More efficient and safer waste management thanks to a network of sensors and wireless reading systems installed at the Herambiente Disposal Plant in Voltana (Ravenna).
When we read about it in the media, the waste disposal cycle is often associated with chronic problems or mismanagement. Today, however, we buck that trend with a good news story from Project Service and Herambiente.
The idea
For the Disposal Facility in Voltana and Alfonsine (Ravenna), Herambiente was looking for an automated solution that would allow monitoring and control of leachate collection and thermal destruction of landfill gas. All through automatic process control equipment capable of remote dialogue with Herambiente’s centralised system and equipped with an operator interface for process management. The aim was to ensure timely monitoring of functionality even from remote locations.
The solution
The objective of the project was therefore to detect the level of leachate in the wells and collection tanks in order to give “remote” operational commands to the pumps concerned. To achieve this, a network of sensors was needed to allow all the storage facilities to communicate with each other. Given the objective difficulty of laying the necessary cabling, Project Service engineered a data centralisation system via wireless networks and radio links using Advantech B+B products. All data is now collected in a single concentrator which then shares this data via a web interface with Herambiente’s central remote control system.
The reasons behind the choice
After a careful appraisal and selection of the alternatives available on the market, Project Service chose to use Advantech B+B Smartworx products. Advantech B+B’s recognised experience with wireless networks and radio links and the seriousness and expertise demonstrated by the Italian distributor, IT Distribuzione, played a key part in this decision. The direct relationship with them and the geographical proximity between Project Service’s operational headquarters and the Voltana plant meant that it was possible to maintain a constant presence during the design, inspection and installation of the solutions.
Components used
• Modbus Serial Gateway, (1) Serial DB9 or TB, (1) 10/100 Ethernet RJ45
• Zlinx Radio Modem 2.4 GHz Short Range, RS-232/422/485
• Zlinx I/O Base Module, 2.4GHz Short Range
• Zlinx I/O Expansion Modules
• 5 GHz Ghostbridge point-to-point and omnidirectional radio links
The plug-and-play installation was so simple that it could be supplied free of charge. The Zlinx family of products is an excellent choice for businesses needing robust and reliable equipment as an alternative to wiring.
Project Service laboratory tests
Over the past year, we have invested time and resources in building a new laboratory, with the specific aim of minimising external response times as much as possible and preventing the inconvenience of plant stoppages for our partners. Now, every plant, line, machine or robot we work on is tested virtually, preventing problems that would otherwise occur on site. In this way, we are able to drastically reduce commissioning times, by up to 50 per cent for on-site software start-up or even up to 80 per cent in cases served by web support.
Info and contact details
Project Service, via Fornasari 18, Castel Bolognese (RA)
Tel +39 0546 656802
Fax +39 0546 651507
www.projectservice.com
info@projectservice.com
