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900 MHz Spread Spectrum Radio for
Cathodic Protection Scada Networks
FGRCP by FreeWave Technologies


A spread spectrum radio system for remote monitoring of cathodic
protection systems, with no recurring monthly charges.

 
Overview

Model FGRCP by FreeWave Technologies is a board-level spread spectrum radio with inputs and outputs for monitoring and reporting operational values for cathodic protection on pipelines, tanks, pipe-to-soil test stations, rectifier stations, pipeline pressure stations, pigging stations, and underground facilities subject to environmental corrosion. It takes telemetry automation of cathodic protection systems to the next level with no recurring monthly charges.

The FGRCP board level radio is available in a preassembled LineMarker enclosure with solar power system, antennas and conduit mounting bracket.

For more information, download our two-page FreeWave FGRCP data sheet in pdf format. Also, see the articles New Radios Automate Pipeline Integrity Monitoring for Corrosion Control, published in Pipeline and Gas Technology Magazine, and Frequency Hopping for Corrosion Protection, published in Water and Wastes Digest, May 2008.

Features
  • Multi-Purpose, All-in-One: Radio modem for monitoring rectifiers, pipe-to-soil test stations, pressure monitoring, and pigging operations with just one single device.
     
  • No Reoccurring Monthly Costs by owning your own communication network.
     
  • Enhanced Security: retains all data within company firewalls.
     
  • Easily Integrates: into existing radio networks leveraging existing investments in supervisory control and data acquisition systems using open extended Modbus network addressing.
     
  • Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum: invented for Military use in WWII for Allied Forces.
     
  • High Speed Communications: 115.2 Kbps true throughput.
     
  • Long Range: up to 60 miles line of sight, ability to extend range through repeaters.
     
  • Error Free Communications: 32 bit CRC with automatic retransmission.
     
  • Industrial Grade Specifications: Every FGRCP is 100% factory tested for full range performance and temperature cycle tested from -40°C to +75°C.
     
  • Repeater Capabilities: Each FGRCP can perform as a Slave Radio, a Repeater and simultaneous Slave/Repeater.
     
  • Wide Supply Voltage Range: 10 to 30V DC.
     
  • Ultra Low Power Consumption: Current draw is less than 6 mA, 12V DC in sleep mode, and less than 86 mA in receiving mode. In sleep mode, radio will awaken, synchronize and be ready to transmit data is less than 150 µsec.
     
  • Separate Diagnostics Serial Port: Allows real time simultaneous local diagnostics and setup without tying up the FGRCP main communication port.
     
  • Separate RS232 Serial Port: Allows the FGRCP radio to simultaneously communicate to the I/O termination points and to auxiliary PLC’s, EFM’s, RTU’s, etc.
     
  • Enhanced Diagnostics: including signal level in dBm and transmit current.
     
  • RS232/RS485/RS422 Interface available with user programmability.
     
  • Noise Immunity: Robust communication performance in noisy, congested areas.
     
  • Secure: Proprietary spread spectrum technology and user programmable security features prevent detection or unauthorized access.
     
  • No Obsolescence: 100% backwards compatibility with all FreeWave 900 MHz products.

Benefits of Spread Spectrum Radio

Energy and Pipeline Companies can meet the new Federal regulations, lower their operating costs and enhance existing cathodic protection systems through the use of two tools, scada and telemetry.

1. SCADA.  Many companies own and operate their own supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA), thus can leverage this existing capital investment in scada by extending the data communication network further to cover cathodic protection equipment as well. A SCADA system is the backbone to a data communication network that wirelessly communicates to remote field devices like compressor sites, pump stations, wellhead controls, LACT units, rectifiers, pipe-to-soil test stations, etc. Extending the existing network to manage cathodic protection increases the robustness of the existing system as well. For companies not currently operating a SCADA system of their own, small host systems are implemented with a minimal investment by local integration companies.

2. Telemetry. With a SCADA system in place, remote cathodic protection field equipment is automated by installing simple and cost effective, toll-free, wireless radios on rectifiers, test stations, pigging stations, and pressure test stations. Thus extending the existing SCADA network and automating the data collection function of cathodic protection monitoring.

Model FGRCP by FreeWave Technologies offers a multi-purpose, all-in-one, cathodic protection, wireless, data communication radio for monitoring & reporting:

1.  Impressed current rectifier output voltage and current
2.  Rectifier inlet power status
3.  Rectifier interruption (automated or manually operated)
4.  Pipe-to-soil voltage potential
5.  Galvanic anode potential
6.  Pipeline pressure, temperature, pigging operations
7.  Communication integrity
8.  Battery voltage

Other features:

  • Each FGRCP monitored point is directly polled, monitored, alarmed and trended through SCADA for near real-time operational data. The FGRCP can automatically alarm back to Operations through report by exception.
     
  • Every FreeWave Cathodic Protection Monitoring Radio acts as an infinite data communication repeater site extending the existing networks ability to reach further into remote areas of operations.
     
  • Many companies already own other fine FreeWave products and the new FGRCP cathodic protection monitoring radios easily integrate with existing radios.
     
  • Demand Poll real-time updates from remote locations with no windshield time, increased safety and no polling costs.
     
  • All functionality for one low front-end purchase price with no product obsolescence or monthly reoccurring costs or fees.

FGRCP Radio Specifications
 

Rectifier Output Monitoring

Voltage 0-100V dc, Current 0-20A.

Rectifier Status Monitoring

Inlet power status monitoring, AC or DC.

Rectifier Interruption

12V dc, DO relay output, user selectable.

Pipe-to-Soil Monitoring

-2 to +3V dc

Auxiliary Analog Input

1 to 5V dc or 4-20 mA

Integrated Solar Charging

12V dc charging circuit and controller

Frequency Range

902 to 928 MHz

Output Power

100 mW to 1 Watt

Range, Line of Sight:

60 miles

Modulation

Spread spectrum GDSK

Occupied Bandwidth

230 kHz

Spreading Method

Frequency hopping

Hopping Pattern

15 per band, 105 total, user-selectable.

Hopping Channels

50 to 112, user-selectable

Hopping Bands

7, user-selectable

Sensitivity

-108 dBm for BER 1x10-6, -110 dBm for BER 1x10-4

Selectivity

20 dB at fc ± 460 kHz (2nd IF)

System Gain

140 dB

Error Detection

32 bit CRC, Retransmit on error

Data Encryption

Substitution, Dynamic Key

Data Interface

RS232, RS485, RS422 or TTL

Data Connector

10-pin, locking ramp, header, data & power connector.

Diagnostics Connector

20-pin header connector

Antenna Connector

Board-Level Radio: SMA, threaded.
LineMarker Test Station: Antenna included.

Power Requirements:
     Transmit
     Receive
     Idle
     Sleep

At 12V dc:
     500 mA
     86 mA
     21 mA
     8 mA

At 30V dc:
     200 mA
     12 mA
     12 mA
     3 mA

Solar Autonomy

LineMarker Test Station: fully loaded I/O, 18 days with 1.25 safety factor

Electrical Classification

Class 1, Division 2 (pending)

Operating Temperature

Range: -40°C to +75°C, fully tested

Humidity

0-95% non-condensing

Dimensions

Board-Level Radio: 5” x 3.5” x 2” (H x W x D).
LineMarker Test Station: 30” x 4” x 4” (H x W x D).

Weight

Board-Level Radio: 100 grams
LineMarker Test Station: 12 pounds

Mounting

Board-Level Radio: Standoffs available or FGRCP bracket mount.
LineMarker Test Station: 3" conduit riser pipe or 8x8 surface mount, flat adapter bracket.

 

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