Yokogawa Electric Corporation has developed a wireless noise surveillance system that monitors and maps plant noise levels in real time
This online plant noise surveillance system employs wireless technology and explosion-proof sensors. Even in plants where noise levels change drastically over time, noise mapping can be applied to plan work schedules that will ensure workers do not exceed specified limits for the number of work hours in a noisy environment.
The solution was jointly developed by Yokogawa and Equinor ASA Norway, one of the offshore oil and gas companies. Yokogawa will release the solution as part of its OpreX Measurement line-up.
Features
The principal components of this system are the WN100 wireless noise meter and the WN30 noise mapping software. Compliant with the ISA100 Wireless network protocol, WN100 sensors can be installed at many locations throughout a plant to measure noise levels and transmit this data in real time to servers via gateway devices such as the Yokogawa YFGW410 field wireless management station.
From this data, the WN30 software can then construct in real time a noise map and superimpose this onto an actual map of the plant.
1. Worker health
By viewing noise maps before heading to the worksite, workers can find out in real time what the noise levels will be at that location so that they can take the necessary precautions such as bringing earplugs or ear muffs designed for the anticipated sound levels and estimating how long they can stay at that location without experiencing hearing loss.
2. Design of work plans
Occupational safety-related laws and guidelines in each country help prevent hearing loss by limiting the number of hours that personnel can be exposed to specific noise levels. Noise maps can be used to design suitable work schedules.
3. Reduced wiring costs
This system uses ISA100 wireless technology. Compared to conventional wired systems, this system is better suited for applications where sensors need to be installed in often difficult-to-wire locations. Installation costs are lower, even with systems that have a lot of sensors.
Kenji Hasegawa, a Yokogawa vice-president who heads the IA Products and Service Business Headquarters, said, “In 2017 Yokogawa established three sustainability goals, one of which is to ensure the well-being of all. This wireless noise surveillance system is beneficial in helping to ensure worker health. At Yokogawa, we will keep supporting people’s health and prosperity through our business activities.
