Solution Examples
Maintain district heating networks via IIoT pressure monitoring
Filter monitoring in coal plants: manual to LoRaWAN diff-pressure sensor
Predictive silo management reduces costs and emissions
Predictive maintenance of rotating machinery
Remote monitoring of oil, gas and chemical storage tanks
Increased plant safety through intelligent monitoring of gas-insulated switchgear
Podcast Episodes
Retrofit Utility Networks: Wireless Condition Data, Not Inspection Trips
Many utilities run decades-old legacy networks whose condition has so far only been captured through manual inspections. Two employees drive out to a chamber, climb up to six metres underground, and read off an analogue pressure gauge. That yields nothing more than a snapshot – leaks, flooded chambers, or failing insulation on steel jacket pipes go undetected between inspection trips. Lausberger walks through the path from sensor to control room: battery-powered measurement technology transmitting wirelessly via LoRaWAN, mioty, or mobile networks such as NB-IoT and LTE-M, connected through standardized interfaces like REST API, MQTT, and OPC UA. The key trade-off is scalability. Homegrown, isolated solutions quickly hit their limits, which is why he favours cloud-based network servers and a reliable partner over running an in-house platform. To show how the data improves network operation, he points to a pressure control valve that was identified, after weeks of searching, as the cause of an oscillating network, as well as to long-term data on pressure peaks for network planning. At under 100 euros per measuring point, he considers the approach viable for smaller municipalities too. Key takeaways The condition of many district heating, water, and gas networks is still captured only through manual chamber inspections; IoT delivers continuous data instead of snapshots. Battery-powered wireless sensors (LoRaWAN, mioty, NB-IoT, LTE-M) achieve lifetimes of up to ten years and can be retrofitted without power or cable installation. Homegrown, isolated solutions scale poorly; according to Lausberger, a cloud-based network server and a reliable partner are the more sustainable route. Chambers six metres deep call for alternatives such as detachable antennas, because otherwise the wireless signal never reaches the surface.
LoRaWAN® in Practice: Vibration Monitoring and Valve Monitoring in the Oil & Gas Industry
This podcast episode explores the diverse applications of LPWAN technologies, particularly in the oil and gas industry. The guests explain how these technologies contribute to increased efficiency in process monitoring, such as monitoring valve positions and vibrations. Through the digitization and remote monitoring of equipment in challenging environments like desert regions, companies can not only achieve significant cost savings but also enhance safety. LORIOT provides the communication infrastructure, while WIKA supplies the appropriate sensors to enable a comprehensive IoT solution. A key topic of discussion is the challenge of integrating various sensors, APIs, and communication protocols like LoRaWAN and mioty. Additionally, they discuss how these technologies are scalable to efficiently manage large industrial networks. A particular use case is the monitoring of pressure values at oil wells to ensure equipment integrity and avoid costly failures. Furthermore, they explain how these technologies can be applied to other industries, such as geothermal energy, food, and pharmaceuticals. Finally, the guests provide a preview of upcoming trade shows, such as the SPS in Nuremberg and ADIPEC in the Middle East, where interested parties can gain further insights into their work.
WIKA: From traditional measurement technology manufacturer to holistic IIoT solution provider
WIKA, with over 75 years of experience and 11,000 employees, produces more than 50 million measurement points annually, underscoring their expertise and customer trust in their measurement technology. Philipp Lausberger emphasizes that WIKA’s solutions are used across all sectors, from energy technology to the process industry. Its broad customer base ranges from small businesses to global corporations. WIKA develops individual solutions ranging from sensor installations to data transmission, offering more than just hardware, but valuable, data-based solutions for various areas of application. Megatrends such as decarbonization, demographic change and digitalization are driving WIKA’s strategic direction. In this episode, use cases and application areas such as specific IoT solutions, e.g. tank telemetry and energy optimization, are presented. One focus of this episode is the monitoring of gas-insulated switchgear. Philipp Lausberger talks about a use case that emphasizes predictive maintenance and plant safety by monitoring SF6-filled switchgear. We are also talking about: Technological foundations and challenges: Technical aspects of IoT solutions, including sensor technology, connectivity and data analysis Integration and customer requirements: Customization of IIoT solutions to specific customer needs and challenges of integration into existing plants Data acquisition and processing: Various technologies and methods for data acquisition and transmission as well as their integration into analysis and prediction models At the end of the episode, there is an outlook on new solutions and technologies that WIKA is planning for the future. WIKA once again emphasizes the added value that IIoT solutions can bring to companies, especially in terms of increased efficiency, cost reduction and safety.
