Scada

Satellite based SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) systems are uses of the ORBCOMM satellite system which increase enterprise efficiency and agility. Connecting remote systems directly to enterprise desktops with Marimsys systems integration and ORBCOMM satellite links speeds up information coming into the enterprise, and the ability of the enterprise to proactively respond.

Digital and analog data is typically captured at remote sites by sensors, transponders and PLC’s (Programmable Logic Controllers).

1)    Marimsys and ORBCOMM add the functionality of a two-way satellite link between the Control Center and the remote SCADA device; remote devices can be turned on or off, adjusted or calibrated via digital, RS 232 or TCP/IP commands issued from a LAN PC located in the Control Center.

2)    With remote satellite data monitoring there is real-time access at the to the remote data at the Control Center, avoiding the costs, errors and delays inherent in sending someone out to read the instrument, or download the datalogger or PLC.

3)    Data output to the satellite communicator (SC) is directly analyzed by its own internal CPU various times per second, thus often eliminating the use of a costly PLC. Based upon the result of that millisecond cycle local analysis by the logical firmware of the SC, feedback digital commands may be emitted directly back to the controlled local SCADA devices in the same manner as a PLC, in many cases eliminating the need for a costly PLC.

4)    Parallel timer driven logic in the SC firmware constantly analyzes the SCADA data – at intervals denominated in milliseconds - in order to create reports for emission over the satellite circuit. At intervals such as every 2 hours, or upon the occurrence of specific events or sensor values e.g. “alarm reports”, or upon demand from the Control Center, the precise report required is sent to the Control Center.

Without moving from your desk you can know:

The infrared intrusion sensor inside the storeroom in Caracas has not triggered – no worries.

They oxygen level in a smolt pond in the South of Chile is a bit low – need to raise the oxygen or mortality will increase.

The dissolved particles and viscosity of the oil in an earthmover in the North of Chile – indicate deterioration of the oil quality.

The earthmover worked for 2 hours yesterday on site, worked for 3 hours where it should not have been and idled for 2 hours.

Below are some examples of the software applications which make the above, and much more, possible using the systems integration expertise of Marimsys and the satellite technology of ORBCOMM.

The experience of Marimsys in data encryption, permits us to assure privacy and significantly reduce the amount of data traffic, thus reducing both the cost of the satellite traffic and the satellite system latency.

Satellite data transmission to the Control Center combined with instantly making this information available to personnel who need it, augments efficiency. Copies of the data reports, or web products utilizing a fraction of the data or value-added web data products created with the data, can deliver results to users and stakeholders within a few seconds of the receipt of the data over the satellite link.

Remote access to data, rapidly and informatively shared among users can create a sense of confidence and transparency in relations, forging relationship bonds within the enterprise and its stakeholder community. Is a chemical measurement sensor downstream of a factory a scientific expense? Or a marketing expense? In either case, a real-time web site can be a powerful tool for displaying objective data and building the bonds of  “good neighbors”.

Engineers, field service personnel and subcontractors are not distracted and using valuable time to journey to data loggers and muddle about with serial connections and floppy disks. Nor are the risks to personnel and the expenses of travel to isolated places incurred. While we at Marimsys take pride ourselves in our ability to camouflage installations of satellite communicators, should the hardware be stolen or destroyed it is easily and inexpensively replaced.

Additionally the devices of Marimsys can be used for security purposes, directly activating alarm signals. The device can be connected to sensors, infrared for the detection of movement or electro-magnetic for the opening of doors or windows - much like traditional burglar alarm systems – these inputs can be used to trigger other devices and or reports anomaly reports to the control center. The satellite communicators of Marimsys directly activate sound alarms, provide a signal which turns on lights or activate other devices to discourage tose who would enter where they are neither permitted nor welcome.

Report Generation

The satellite communicator (SC), in addition to local command functions enabled directly with SCADA hardware on site, is generally programmed to operate in three communications modes simultaneously:

Transmit periodic reports:

The SC sends an encoded message of the “snapshot” conditions of the monitored variables on the SCADA device, this could be the values at the instant of report generation, the average values for the previous hour, or the maximum and minimum values encountered during the previous hour. Typically the interval between reports is a variable number of minutes, programmed from the control center over the satellite link. This permits the Control Center to implement more intensive monitoring of variables when circumstances indicate.

Transmit an “Alarm Report”

Events occurs which require immediate transmission to inform personnel or automated processes in the control center. These can be in a tank whose volume is constantly monitored, when the amount stored drops through the “re-order point,” or when a value in a mechanical system exceeds its “red-line” limit. The satellite communicator immediately emits an alarm report.

Receive Commands

The satellite communicator can receive configuration commands both for itself, and to pass through to the SCADA device. These commands generally include a polling command which is an interrogation – at the moment of reception over the satellite link – of the specific values being monitored.

With these methods of transmitting data – of maintaining automated connections - you never have to be disconnected from your operations. ORBCOMM is uniquely suited to transfer small data reports originating in remote areas, directly from machine to machine. Information entering the Control system becomes a continuous flow, enabling responses and corrective measures to be implemented immediately by servers and human operators.