The acceptance of wireless communication in process plants has been taken to a new level by the introduction of the international WirelessHART standard. WirelessHART is the first solution to allow users to connect field devices such as sensors or actuators from different manufacturers in one network. R. STAHL's robust type-9715 gateway is a key component of such radio networks. The compact device can be operated in zone 2 / division 2 hazardous areas, thus meeting a major prerequisite for use in the chemical and petrochemical industries, the oil and gas sector and the pharmaceutical industry. The combination of a WirelessHART gateway and a network manager ensures easy commissioning and comfortable maintenance of the sensor/actuator network. The gateway communicates with process control or asset management systems via a modern Ethernet interface. In addition to a standard RJ45 socket for coaxial cables, the Ethernet interface also provides an optional connection for fiber optic cables, thus enabling the integration of optical networks which are common in wide-ranging plants due to great communication distances.

Featuring a redundant power supply, the unit ensures high availability. A PoE (Power over Ethernet) supply is also possible, making investments in parallel power supply and data transfer cables unnecessary. Combined with R. STAHL's wide range of enclosures, this solution meets all standard requirements in process industry applications: plastic and stainless steel enclosures are available as highly robust, shock-proof models with high IP protection ratings. The gateway is suitable for ambient temperatures between -40 and +65 °C, thus qualifying for use in virtually all world regions. The gateway will be available in the fourth quarter of 2009.