MAXON’s hazardous area wireless solution supports wireless connectivity across industrial operating areas where equipment and personnel need access to network services. Applications include chemical plants, oil refineries, oil and gas platforms, grain processing facilities, and plastics manufacturing plants. Depending on the area and application, the network can support equipment monitoring, personnel positioning, AGV dispatching, inspection robots, and remote monitoring.
The solution brings together wireless access and cellular connectivity for plant operations. The network role is to connect relevant field devices and applications across production, storage, maintenance, and administrative areas. Product selection depends on the connection needs and equipment required for each area.
Wireless Connectivity for Oil, Gas and Chemical Facilities
Industrial Wi-Fi can provide wireless coverage for mobile equipment and field users in operating areas. Supported applications include inspection robot connectivity, AGV dispatching, personnel positioning, equipment monitoring, and communication terminals. The network provides the communications link for these applications; positioning and monitoring functions depend on the relevant systems and devices.
In petrochemical facilities, wireless networking can connect devices across production and processing areas, crude oil storage and transport areas, and maintenance and warehousing areas. Administrative areas may also use industrial access points for office connectivity.
Network Roles Across Plant Areas
- Production and processing: Wi-Fi access points provide connectivity for inspection robots and field communication terminals. Positioning applications may use UWB or Bluetooth systems.
- Crude oil storage and transport: Wireless access points support connectivity around tank areas. The source describes cameras connected primarily by fiber, with wireless used as a backup or for temporary locations; monitoring data includes liquid level, temperature, and pressure.
- Maintenance and warehousing: A LoRaWAN sensor network can carry leak-monitoring data through gateways for cloud upload. A separate Wi-Fi network can provide connectivity for AGVs and inspection robots.
- Administrative areas: Industrial access points support everyday office connectivity and applications such as video conferencing.
Advantages and features of the solution
Explosion-Proof Connectivity
MAXON offers explosion-proof wireless equipment certified under China’s Compulsory Certification (CCC) scheme to the applicable GB/T 3836 standards. Designed for hazardous-area applications in oil and gas, chemical processing and tank storage facilities, the range provides wireless access and data transmission options for demanding industrial environments.
Industrial-Grade RF Performance
Industrial-grade radios and external antenna options provide flexible wireless coverage and reliable data links across demanding plant environments. Antenna selection and placement help accommodate steel structures, process equipment and dispersed monitoring points.
Resilient Wireless Connectivity
Multi-band operation, MIMO spatial diversity and intelligent antenna technologies help mitigate the effects of interference and signal reflections in complex industrial environments. These capabilities improve link resilience around machinery, piping and steel structures, supporting dependable transmission of operational data and video.
Connectivity for Mobile Operations
Roaming capabilities support inspection robots, handheld terminals and other mobile equipment as they move between access points. Supported single-radio and dual-radio configurations help reduce handover interruptions and maintain application connectivity along inspection and operational routes.
Ultra-Low Latency
Low-latency wireless communication supports timely exchange of monitoring data, equipment status and operational commands. This helps inspection systems and remote monitoring platforms respond promptly to changing field conditions.
Solution Topology Diagram
Recommended Wireless Product Categories
Explosion-proof access points provide wireless access for devices in operating areas. Explosion-proof wireless bridges serve wireless network connections between locations. Explosion-proof 4G and 5G routers provide cellular connectivity where that link is required.
| Product category | Confirmed models | Solution role |
|---|---|---|
| Explosion-proof wireless access points | MX811 Series; MX821 Series | Provide wireless access for field devices and users. |
| Explosion-proof wireless bridges | MX911 Series; MX921 Series | Support wireless connectivity between network locations. |
| Explosion-proof cellular routers | MX834-1D/MX844-1D; MX854-1D/MX864-1D; MX934-1D/MX944-1D; MX954-1D/MX964-1D | Provide 4G or 5G connectivity, with Wi-Fi options in specified series. |
The listed access point and bridge series are described as Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 products. Wi-Fi generation and cellular options vary by series; confirm the required configuration and applicable product documentation during project selection.
FAQ
Which industries can use a hazardous area wireless network?
The solution overview covers chemical plants, oil refineries, oil and gas platforms, grain processing facilities, and plastics manufacturing plants.
What applications can the network support?
Applications described for the network include wireless coverage, equipment monitoring, personnel positioning, AGV dispatching, inspection robot connectivity, and remote monitoring.
Which MAXON product categories are included?
The listed categories include explosion-proof wireless access points, explosion-proof wireless bridges, and explosion-proof cellular routers. The confirmed model ranges are shown in the table above.
Discuss Your Application
Share your operating areas, connectivity needs, and required product categories with MAXON to discuss a suitable solution. Visit https://www.mxcomm.cn or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
