Siemens' Remote Terminal Unit
Published by Francesca Brindle,
Editorial Assistant
Hydrocarbon Engineering,
The new Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) Simatic RTU3010C and the functions added to the Simatic RTU3030C are extending the application scope of compact RTUs for telecontrol applications. These can be used for the simple implementation and monitoring of measurement points for important process data such as level, flow and fill level, as well as pressure and temperature, even for plants spread over a wide geographical area. The transmission of process values can be cyclically controlled or event-driven. The RTUs can be connected to any control centre using different telecontrol protocols – also standardised protocols. With the support of telecontrol protocols such as Sinaut ST7, the two compact RTUs can be ideally integrated into new or existing Sinaut ST7 and Scada systems. By means of integrated inputs and outputs, sensors can be directly connected. Together with web-based engineering, this helps simplify commissioning. Fields of application for RTUs include the water and wastewater industry, agriculture and asset management.
To connect to the control centre, instead of an integrated UMTS modem the Simatic RTU3010C uses external industrial routers such as Scalance M for network connection over an Industrial Ethernet interface. This lends greater flexibility when it comes to choosing a communication medium, with scope for mobile wireless network or wired network connection for instance over DSL. Power is supplied to both the compact RTUs over a DC12-24 volt interface, by a solar panel with rechargeable battery or simply using conventional batteries. The RTUs are also capable of powering the connected sensors. The new firmware version 2.0 enables additional batteries to be used, increasing the capacity to more than 70 ampere hours (Ah) and allowing significantly longer operating times without the need to change batteries.
Its robust design allows the RTU to be used under harsh ambient conditions at temperatures of between -40°C and +70°C, and when fitted with an additional IP 68 rated protective housing, even under flood conditions. The RTUs can be remotely configured and updated with new firmware via web-based engineering. As the new firmware version V2.0 supports autoconfiguration in Sinema Remote Connect, the VPN connections to the RTUs can be simply configured using this management platform for remote networks.
The new RTU Simatic RTU3010C and the functions added to the Simatic RTU3030C are extending the application scope of compact RTUs for telecontrol applications. These can be used for the simple implementation and monitoring of measurement points for important process data such as level, flow and fill level, as well as pressure and temperature, even for plants spread over a wide geographical area.
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/tanks-terminals/24042017/siemens-remote-terminal-unit/
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