Red Lion Releases Programmable Remote Terminal Units for Extreme Environments

Red Lion has introduced two new programmable remote terminal units (RTUs), the VT-MIPM-138-D and VT-MIPM-248-D. These industrial controllers, part of Red Lion’s Sixnet Series VersaTRAK MIPM industrial RTUs, feature onboard I/O and are designed for process-oriented applications across industries.

What Is the Difference Between an RTU and a PLC?

The choice between a PLC or an RTU in industrial settings depends on the processes' requirements. PLCs are commonly used to control discrete processes within a single, local factory, such as assembly lines and packaging equipment. They are designed as stand-alone controllers with a central processing unit and inputs and outputs. 

On the other hand, RTUs are employed to monitor and control complex, continuous processes, such as pipeline monitoring and water treatment, especially in dispersed control systems or remote locations. RTUs are engineered to function in harsh conditions and communicate with comprehensive geographical equipment, making them suitable for scenarios where human intervention may be limited or impractical. Ultimately, deciding between a PLC and an RTU hinges on the industrial processes' specific needs and operational requirements.

Red Lion has added two new programmable RTUs to its Sixnet series. Image used courtesy of Red Lion

Sixnet Series Industrial RTUs

Red Lion’s new Sixnet Series VersaTRAK MIPM industrial RTUs provide an innovative and efficient water, wastewater, and oil and gas processing facility solution. These RTUs come precertified, allowing operators to integrate applications as needed, customize programming and configuration, and scale effortlessly from 1 to over 1000 stations. They support multiuser connectivity through 10/100 Ethernet ports and up to four communication ports. The RTUs are equipped with both digital and analog onboard inputs and outputs. Furthermore, the advanced communication capabilities encompass exception reporting, store and forward functionality, and peer-to-peer networking, ensuring efficient and reliable operations.

According to Red Lion Product Manager Jacob Colegrove, “The VT-MIPM-138-D and VT-MIPM-248-D units represent the ultimate RTU upgrade for extreme industrial settings.” The new RTUs are suitable for existing Sixnet series users looking to upgrade their operations. “They [the VT-MIPM-138-D and VT-MIPM-248-D units] share the same footprint, have equivalent I/O count, offer comprehensive data logging and networking functionality, plus programmable features for full flexibility.”

Red Lion’s RTUs are designed to operate in process applications, including aiding operations in water and wastewater treatment. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock 

Red Lion Workbench Software

Users can access Red Lion Workbench to program and configure the new RTUs. The Red Lion Workbench software uses IEC 61131, a standard for programmable controllers. It defines several programming languages, including ladder diagram, structured text, and function block diagram. The unit is also equipped with ISaGRAF for backward compatibility. Red Lion Workbench supports Ethernet TCP, Modbus, Linux, and other protocols, making it versatile and adaptable for various industrial applications.

Red Lion Workbench includes several noteworthy features that provide operators comprehensive process visibility. These features include automatic data logging, timestamping, trend logging, alarm monitoring, and logging of sequences of events. These functionalities ensure operators have real-time insight into the operations, allowing for efficient monitoring and troubleshooting.