry and environmental standards including IEC 61850-3, IEEE 1613 & NEMA TS-2. Additional features include remote firmware upgrade, temperature and power consumption monitoring, traffic monitoring, statistics reporting and a Network Time Server (NTS).

Industrial Video & Control Announces First Class I Division 2 Thermal IP Camera
Industrial Video & Control Co. (IVC) has added a new camera to its certified IP product line. IVC’s new high-resolution thermal imaging camera is well suited for low-light or no-light locations. The camera is certified Class I Division 2 making it suitable for use in many petrochemical applications.

The thermal imager is housed in an enclosure that is rated NEMA 6P, IP68 and is certified Class I Division 2 for gas groups A through D. The assembly is pressurized and has a wide operating temperature range making useful in almost any environment. When used with IVC’s camera management software, this camera provides both local and remote monitoring of industrial facilities. The camera can also detect human activity over 1,500 feet away. The camera operates in black hot, white hot and color modes.

IVC’s Relay Server and View Station software packages add capability including remote viewing and control of video as well as management of all aspects of your surveillance and monitoring systems. IVC software also facilitates integration of video into 3rd party applications.

LEM Releases New Sentinel III Portfolio of Battery Monitoring Components
LEM S.A., has announced the Sentinel III, a set of components for a battery monitoring solution that addresses the needs of UPSs and battery provider OEMs, as well value-added resellers and systems integrators.  Sentinel III components are used to create a simple to install and intuitive solution for continuous battery monitoring within mission critical installations.

The Sentinel combines transducers, data loggers and software components to create a comprehensive standby battery monitoring solution. In order to extend the functionality of its existing Sentinel, LEM has developed the S-BOX; an advanced data logger featuring an embedded web server that enables administrators to monitor installations remotely.  The S-BOX measurement and data logging features include Bloc, string and battery voltage measurement, Bloc temperature and impedance measurement, discharge performance and discharge/charge current. The S-BOX also measures ambient temperature, a key factor affecting battery life.

SolaHD Introduces Modular, Industrial-Grade DC UPS
Back-up power protection in modern industrial applications depends mainly on AC UPS. In this approach, AC power is converted to DC, and converted back to AC in the AC UPS, then converted again to DC in the protected equipment power supply.

By applying the SDU DIN Rail DC UPS from SolaHD, engineers can avoid the inefficiencies of these conversions. Its design maximizes system up-time flexibility, and optimizes reliability assurance in critical applications such as machine/industrial control, automation and PC-based control systems.

The SDU DIN Rail DC UPS is a 24 Vdc UPS combining a rugged, industrial-grade housing with a wide operational temperature range and unique installation options. With an input voltage range of 22.5 to 30.0 Vdc, it is designed as a power back-up solution for connected loads requiring protection from interruptions. Additional features include microprocessor-based controls, automatic self testing for UPS and battery management, wide temperature range, flexible battery backup expansion capabilities and universal dry contact relay terminals for remote signaling.

Sensors Analyze Sulfide and Hydrogen Sulfide Levels in Water and Waste Treatment Plants
Municipal water engineers and plant technicians treating water for sulfates and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) will find the new S10 and S17 Sulfide sensors from Electro-Chemical Devices (ECD) provide advanced instrumentation to help plants and processes operate smoothly and efficiently with lower operating costs.

ECD’s S10 and S17 Sulfide Analytical sensors provide accurate, reliable analysis of sulfide levels that helps ensure proper water treatment.  The S10 sensor is an immersion or an insertion style sensor, and the S17 is a valve retractable style sensor. They are fully re-buildable and feature a 316 stainless steel body that incorporates the sensing element, a temperature module and a signal conditioner with cabling.

Telular Enters Strategic Agreement with Telefonica Mexico to offer Remote Tank Monitoring Solutions
Telefónica México will private label Telular Corp.’s TankLink monitoring solution under the brand name TeleControl-Gas. Telefónica México, one of the largest cellular network operators in Mexico with over 16.2 million subscribers, selected the TankLink solution as part of their long-term strategy to offer wireless data-centric services to a larger commercial customer base.

“Over the past two years, Telular and Telefónica México have discussed many ways to bring more than their economical and feature rich fixed wireless terminals to Mexico,” said Sergio Chueca, sub director of Value Added Services and Content of Telefónica México. “TankLink’s remote tank monitoring solution allows us to immediately use our GSM network to offer our commercial customers, who strive for greater efficiency and security, a broader set of services.”

TeleControl-Gas is positioned to strengthen the business relationship between propane distributors and consumers by validating orders and product delivery. The new offering combines each company’s strengths: TankLink’s telemetry devices and secure web portal and Telefónica México’s nationwide network and local sales experience. Like TankLink’s existing US offering, the TeleControl platform can be extended to enable bulk inventory monitoring for any industries wanting to improve their operations and positively affect their bottom line.

Common Language for Smart Devices Envisioned by Newly Launched TIA Standards Initiative
Smart devices, smart grids and the myriad of other “smart” technological advances will be unable to talk to one another, resulting in chaotic communications structures, unless standards are developed to enable, monitor and ensure interoperable interfaces to the network. That is the core focus of the new Smart Device Communications (SDC) Engineering Committee just created through member companies of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).

The new committee, TR-50, is intent on speedily producing a ubiquitous protocol for communicating with smart devices used in industries. The initiative has triggered extensive support among TIA Board members and members as well as other companies.

Accessing information and events within devices has become essential in every industry. The SDC Committee will consider many possible use cases that include monitoring, as well as remote changing of state (both read and write functions). Types of information and events that any Smart Devices Communications Specification needs to accommodate include: equipment fault events, preventive maintenance events, energy metrics, network metrics, equipment data (customizable), remote diagnostics and configuration management.

In developing a new protocol specification, TIA will work to incorporate the best of many specifications that have been created over the last 15 years while avoiding mistakes of the past, creating a flexible, adaptable technology protocol that will survive well into the future.

OG&E Selects GE Energy and Silver Spring Networks for Smart Grid Program
OG&E has entered into agreements with General Electric Energy (GE) and Silver Spring Networks to handle key aspects of its Positive Energy Smart Grid Program  in Norman, Okla. next year. The program is the next step in OG&E’s initiative to use smart grid technology to provide customers with more information to help manage their energy use and save money.  It also will help OG&E maintain reasonable electricity rates and continue highly reliable delivery of electricity to its customers.  

GE will provide the 42,000 smart meters in Norman, Okla. The digital devices will measure electricity use in the home or business and transmit the information to OG&E for billing and service monitoring. The information will be communicated via Silver Spring Networks’ Smart Energy Network, a secure, IP-based network.

As part of the Norman deployment, 2,000 to 3,000 customers will be recruited to receive information in almost real time regarding the price of electricity by time of day and the amount being used.  The study will measure how many of those customers use price information to alter their energy consumption patterns and to lower their electric bills. With the complete information network and smart meters in place, OG&E will be able to remotely connect or disconnect service to homes or businesses and receive notifications as soon as power outages occur, reducing response time to restore service. 

Lockheed Martin Partners with Utilities on Smart Grid
Lockheed Martin has partnered with a broad range of utility companies on projects that will upgrade the nation’s electric grid.

“Given our nation’s challenges, we feel it’s critical to provide services across a wide range of utilities and tailor those solutions to fit both large-scale, investor-owned utilities, as well as municipals and co-ops,” said Bill Graham, president of Lockheed Martin’s Enterprise Integration Group. “Our expertise managing complex projects and implementing cyber security solutions for the nation’s most critical systems positions us to help lay the foundation for an interoperable, scalable and secure grid.”

Lockheed Martin has partnered with PPL Electric Utilities, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative to provide cyber security solutions to address the challenges associated with integrating new smart grid technologies into the existing energy grid.

Partnering with American Electric Power, Lockheed Martin will develop a cyber security operations center to enhance the real-time cyber security monitoring and operations throughout AEP’s gridSMART infrastructure. Lockheed Martin is also working with three utility companies to provide smart grid consulting support and has teamed with another utility to provide program management services for portions of their smart grid deployment.

Remote Magazine Wants to Hear About your Energy Efficiency Efforts
The upcoming issue of Remote Site & Equipment Management Magazine will feature several energy efficiency related articles. We’re looking for case studies and/or information on individual processes, systems, or facility related steps your company is taking to stream line energy usage. For more information please contact Associate Editor Nick Depperschmidt at nickd@infowebcom.com. 

The Remote 2010 Conference and Expo (October 19-20, 2010, Gaylord Texan • Dallas, TX.) has announced its Call forPapers. This is yourchance to educate attendees on leading advancements in the monitoring and management of distributed equipment and facilities, remote assets, automated process & system controls and device networks. Don’t miss out!

Conference sessions will provide solutions and examples from actual installations, cutting-edge technology direction and application strategies from the companies and users driving the growth in SCADA, M2M, device networking, data communications, networking, system & site security, remote monitoring and automated control, and onsite powering of distributed equipment, networks, facilities and infrastructure systems.

Special consideration will be given to case study style presentations and end-user presenters.
Possible Subject Areas and Submission Guidelines Can be Found at: www.RemoteExpo.com

February/March 2010 Issue

• Electromagnetic Threats to Your SCADA System: Not All Are Innocent
• Successful Remote Monitoring for Oil & Gas Applications
• Building a Remote Information Management System: A Compressco, Inc.
  Case Study
• Smart Grid Can Generate $110 Million in Annual Benefi ts for Typical Utility,
  New Study Finds
• Editor's Choice
• New Products and Services

Click Here to Download This Issue

February 2010
2-3, Grid ComForum, Santa Clara, Calif. Contact www.gridcomforum.com

3-4, SCADA Northeast Asia, Hong Kong, Contact www.scadasummit.com

3-5, RETECH 2010, Washington DC. Contact www.retech2009.com

8-10, 2010 Utility Telecom Forum, Reno, NV. Contact www.utc.org

11-15, TechAdvantave 2010, Atlata, Ga. Contact www.techadvantage.org

15-18, NATE 2010, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Contact www.natehome.com

World Meter Design Congress
March 7-9, 2010
San Diego, CA

The challenges facing meter and systems design engineers in the current environment of change and development are many. Besides ensuring the meter can collect data securely, the quality and functionality of the meter needs to conform to standards and utility and customer requirements, while minimizing costs and maximizing return on investment. Because of evolving market requirements, smart meters also need to be upgradeable as well as interoperable with multiple communication technologies and home area networks.The World Meter Design Congress provides the only forum for the world’s meter design engineers, system architects, research engineers and production professionals to gain insights from over 20 industry-elite speakers into the new requirements and opportunities shaping the design and development of next generation smart metering and grid systems. To download a preliminary program visit www.metering.com/wmdc

Metering, Billing/MDM America 2010
March 7-10, 2010
San Diego, CA

Metering, Billing/MDM America 2010 will showcase a number of key utility projects, from smart meter deployments, smart grid systems, meter data management implementation and advanced water metering. Hear from major stimulus package winners, large national investor-owned utilities to maverick municipalities, you have the opportunity to interact directly with a diverse group of smart metering and smart grid project leaders. Join smart utility professionals, cutting-edge technology providers and leading industry consultants at North America’s premium event - Metering, Billing/MDM America 2010: where technology meets the customer

As a Remote Magazine Reader, you will receive a $300 discount for Metering Billing/MDM America March 8 – 9, if you register before February 7, 2010! Enter registration code:001RM

Meter Data Management Summit
March 7-10, 2010
San Diego, CA

The Metering America: Meter Data Summit will enable you to better understand the transformative process of adopting an MDMS. As an incredible source of value for your utility you will learn how to better manage the terabytes of collected data, and improve not only operational efficiencies but customer service too. If you act now, you will receive a further $100 off the price of the Meter Data Management Summit post-conference seminar on Wednesday March 10. Enter registration code: 002RM

For more information visit www.meteringamerica.com

SATELLITE 2010
March 15-18, 2010
National Harbor, MD

The SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition is the premier event providing solutions to the global satellite end-user community.  SATELLITE 2010 will attract more than 9,300 delegates from 70 countries and features more than 300 exhibiting companies plus a full conference program led by more than 300 communications via satellite experts and innovators. The 2010 Conference features focused forums on broadcast, enterprise, military and emerging regions. For more information, visit www.SATELLITE2010.com.

DistribuTECH 2010
March 23-25, 2010
Tampa, Florida

Celebrating 20 years as the leading annual T&D event. DistribuTECH encompasses automation and control systems,IT, T&D engineering, power delivery equipment and water utility technology. No other event in the industry provides more information about current resources and new industry technologies, along with networking opportunities than DistribuTECH. Join us for our 20th Anniversary celebration! Visit www.distributech.com for more information.

Utilty Products Conference and Expo
March 23-25, 2010
Tampa, Florida

Join us in Tampa for our 2nd annual Utility Products Conference & Exposition! Bringing the pages of Utility Products magazine to life with buyers and sellers of power, telecom, CATV, and water equipment together for a unique product experience. Utility Products Conference & Exposition will provide the hands-on worker with practical solutions to everyday problems. This intimate event will allow attendees to be a part of product demonstrations, workshops, training and conference sessions while providing them access to indoor and outdoor exhibits from companies with solutions and products for the workplace. For more information, please visit www.utilityproductsexpo.com

CTIA Wireless
March 23-25, 2010
Las Vegas, Nev.

The International CTIA WIRELESS® show represents a $1 trillion global marketplace that brings together every component of the wireless and broadband ecosystem. For 25 years, International CTIA WIRELESS® has been THE premier marketplace for all things wireless and 2010 is guaranteed to be another crucial and groundbreaking event for the industry. Join us in Las Vegas, March 23-25. Early bird pricing ends February 16 -- register now at www.ctiawireless.com!

Sensors Expo & Conference
June 7-9, 2010
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center - Rosemont, IL

For 24 Years, Sensors Expo & Conference Has Been the Leading Industry Event Focusing Exclusively on Sensors & Sensor-Integrated Systems!  The in-depth conference program features the world's leading authorities, in a carefully designed program, including topics such as: Energy Harvesting, Wireless Networking, Low-Power Sensing, Bio-Sensing, MEMS & MCUs, Monitoring Tools & Applications, Novel Approaches to Measurement, Power/Smart Grid Monitoring & Control, and more!  PLUS – save months of time researching, by examining solutions to your toughest sensing challenges from best-in-class vendors on the Expo floor!  Whether you're looking to find the latest sensing solutions, evaluate emerging standards, find and compare suppliers, or solve new design challenges, you can't afford to miss Sensors Expo & Conference!  Visit www.sensorsexpo.com for details!

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