EHT control systems and wireless communications: the wave of the future

Wireless communication has become a normal part of our everyday lives. This paper describes the implementation of a wireless infrastructure within a large petrochemical facility and how it has been used to monitor and control an extensive microprocessor based electric heat tracing (EHT) control system. The paper outlines the history of the existing control method of electrical heat tracing and the change to a wireless monitoring world. The paper discusses the rationale for changing from the use of existing electro-mechanical thermostats to the microprocessor-based controller technology. Presentation of the varied wireless options available, field testing of the chosen solution, and the engineering problems encountered in the design and implementation of the entire network.