Wireless sensor networks based research issues in large-scale petrochemical industries

This paper presents a series of research issues based on wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in large-scale petrochemical plant. First, a review of the concept about WSNs and the advantages of Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology in the WSNs applications is provided. Then, the sensing tasks and the potential WSNs applications in the large petrochemical plants are explored: (1) the accurate detecting of the toxic gas leaking boundary and leaking points, (2) the factory site monitoring system, (3) the working staff positioning, (4) the reliable transmission of the sensory data, and (5) the online monitoring of the heat exchanger for circulating water. The corresponding sensory algorithms for these research issues are also discussed. The realizations of WSNs in the large-scale petrochemical industries will make the maintenance of petrochemical equipment be simpler, the factory control system be more stable, and the production be more efficient and safer.