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  1. Cellular connectivity for boiler room IOT

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    Cellular IoT connectivity has emerged as a superior solution for a wide range of remote boiler monitoring applications.

    Cellular coverage and reliability

    Cellular networks have extensive infrastructure in place, spanning across urban, suburban, and rural areas. This means that IoT devices can maintain a connection even in remote locations, making them ideal for mobile boiler applications and boiler plant moitoring. Moreover, cellular networks are designed for high availability and reliability, with built-in redundancy and failover mechanisms, ensuring that critical IoT data is transmitted consistently.

    Cellular IOT Security

    Cellular IoT provides robust security. Data security is a primary concern for Remforce’s remote monitoring solution.  This is most true for applications that involve sensitive information or critical infrastructure. Cellular networks incorporate encryption protocols and authentication mechanisms to safeguard data in transit. They also benefit from ongoing security updates and monitoring by network operators, reducing the risk of data breaches or cyberattacks.

    Our clients often ask about the security of cellular IOT, below is a list of the precautions we take to secure our controllers:

    1. Every message sent from our hardware is encrypted and secure.
      No plaintext allowed.
    2. Our servers are monitored and the security landscape to ensure your devices stay locked down.
    3. We control who can manage, control, and read data from our devices.
    4. Radio connections are encrypted by industry standard WPA2.
    5. Our hardware doesn’t leave any incoming ports open for port scanners or active side attacks.
    6. Each device is given its own private key, so unauthorized hardware can’t sneak in.

     

    In summary, cellular IoT connectivity stands out as superior due to its extensive coverage, reliability, and robust security features. These qualities make it an excellent choice for a for remote monitoring your boiler plant or mobile boiler application.

  2. Siemens LMV5 Remote Monitoring

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    Remote monitor your Siemens LMV5 with Remforce

    Push LMV5 data to the cloud via Modbus RTU. Get notified when the LMV5 sends out the Error code and diagnostic codes. Download your LMV5 data in a .csv. Set up unlimited alarms.

    Remforce’s advanced remote monitoring capabilities for Siemens LMV5 Controllers offer  seamless supervision and alarm notification of industrial processes from a distance. With the integration of cutting-edge communication protocols (Modbus RTU) and cloud-based technologies, operators can remotely access real-time data, diagnostics, and operational parameters of these controllers.

    Contact us for more information

    Remforce’s user interface allows for effortless navigation, making it convenient to monitor multiple controllers across various locations from a central control room or even on your mobile device. This level of remote monitoring enhances operational efficiency, as engineers/contractors can promptly identify and address any anomalies, optimize performance, and implement preventive maintenance measures, thus minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

    Remforce’s remote monitoring system for Siemens LMV5 Controllers also ensures a heightened level of safety and security. The controllers employ robust encryption and authentication mechanisms to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, the remote access can be configured with different permission levels, restricting certain actions to authorized personnel only. The comprehensive data logging and historical trend analysis capabilities provide valuable insights for process optimization and troubleshooting, enabling businesses to make informed decisions and adapt to changing demands effectively. By harnessing the power of remote monitoring for Siemens LMV5 Controllers empowers industries to achieve higher levels of automation, reliability, and operational excellence.

  3. Siemens LMV3 Remote Monitoring Modbus Integration

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    Remote monitor your Siemens LMV3 with Remforce

    Push LMV3 data to the cloud via Modbus RTU. Get notified when the LMV3 sends out the Error code and diagnostic codes. Download your LMV3 data in a .csv. Set up unlimited alarms.

    Remote monitoring for Siemens LMV3 Controllers is a cutting-edge solution that empowers industries to enhance their operational efficiency and ensure optimal performance of their combustion systems. The LMV3 Controllers are known for their advanced capabilities in managing and optimizing burner operations, and with remote monitoring, this efficiency is taken to the next level. Through LTE or WiFi connectivity, operators and engineers can access real-time data, diagnostics, and control functionalities from anywhere in the world. This enables them to monitor critical parameters, detect anomalies, and fine-tune the burner settings remotely, reducing the need for on-site visits and minimizing downtime.

    Contact us for more information

    Remforce’s remote monitoring solution for the Siemens LMV3 Controllers offers numerous benefits to industrial facilities. By accessing comprehensive data analytics and performance trends, operators can make informed decisions to optimize the combustion process, resulting in improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions. Moreover, the system provides proactive alerts and notifications, allowing operators to respond promptly to potential issues and prevent costly breakdowns. With remote monitoring, Remforce continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovative technologies that elevate industrial automation, ensuring seamless and reliable operations for a wide range of applications, from power generation to petrochemicals and beyond.

  4. Cleaverbrooks ClearFire Remote Monitoring

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    Now that the ClearFire® “CB monitor” has been discontinued and Prometha does not work with ClearFire products, Remforce has a solution to remote monitor your ClearFire via the Falcon Modbus connection.

    Cleaver-Brooks Clearfire boilers are known for their high efficiency and reliable performance, and Remforce remote monitoring enhances these qualities further. Connect to your Falcon controller modbus outputs and pull rich data from the controller. Most essential is the notifications when a lockout code occurs. In addition to the modbus connection, you can connect to any contact or relay in the boiler room, and use external sensors to collect additional parameter data that the Falcon may not be collecting.

    Remote monitoring technology allows real-time access to critical data and performance metrics of Clearfire boilers from anywhere, ensuring optimal operational efficiency and preventive maintenance. Through modbus, advanced sensors and LTE or WiFi connectivity, operators can monitor parameters such as boiler temperature, pressure, fuel usage, and overall system health remotely. This data is transmitted securely to our cloud platform, where it can be analyzed and tracked by authorized personnel. As a result, potential issues can be identified and addressed promptly, minimizing downtime and reducing the risk of costly breakdowns.

    The benefits of remote monitoring for Cleaver-Brooks Clearfire boilers extend beyond just maintenance. With remote access to boiler performance, operators can make data-driven decisions to optimize energy consumption and improve overall efficiency. Real-time notifications and alerts allow for immediate responses to any anomalies, preventing potential safety hazards and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Furthermore, remote monitoring facilitates predictive maintenance, as the system provides trending data and patterns to anticipate maintenance needs and schedule service interventions proactively. Cleaver-Brooks Clearfire boilers equipped with remote monitoring technology not only provide peace of mind to operators but also contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective operation.

    Contact us for more information or call: 888-363-2290

  6. Why Boilers Fail

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    We have published a “Why Boilers Fail” presentation, you can view it below. The presentation reviews some common failures including: pilot light going out, boiler leak, loss of fluid and other mechanical issues.

    Slide 7 (our favourite slide) shows a timeline profiling a failure and demonstrating the value in remote monitoring.  As a result of our alert, this particular customer was able to address the failure quickly and save thousands of dollars.

    For more information on common boiler deficiencies please download our”Boiler Charts” PDF found here: http://remforce.com/boiler-charts/.

  7. How to Identify Five Common Boiler Deficiencies

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    4-Slow-Loss-Pressure

    With 24/7 monitoring of various boiler parameters, you are able to profile boiler deficiencies graphically over time.  We have summarized the five (5) most common in our “Boiler Charts” document found here: http://remforce.com/boiler-charts/.

    The five most common boiler deficiencies are:

    • an inefficient boiler
    • a waterlogged expansion tank
    • slow pressure loss
    • low pressure
    • a stuck flow switch

     

     

  8. ROI Survey & Calculations for Remote Monitoring

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    In wrapping up a 76 building Return-On-Investment survey, we were pleased with the results and wanted to share them – and who wouldn’t with a 10x ROI in Year 1!

    We looked at a typical year in a multi-family 40 suite building reviewing:

    • energy savings
    • failure avoidance
    • reduced labor
    • equipment replacement

    You can find a summary here: http://remforce.com/roi/.

    It is worth noting that the softer, Human Resource side of the ROI is not included (e.g. employee satisfaction, retention, training, on-boarding, mentoring, etc.).  Perhaps this  will be a future article.

  9. Remforce Announces Partnership with Saskatchewan Landlord Association (SKLA)

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    sklaRemforce is pleased to have joined the Saskatchewan Landlord Association, or SKLA for short. SKLA is an advocacy and educational organization for landlords in the Saskatchewan rental housing industry. Today the SKLA represents over 18,000 rental units in the province from small single unit investors to large property management and real estate firms.

    A core objective for the SKLA is: “To create opportunities for members to more effectively manage their properties”, and remote boiler monitoring is designed to do just that. SKLA members will be able to lower their energy and maintenance costs, and even more importantly avert disasters with alarm notifications.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Remforce to the SKLA. Our members are continuously working for operational improvements, and Remforce’s technology knowhow will be invaluable to our community, as will their specific domain experience with boilers. We look forward to having them join the discussions.”  comments Chanda Lockhart, Executive Officer of the SKLA.

    “We are excited to partner with SKLA and work closely with the membership to understand their day-to-day challenges on the ground dealing with tenants, buildings and support teams. Our goal is to ensure that our remote boiler monitoring system and future products continue to address and solve real world needs. With a Saskatchewan based partnership our product development team will be able to be active participants in the discussion which is a significant learning opportunity,” comments Bill England, VP Sales at Remforce.

    As a Saskatchewan based company it is always nice to be able to work with clients and partners close to home.

  10. Water Logged Expansion Tank

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    Earlier this month we noticed that a customer might have a water logged expansion tank. In the figure below you can see the pressure changing with the temperatures.

    Cameron Heights2

    The expansion tank’s job is to keep the pressure steady as the temperature of the fluid changes. If a waterlogged expansion tank is not identified it can result in unsteady pressure leading to over pressure leakage or under pressure which results in loss of flow.  If the pressure in your system increases you can have a breech in your system resulting in complete failure and water damage. Another common result is burning out your boiler pumps. To avoid costly repair bills and heat loss, you need to address this issue immediately.

    How expansion tanks become waterlogged

    There are a number of reasons why an expansion tank can get waterlogged.  In older hot water heating boilers, expansion tanks did not have an internal bladder to separate the air and water.  In this case, the air can get absorbed into the heating water.  With an internal bladder expansion tank in more modern systems the waterlogging can come from a bladder rupture, or a pinhole leak.

    Know Now with remforce. Contact us for a demo.