SureCross DX81 FlexPower Supplies
FlexPower supplies provide a reliable solution for remote power and hard-to-access locations.
- FlexPower battery modules supply power to FlexPower Nodes. The DX81 module uses one lithium primary battery.
- FlexPower batteries feature efficient power management technology.
- The battery provides brief switchpower voltage to activate a sensing device.
- Once activated, the input reads the sensor, and then the switchpower shuts off to prolong battery life—up to 5 years.
- The actuation voltage, time on and sample are configurable parameters, with voltage up to 24V dc.
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Application Notes
Wireless Forklift Signaling
Banner’s Q45 wireless call sensor communicates to a wireless DX80, signaling that forklift drivers can remove the completed pallet for shipping. This helps keep the conveyor clear, keep it moving faster and leads to more productivity. Since forklift drivers are being called to action more quickly, it allows for more productivity.
Wireless Reduces Downtime
A producer of stainless steel and special alloys supplies billets, blooms and ingots to the metal casting industry. During production, articulating robots are used to handle magnesium billets. Proximity switches located on the end effectors of the robots communicate status information from the grippers to a control panel. Robotic cables had been used to connect the proximity switches to the control panel. Environmental challenges and the motion of the robot compromised the integrity of the cables. Breaks were quite frequent and production had to be halted for repair and replacement, pushing up costs and driving down productivity.
Controlling a Room Light Remotely
A Q45 Emitter/Receiver detects when someone steps on the first step and sends a discrete signal to the Gateway to turn the light on. The light switch has a built-in timer that turns the light off after 20 minutes.
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Monitoring Environmental Conditions
A semiconductor fab needs to monitor temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen levels at multiple points within their processing plant, along a 2 kilometer long process piping system. They require a solution that monitors temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen levels, provides a location for the monitoring points, and collects all data to a central point and interfaces with their SCADA system. The solution needs to create an efficient, safe work environment for all employees. With over 2 kilometers of underground tunnel piping systems, installing cable to each monitoring location is cost prohibitive.
Wireless Perimeter Guarding
A Solar Power Supply positioned in each corner of the outdoor storage area powers both a Solar Node and SM30 Series 30mm Barrel Sensor emitter and receiver pair. To power the emitter and receiver pair, use the DIP switches to set the Solar Node's boost voltage output to 13V.
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Managing an HVAC System to Improve Efficiency
Instead of operating the HVAC system all the time, energy expenses can be reduced by scheduling the equipment to run only when the manufacturing equipment is in operation. A Node with discrete I/O monitors machine status and one of the Node’s inputs accepts a signal from the machine’s PLC to indicate if the machine is operating.
Wireless Water Treatment Monitoring in Unsafe or Harsh Conditions
In most waste water installations, the locations are not wired for power or data transfers. With a SureCross Wireless Network, FlexPower Nodes are deployed at each holding unit without the need to run cables for power or I/O data transmission. Banner’s unique power management capability enables a Node equipped with an ultrasonic analog level sensor to operate for years on a single DX81 battery power supply.
Monitoring Rotating Kiln Temperatures
The SureCross Wireless Sensor Network eliminates complexities associated with data acquisition from rotating and moving machinery such as a rotating kiln. Crucial temperature data is acquired using a thermocouple or RTD and transmitted from the FlexPower Nodes to a remote Gateway in the plant's control center. Data is always concentrated in the same location for processing or analysis, and manual data collection and physical risks to personnel are eliminated. Temperature data is logged and anal
Remote Train Car Detection for Train Yard Mashalling
Used at various points in a train yard to control direction of train cars
Managing Energy Use at an Amusement Park
Wireless technology was used to control air compressors that powered rides, saving maintenance workers time waiting for air pressure to build up.
Calculating Machine Run Time
PLC logic added to the welding machine can turn on an output when the allocated process time is exceeded. This output is wired to an input of a DX80 Node. The Node’s input is transmitted back to a DX80 Gateway connected to an HMI that logs overage time. Accumulated overage time is totaled for each shift and operator. Accurate work time is gathered at the welding machine and wirelessly transmitted back to a central control location for logging without running new data wires.
Controlling Pumps Using a Solar-Powered Repeater System
A Performance Mapping (PM2) Gateway and two PM2 Nodes (900 MHz, 1 W models), using the 1R mapping option, transmit the signal from the reservoir to the pump station. One of the Nodes was installed at the reservoir with the float switch as its input. A solar panel was used to power the float switch and the Node. The Gateway, also powered by a solar panel, was installed part way down the hill to act as a repeater and ensure the signal was strong between the reservoir and the pump station. The second Node was wired into the pump station’s PLC. When the signal from the float switch indicated the reservoir’s levels were low, the pump turned on.
Landfill Methane Reclamation and Flare Stack Monitoring
To meet governmental regulations, landfill managers need to accurately monitor methane gas production, removal, venting, and burning. To accurately determine methane production levels and flow, a pressure transducer can detect both pressure and vacuum present within the methane production system.
Energy Management with a Wireless Network
A Gateway inside a facility’s physical plant monitors energy use and demand. Depending on facility requirements—which change often—the wireless network can activate or shut down a rooftop HVAC system. With this monitoring system, industry managers can identify opportunities to make energy use more efficient and conserve plant resources at their facility.
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Security/Access Monitoring with a Wireless Network
A door to a secured storage room is equipped with a proximity sensor. When the door opens, the sensor transmits the data through a FlexPower Node to a Gateway, which illuminates an EZ-LIGHT indicator light in the main office.
Monitoring a Pellet Conveyor
A plastic blown-film extrusion company manufactures wrapping products. With over a ½ mile of various conveyor systems used to carry and mix the pellet medium, the multiple conveyor systems must remain free of blockages and mechanical failures must be detected quickly to reduce costs from wasted material, ruined batches, and costly down time.
Wireless Tank Level Analysis in Unsafe or Harsh Conditions
Banner’s SureCross DX99 wireless FlexPower Nodes offer Class I, II, and III, Division 1 and Zone 0 certifications for installations requiring Intrinsically Safe operation. With a SureCross Wireless Network, FlexPower Nodes are deployed at each tank without the need to run cables for power or I/O data transmission. Banner’s unique power management capability enables a Node equipped with a pressure sensor to operate for years on a single DX81 battery power supply.
Day Tank Level Monitoring
Using a wireless level monitoring system, day tank fill levels are now monitored continuously so that materials are maintained at a specific quantity. Because these tanks are slowly filled or depleted, ultrasonic sensors can be used to measure the tank levels without false readings or tank wall interference. With a SureCross Wireless Network, FlexPower™ Nodes are deployed at each tank without the need to run cables for power or I/O data transmission. Banner’s unique power management capability enables a Node equipped with a T30UF ultrasonic analog level sensor to operate for years on a single DX81 battery power supply. Remotely located tank sensor readings can be forwarded to a host system for data tracking, sending e-mail alerts, or to trigger specific events, such as refilling the tank. Tank resources are only filled when necessary to maintain customer-defined levels. Time is no longer wasted performing routine refills on tanks that did not need to be refilled.
Process Monitoring, Reporting the Location of an Activated Emergency Shower
At each emergency shower location, a FlexPower Node with 4 discrete inputs and 4 discrete outputs and DX81 Battery Supply Module was installed. Because the installation was a Class I, Division 2 environment, the DX80...C housings were used and installed inside an appropriate enclosure. When the shower is activated by a mechanical whisker switch, the FlexPower Node sends a signal to a Gateway and controller to notify security that a shower was engaged at a specific location.
Valve Temperature Monitoring at a Steam Power Plant
To allow for quicker, more frequent, and more efficient scanning of target valve population tailpipe temperatures, a series of FlexPower Thermocouple Nodes and FlexPower Battery Supply Modules are installed. Temperature measurements of the valves and pipes are measured and wirelessly transmitted to a DXM100 Wireless Controller mounted in a central location. The DXM100 gathers the data and transfers the data to a SCADA system that monitors and graphically displays the temperature data.
Call for Parts in a Flooring Manufacturing Process
Each production operator in a lane was equipped with a wireless Node and K50 EZ-LIGHT. Another Node and EZ-LIGHT was installed in each forklift. When a production operator needs supplies, the operator pushes the button on the EZ-LIGHT, turning the light from green to red. At the same time, the forklift driver’s lights goes from green to red to indicate an operator needs parts.
Rotating Equipment Monitoring
In a number of automotive manufacturing processes, rotary tables are used to index parts into various automatic and manual work stations. In many cases, it is necessary to use sensors to verify that parts are present, properly placed, or correctly processed before indexing. Historically, the solution of using slip rings to allow sensor power and signals to be hardwired to the control system has often proven to be costly and unreliable. An alternative solution that allows more sensor signals to be processed while increasing the reliability is needed.
Landfill Leachate and Ground Well Monitoring
A single FlexPower™ Node equipped with a counter input and submersible pressure sensor/transmitter can be used to reliably monitor both the leachate level and the pump. The submersible pressure transmitter monitors the leachate level while the counter counts pump strokes used to remove that leachate.
Wireless Tank Farm Monitoring in Unsafe or Harsh Conditions
With a SureCross Wireless Network, FlexPower Nodes are deployed at each tank without the need to run cables for power or I/O data transmission. Banner’s unique power management capability enables a Node equipped with a pressure sensor to operate for years on a single DX81 battery power supply.
Crane-to-Crane Communication
Applications involving such large machinery can make wiring difficult and unsafe. Fortunately, wireless solutions allow for easy transmission of distance data. Various wireless devices can be setup up between cranes so multiple cranes can service the same area. Wireless products are also offered in rugged housing making them suitable for outdoor environments. Using wireless equipment to accurately monitor the cranes prevents costly repairs or replacements.
Monitoring Flammable Fluid Levels in a Recycling Facility
Alternative data collection solutions are possible with Banner’s DX99 900 MHz radios in CID1 housings and the B/W Prostick magnetostrictive level devices. Using the appropriate antenna barrier, the result is a Class 1 Division 1 wireless monitoring solution that provides real-time data anywhere within the facility. With the battery powered DX99 units and the loop powered Prostick, installation into the 8' flanged tanks takes only a few minutes.
Slip Ring Replacement with Wireless Solutions
Slip rings are subject to constant movement which in turn leads to continuous maintenance in order to avoid degradation of the rotating electrical connection caused by normal wear and debris. Slip ring failure bring production to a halt, resulting in unexpected and costly downtime. The DX80 wireless radios provide a non-contact solution for transmitting the sensor signals from inside the filler bowl to the control panel. The wireless node located on the rotary filler can be battery powered thus providing power to the sensors for a wire-free installation. The DX80 wireless solution eliminates the need for slip rings, helping to decrease downtime and maintenance.
Landfill Leachate Pump Cycle Counting
Leachate removal from a landfill well is a primary function to guarantee consistent landfill gas production. Instead of manually collecting the pump count data, wireless technology can be used to save time and eliminate errors.
Monitoring Customer Traffic
To understand traffic flow and consumer habits in a retail environment, a SureCross FlexPower Node and a Banner MINI-BEAM sensor provide a discreet, peel-and-stick monitoring and counting solution.
Retrofitting a Lake Level Monitoring System
The existing lake level measurement system at Moncks Corner, South Carolina was aging and needed to be upgraded to newer technology. The new components, however, needed to use wireless technology for transmitting data to avoid having to run wire from the top of the dam to the dam office, located about a quarter of a mile away.
Presence Detection on Rotating Lathe Turret
Betty Machine chose the SureCross® DX80 FlexPower® wireless network from Banner Engineering. This versatile, highly-scalable solution is built around a Gateway capable of two-way communication with multiple end-point Nodes.
Shopping Center Directs Vehicles to Available Parking
Reduce vehicle congestion, wireless monitoring
Zero Defect Standard on Industrial Winder
A successful manufacturer of specialty industrial yarns makes fiberglass and glass thread products for applications in the automotive, aerospace, military and composite materials industries. To help maintain their high standards and minimize costly product returns, they established a goal of zero product defects. To meet this goal, the company needed an automated thread inspection system.
Thermal Remediation Temperature Measurement
The EPA has placed restrictions on the use of many fumigants citing a correlation between their use and ozone depletion. As an alternative, a large-scale flour mill performs three to four thermal remediations per year to eradicate flour beetles. The temperature inside the mill is brought up to 122° F (50° C). This is done gradually to minimize equipment and building strain caused by heat expansion.
Collecting Snap Samples
To collect snap samples quicker and avoid exposure to wastewater, use wireless technology to automatically collect snap samples and deliver the contents to the collection jug. A small pump installed at the collection site can be activated automatically, and at programmed time intervals, to extract the snap sample. A wireless signal is used to trigger the collection and to confirm a successful collection.
Waste Water Management in a Land-fill Site
After careful consideration of several systems, the operators of the landfill determined that the Banner Wireless system was the only solution that could meet all imposed standards and seamlessly co-exist with other devices already in place at their site. With the help of integrator Wilson Mohr, they were able to create a system that could take data from below ground and make it accessible at the desk of the end user. One battery powered Node at the top of each well powers the radio and the ultrasonic analog level sensor. Each Node is equipped with a specialized low-power 4-20 mA analog level sensor and one 10-30V dc powered Gateway controls the system. The Data Radio and Modbus master controller module enhance portability of data and an omni-directional antenna extends the range of Gateway-Node communication up and over the hill and across the landfill site. Cutting-edge power management capabilities and an internal battery eliminate long haul cabling and create a greatly-reduced cost of installation. The wireless devices also have built-in diagnostic properties that send out alarms prior to complete shutdown, minimizing down time. They are also completely scalable and can adapt as the operators fill in and create new wells.
Retrofit for Robotics
The DX80 Gateway is positioned at the control panel to collect and process data. A DX80 Node, DX81 Battery Module, and I/O block are attached to the robotic arm. The Node allows for data gathering at the robot's end effector and also comes available with an M23 connector. The DX81 Battery Module provides power for both the Node and one external input device. These devices are easily integrated with existing equipment.
Level Monitoring On Rotary Filler System
Banner’s Sure Cross wireless system can easily transmit temperature, pressure and fill levels to a local PLCs. The wireless system will seamlessly alert operators if bottling is occurring below the desired fill level. This helps prevent errors and leads to greater consistency in bottled beverages. Consistent fill levels mean no recalls—and no wasted products. Using a wireless system also eliminates the need for slip rings on the rotary filler, which in turn reduces maintenance costs.
Monitoring Railcar Wheels Wirelessly
Detect the railcar wheels and trigger an axle pushing arm wirelessly
Center Pivot Irrigation
Center arm pivot irrigation systems are used throughout the Midwest to minimize water use and ensure crop health. Because the sections of the center pivot assembly have to move at different speeds, the motors moving each section must be monitored to verify each section is moving at the proper speed and time.
Water Tower Level Monitoring and Pump Control
A submersible pressure sensor and float switches connected to a FlexPower™ Node provide constant monitoring of water tower levels and wirelessly transmits data to a Gateway mounted near the pumps.
Automatic Storage & Retrieval System
SureCross FlexPower™ Nodes and low-power sensors combine to create a portable monitoring system that instantly integrates with existing Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) cranes. The combination of Banner’s reliable wireless solution and unique power management capability creates a host of simplified monitoring applications onboard the AS/RS crane. The FlexPower battery pack supplies power to the Node and up to four low-power sensors for years of operation. Preventative maintenance concerns can be addressed with a FlexPower Node equipped with multiple thermocouples for monitoring motor or critical bearing temperature. The communication output on the Gateway (system controller) can be used to create historical logs or trends to verify the equipment is operating at peak performance. Crane motion can be announced to staff with an EZ-LIGHT™ indicator at the end of each aisle. This bi-directional monitoring system is a simple way to alert employees that a crane is in motion without requiring any new construction or expensive downtime.
Calling an AGV for Parts
DX80 SureCross Wireless products are a great way to communicate with automated guide vehicles in a wide variety of industries. Remote, self-contained push buttons attached to SureCross Wireless Nodes can be placed at assembly line workstations. When a specific part is needed, the push buttons can be activated and a signal sent to a Wireless Gateway-equipped AGV for replenishment of parts.
Motor Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance
FlexPower Nodes equipped with thermocouple or RTD sensors were mounted near the monitored motors. The sensor data is sent to a Gateway installed in a central control location. The temperature set point can be established to meet the applications requirements and then provide a discrete output from the Gateway. When predetermined temperature levels are detected, the red light of a stack light connected to a Gateway lights up, alerting personnel that maintenance is required.
Condition Monitoring on Conveyors
Banner’s wireless solutions can have multiple gateways tied to respective nodes, allowing for elimination of all wires and providing flexible mounting options. The wireless structure of gateways and nodes are responsible for communicating the critical I/O throughout the facility. Even with multiple wireless products, the wireless communication system is efficient and has no cross talk interference and does not interfere with the IT department.
Tank Farm Monitoring
With a Sure Cross Wireless Network, FlexPower Nodes are deployed at each tank without the need to run cables for power or I/O data transmission. Banner’s unique power management capability enables a Node equipped with an ultrasonic analog level sensor to operate for years on a single DX81 battery power supply. A DX80 FlexPower Node offers a combination of discrete and analog I/O in a single package, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual data collection.
Monitoring Power Use to Avoid Peak Use Charges
A Sure Cross DX80 wireless system can be installed to make the system work better. The DX80 Node accepts a signal from the PLC operating the smart power system that shows which capacitors are being used. The signals are transmitted to a DX80 Gateway installed in a visible location. The Gateway uses EZ-LIGHT Tower Lights to indicate which capacitors are being used and an alarm to notify personnel when energy use drifts outside the desired range.
Monitoring Operator Efficiency in a Printing Facility
A cardboard goods printer struggled with an inability to track machine operators’ efficiency and performance as measured against standard production rates.
Wireless Machine Monitoring
Banner’s solution to automate machine monitoring combines a SureCross Wireless I/O Network and the Banner TL50 Tower Light indicator to create a Wireless EZ-LIGHT™. This Node provides a simple plug-n-play solution for machine status applications.
Greenhouse Temperature and Humidity Monitoring
A Sure Cross FlexPower™ Node with internal battery directly connected to a temperature and humidity sensor can provide these measurements without costly conduit or cabling, eliminating the need to manually collect data from multiple sensor locations. IP67 electronics and a variety of filter options make this product suited for the wide temperature and humidity ranges encountered in a greenhouse.