MMK Launches Wireless Industrial Internet of Things Network
MMK-Informservice, part of MMK Group, has installed network infrastructure for the industrial internet of things (IIoT) at MMK’s industrial site. The IIoT core network was built on the basis of the LoRaWAN wireless data transfer protocol, which makes it possible to standardise the collection of discrete data as well as to accelerate and reduce the cost of the Company’s digitalisation projects.
The introduction of the IIoT network is one of the key elements of MMK’s digitalisation strategy. Other IT projects that are currently being implemented on the basis of this technology include a system for monitoring personnel in hazardous areas in coke plant No. 8, which is aimed at reducing workplace injuries, and a system for monitoring the temperature of blast furnace housing in the blast furnace shop in order to minimise maintenance costs.
The state-of-the-art wireless technology makes it possible to collect data from sensors installed on process equipment, including auxiliary systems, which have so far not been included in the digitalisation process. It also enables Company experts to monitor indicators and to establish a data lake for further analysis and creation of supporting systems.
The network provides a stable and secure environment for transmitting information. Wireless technology eliminates the risk of disconnections and damage to cable infrastructure as well as the need to install additional telecommunication lines when incorporating new digital solutions, thus reducing their cost and the time needed to implement them.
By ensuring full coverage of the plant site and seamless data transmission, the network provides communication in hard-to-reach and remote production areas where there are no traditional hard lines. This will enable the Company to gather information on hundreds of metrics from all its industrial facilities without interruption, starting with temperature, humidity, pressure, vibration and noise levels through to flow meter data, which can be collected according to a schedule, in response to requests or when critical values are reached. The system will enable a transition from visual or scheduled equipment maintenance to condition-based maintenance, and staff will be able to hand over routine processes to automated equipment, freeing up time to engage in more complex and creative tasks.
When installing the system, the Company prioritised devices that are produced domestically and adapted for an aggressive external environment. Sensors with a built-in power supply and using the LoRaWAN protocol can operate without being connected to an electricity network or wires for up to five years. Data is collected according to a schedule and in line with various digitalisation projects. It is then transmitted to the application server (IIoT platform), where it is pre-processed, and operators as well as maintenance and other personnel can access it through the Company’s corporate data warehouse.