Emerson Applauds IEC”s Cert. of WirelessHART

Emerson Process Management announced its support for the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) vote to certify WirelessHART technology as the first global standard for wireless communications for industrial process measurement and control.

The new standard was developed by major process automation suppliers, including Emerson, working within the not-for-profit HART Communication Foundation. To be known now as IEC 62591, the standard is designed to make it easier for refineries, chemical plants, energy producers, and other process businesses to add wireless technologies to their operations. The IEC prepares and publishes international standards for electrical, electronic and related technologies.

Emerson was the first manufacturer to offer WirelessHART products. Likewise, many other suppliers are building broad support for IEC 62591 by developing products based on the standard.

IEC 62591 devices operate in self-organizing wireless networks that are designed to automatically re-route communications to avoid obstacles or other interruptions. The standard is also based on the HART Communication Protocol for the configuration and integration of devices into automation systems.

Specifications for HART and WirelessHART are controlled by the HART Communication Foundation, an international, not-for-profit organization with more than 200 member companies that include major process automation manufacturers.