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RTU’s with latest processing power on an old asset logging of every event ensures that no historical
can turn it into ‘smart’ asset. This helps engineers data is lost, even if there is a breakdown in site
to make the most of their aging equipment and communications. In addition, if an audit or post
reduce lifecycle costs. incident review is ever conducted, the log provides
Let’s consider a real world case study. the information required to reconstruct the site
Australian railway companies provide transport status at a particular point in time.
solutions for mine sites in remote regions, passing Multiple devices work together in unison in
through some of Australia’s harshest environments. railway control. In addition to signalling equipment,
Maintaining free flowing transportation relies on there are UPS systems, station lighting, arrival
monitoring and control equipment that is resilient information systems and switchgear. Operators
and highly available. Any delay of a train loaded need to be able to monitor and control each and
with valuable ore represents a million dollar per day every device. The RTU provides a single, reliable
hit to a mine site’s profitability. Operators also need interface to these systems as well as supporting
to ensure the safety of staff, the public and the numerous data protocols to gather data from and
environment. send commands to the myriad of devices used in
At key points in the railway network, specialised railway control.
signalling equipment provides local management of The RTU is a “Black Box” for the railway
railway line safety. Kingfisher RTU’s are utilised for system, continually verifying and recording site
the remote management and co-ordination of these operations. They are resilient to the environment,
single purpose safety devices. Each RTU maintains operate 24/7, report upon and log all key events
a timestamped log of every command sent to a and manage all site communications. They are the
signalling unit from the control room, the digital device of choice for remote monitoring and control
outputs from the signalling units to field equipment of railway operations.
and the changes in status of field equipment. The www.ovarro.com

November 2020 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p12