Modular automation cabinet for proactive monitoring in ATEX Zone 2

Abstract

The paper presents an automation system dedicated to oil & gas machinery applications, such as electrical gas compressors. The future aim is to introduce it into the Romanian oil & gas industry. The system consists of a low size cabinet and its dependencies, which can be used in ATEX Zone 2. The electronic equipment is dimensioned and chosen according to the standards in force, so that the limited current and voltage requirements for methane gas to be met. The key feature is that this system complies with all ATEX standards for Zone 2. Moreover, it can also be a mobile and modular solution if needed, for a versatile and easy use in proactive monitoring of multiple locations across various compressor plants. The design, wireless transmission and possible implementation of this cabinet are presented. Remote data transmission via Wi-Fi and RS-485 communication interfaces between the devices is considered, due to several advantages: mobility, versatility, wide compatibility, environmentally friendly, as well as higher resources efficiency (reducing time and costs).