by Gary Mintchell | Oct 25, 2023 | Automation, Networking, Wireless
TV with advertisements seldom plays in my house. But I just saw a cable provider advertising 10G connectivity. That, of course, it a completely made up marketing phrase. But 5G is a real thing. I’ve written several times about the potential, and some real applications, of private 5G networks. Infrastructure supporting such networks continues to be built out. This news from Siemens discusses their new 5G infrastructure solution specifically to support automation.
Main points:
- Infrastructure for private industrial 5G networks with a focus on automation applications
- The solution is already in use at Siemens plants and pilot customers like Salzgitter AG
- 5G is crucial for mobile robots, autonomous logistics, driverless transport systems, and edge devices
Siemens is launching a private infrastructure developed in-house for the 5G mobile communications standard. The solution enables industrial companies to build their own local 5G networks that will provide optimal support for automation applications.
“By building their own 5G networks, industrial companies are launching the next stage of connected production,” says Axel Lorenz, CEO of Process Automation at Siemens. “5G is crucial for applications like mobile robots, autonomous logistics, and driverless transport systems in factories. Siemens’ private 5G infrastructure also gives users sole control over the data in their 5G network at all times, and they can custom-configure the network for their applications.”
Other scenarios for industrial 5G wireless technology include the integrated use of connected tablets, VR glasses, and smart tools. In addition, edge devices can be used flexibly: for example, in brownfield applications where it’s difficult to lay cables. In contrast to other wireless technologies, private 5G networks use a licensed frequency band and can therefore be operated without interference.
Siemens has developed its 5G infrastructure specifically for the requirements of industrial customers and industrial applications. It consists of a 5G core and a radio access network (RAN). The RAN includes the central unit (CU), the distributed unit (DU), and the radio units (RUs). Different 5G end-devices can connect to the 5G infrastructure and communicate in the private network. The all-in-one 5G solution is also designed for use in harsh industrial environments.
Before the market launch, Siemens extensively tested its private 5G infrastructure in real production environments like at the Siemens production site in Karlsruhe. By implementing and operating the prototype network in its own production facilities, Siemens was able to extensively test and refine the technology, ensuring that it can withstand the requirements of industrial production environments and support industrial applications. The private Siemens 5G infrastructure is now available in Germany, and other countries will follow.
One of the pilot customers for the complete 5G solution is the German steel group Salzgitter AG: “We don’t just want to build any 5G network, we want an industrial 5G that meets the enormous requirements of the steel industry,” says Gerd Baresch, Chief Technology Officer at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH. “Wherever we need to wirelessly transmit data reliably and securely – from real-time camera images to safety-relevant emergency-stop signals for driverless transport systems – we need future-proof communication technology. Siemens has been a longstanding reliable partner for network solutions, and this is precisely why we decided to work with them.”
Private 5G networks, also known as campus networks, are 5G networks restricted to a defined company premises, a defined area, or an individual building. From Siemens’ point of view, private 5G networks offer many advantages for industry: Companies build them locally at their locations and can precisely modify them to meet their needs and applications. Companies also have full control over their data, because private 5G networks use their own local 5G spectrum. A private 5G infrastructure like the one offered by Siemens is required for building a local 5G network and making the 5G signal available on the company’s premises.
Siemens has been offering industrial 5G routers like the SCALANCE MUM853-1 and MUM856-1 for connecting robots, AGVs, and other industrial devices to a private 5G network since 2021. These routers are the final components necessary for efficient wireless connectivity in industrial environments.
by Gary Mintchell | Oct 24, 2023 | Automation, Industrial Computers, Operator Interface
Rockwell Automation has announced a new HMI portfolio. Following the acquisition of Plex in order to build expertise in the cloud, this new line is cloud-enabled. They are also using a word unfamiliar within the Rockwell ecosystem—open. The new HMI can now connect to a variety of third-party controllers. Finally, the portfolio features some new pricing ideas. Perhaps Rockwell is entering a new world.
Rockwell Automation announced the launch of the FactoryTalk Optix portfolio to enable industrial organizations to build versatile human machine interface (HMI) solutions that meet diverse customer requirements and adapt to evolving needs and technologies.
The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio provides an open architecture along with options for design, deployment, connectivity and extensibility that empower users to create innovative applications.
The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio allows users to choose their own technology mix. For the first time, Rockwell Automation customers can use visualization software to design HMI applications that can natively work with both Rockwell Automation and third-party controllers and run it on their choice of hardware. Users can connect to a variety of third-party software, devices or systems using software designed for interoperability and full OPC UA support. Users also only pay for the features they need, reducing unnecessary spend on unused features.
The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio includes five core solutions:
- FactoryTalk Optix software is an HMI visualization platform that users can access from their browser or download to their computer. This new platform includes features such as multi-user collaboration, web-based design and test and integrated version control.
- OptixPanel graphic terminals are sealed HMI appliances that come pre-loaded with FactoryTalk Optix and FactoryTalk Remote Access software licenses. This means that the device is an all-in-one solution that’s ready to run at first power-up.
- FactoryTalk Remote Access provides secure remote connectivity, so users can view, assist, manage and troubleshoot from anywhere in the world.
- ASEM 6300 Industrial PCs are available in box and panel form and allow for greater customization.
- The Embedded Edge Compute Module provides a packaged solution for users to process visual data locally and remotely while maintaining the capability to grow and scale your system as their needs change.
by Gary Mintchell | Oct 23, 2023 | Automation, Process Control
I am still trying to compile notes and news from the Connected Enterprise part of Honeywell while this news comes from the process automation side. These new products bring process automation technology and application into the modern realm that MES companies have been exploring—solution suites. I’ve not been able to talk with any end users, but I have to imagine this is helpful in certain applications. It seems to be the trend for larger software applications. Or, as a P&G engineer pleaded with a room full of technology providers a couple of years ago, “Please make things less complicated.”
Honeywell introduced Experion Solution Suites (ESS) on Oct. 19, 2023, an end-to-end automation software package for licensed Honeywell UOP units. The ready-now technology offers embedded process solutions within Honeywell’s flagship ExperionPKS automation platform.
“Experion Solution Suites is a fully developed knowledge system which removes the risk of translation from process experts to control experts by embedding UOP Inside Honeywell Automation,” said Chad Briggs, vice president and general manager of Projects and Automation Solutions at Honeywell Process Solutions. “This offering de-risks investments and can increase schedule flexibility by 10 to 12 weeks allowing operators to get trained earlier and ready for any abnormal situation during start up and commissioning.”
Automating engineering labor allows Experion Solution Suites to accelerate project development during detailed design and implementation. This can also reduce the total cost of ownership over the lifecycle of the asset by decreasing hours of manual effort and human error that can lead to unplanned downtime.
Honeywell’s new technology includes pre-configured control design, graphics, alarms, startup/shutdown sequences and process digital twins within scope of UOP licenses. This design minimizes risk for owners to ensure day-one readiness and reduced time to full capacity.
ESS is currently available for Ecofining, Ethanol-to-Jet, Oleflex-C3 (PDH), Aromatic and Naphtha Complex technologies, and will soon be available for most UOP licensed units including Methanol-to-Jet, Carbon Capture and Hydrogen Purification units.
by Gary Mintchell | Oct 19, 2023 | Personal Development
Dan Lyons, technology reporter, came to awareness of a glaring fault while sitting alone in an apartment while his wife and children were still living at home.
His problem—he talked too much. When he got started, his kids would talk about “Danalogues.” The problem is so prevalent in our society that it has a name—“overtalking.”
Some people never stop. My mother-in-law was a sweet lady, but she never met a silence that shouldn’t be filled. Maybe you know people like that. Even worse are those in such a rush to talk that they constantly interrupt and talk over others. Now we’ve gone from gently amusing to greatly annoying. If any of this resembles you, you may be a “talkaholic.” In that case, this book is for you.
His book is Stfu: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World. There is a little analysis tool in the beginning that will help you discern your talkativeness.
“Speaking with intention,” he says in the introduction, “that is, not just blurting things out, improves our relationships, makes us better parents, and can boost our psychological and even physical well-being.”
Lyons not only describes the malady in graphic detail, he also offers five tips to STFU
- When possible, say nothing.
- Master the power of the pause.
- Quit social media.
- Seek out silence.
- Learn how to listen.
If you read nothing else in the book, do the first chapter on the problem and the last chapter on listening. Most people hear noise, but most people don’t really listen.
I can enter a room and quietly listen and observe and be happy. But if someone asks me a question, I’m capable of a half-hour exposition on the topic. I needed the book! I once taped a small note to the top of my notebook that said only STFU. (That means shut up, if you don’t get the initialism.)
Try it. You’ll like it.
by Gary Mintchell | Oct 18, 2023 | Automation, Sustainability
Sustainability is one of the bigger topics in my professional life these days. There are industries that generate more carbon than others. This project will target improvements in energy efficiency, decarbonization and circularity in plants and production facilities.
Tata Steel Ltd and ABB have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and will work together to co-create innovative models and technologies to help reduce the carbon footprint of steel production. ABB will bring global experience in automation, electrification and digitalization for the mining and metals industries.
Tata Steel is among the top global steel companies with a crude steel capacity of 35 million tons per annum and is committed to major sustainability targets including achievement of carbon neutrality by 2045. In line with its aspirations, the steelmaker has a medium-term target to reduce carbon emissions to less than two tons of CO₂ per ton of crude steel in its Indian operations by 2025.
The two companies will focus on system-level assessments of Tata Steel’s manufacturing plants and production facilities for evaluation and co-development of short and long-term options for energy efficiency, decarbonization and circularity.
Tata Steel is committed to sustainable development and growth as an integral part of its business philosophy. To ensure sustainable growth, the company is working on deployment of key enablers for deep decarbonization, including the use of more scrap in steelmaking, use of alternate fuels such as natural gas and green hydrogen, use of renewable energy and deployment of carbon capture and storage/utilization technologies. Tata Steel expects to increase capacity to 40 million tons by 2030 hence this collaboration with technology partner ABB is a key enabler to achieve that growth in a sustainable manner.
ABB and Tata Steel will explore energy optimization via hydrogen as an alternative fuel for upstream processes and energy reduction as well as substitution through fully integrated electrification and digital systems such as ABB Ability eMine and e-Mobility solutions and energy efficient motors.
