WIKA
  1. Solutions
  2. IIoT
  3. District heating networks

Increased efficiency through digital remote monitoring of steel-walled pipes

Increased system transparency reduces operating costs and improves maintenance

DistrictHeatingnetworks_en-co

The corrective maintenance of district heating networks causes high costs for operators. The majority of them run underground, which means that access is only possible through narrow maintenance shafts. To minimise the risk of injury to technicians and passers-by, a second employee usually secures the access point. Only then can they read whether the correct pressure is still present in the annular space. A lot of effort for just one measured value and a brief snapshot. With steel-walled pipes, a faulty vacuum between the medium pipe and the jacket pipe can lead to air entering the system from outside.

As a result, the insulating properties deteriorate considerably and the heat dissipation greatly increases operating costs. A quick and simple solution is to monitor the vacuum using wireless IIoT pressure sensors. The measured value is transmitted to an online platform via a LoRaWAN® or mioty® network without the need to lay a single cable. In the event of a fault condition, the instrument automatically sends an alarm to the employee responsible. This means that system visibility can easily be improved to over 99 % while reducing operating and maintenance costs.

IIoT solutions from the sensor to the cloud

Platform and application

  • Remote monitoring of measuring locations
  • Trend analyses
  • Alarms for critical conditions
  • Localisation via maps
  • Maintenance planning
  • Automated documentation
  • Integration into existing systems

Connectivity

  • Range of several kilometres
  • Standardised networking via LoRaWAN® or mioty​®

Instruments

  • Specific configuration of alarm limits and threshold values
  • Own power supply via battery
  • Differentiation between target and critical state
  • On-site evaluation via mechanical indication or app

Smart IIoT instruments

PGW23.100 bourdon tube pressure gauge with wireless transmission

  • Antenna extension for signal improvement in difficult installation conditions
  • Analogue on-site indication
  • Replaceable batteries
  • Individual configuration of measurement and transmission interval
  • Automatic limit value alarming
PGW23.100_en-co
PEW-1000_en-co

PEW-1000 pressure sensor with wireless transmission

  • High measurement accuracy
  • Temperature display
  • Available with LoRaWAN® or mioty​®
  • Local datalogging via app
  • Individual configuration of measurement and transmission interval
  • Automatic limit value alarming

Advantages

Let’s find the best solution together.

WIKA experts are happy to support you with your project. We advise you based on our extensive expertise from various industries. Our local teams provide initial advice on design, recommendations on hardware and networking, and support you with software and dashboard implementation. Contact us directly.

Benefits of IIoT solutions

Remote condition monitoring allows the maintenance strategy to be optimised by performing maintenance work based on the actual condition of the system rather than fixed intervals. This leads to cost reduction through improved efficiency and reduced personnel costs. It also improves the carbon footprint through more efficient network transmission and targeted corrective maintenance.

Together we make your maintenance and servicing strategy future-proof

✔ Remote monitoring of the network status
✔ Improvement of the system visibility
✔ Targeted maintenance instead of inspection tours