Orbital Gas Systems introduces new VIRTU to UK market

VIRTU utilises the latest Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV’s hardware platform, the iQ-R, Weintek cMT-3151 HMI and Orbital’s latest proprietary software package to deliver the first fully end-user-configurable remote telemetry unit (RTU) for the UK market.

The introduction of VIRTU follows the announcement of a technical collaboration begun in November 2018 between Orbital and Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV to further enhance Orbital’s RTU and BioMethane product lines with Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV’s leading-edge automation control platforms. 

VIRTU has been extensively engineered in its design to make user operation in the field intuitive and flexible, comprising file setup, auto-generated back up files for rapid system restore, self-diagnostic information for operator interrogation, redundant CPU option, fast system switching, hot-swappable I/O, data trending information, and a PDF viewer. 

Conforming to IEC 62443 Cyber Security Standards, VIRTU is equipped to meet current and future threats to UK utilities networks. The VIRTU setup wizard requires two-stage password protection and can fully configure every aspect of the system via HMI, allowing the end user the freedom to customise their own RTU. Remote access is possible via Orbital’s own Android and iOS mobile app. Furthermore, VIRTU ensures a simple transition from existing Orbital RTU platform systems (IRIS) or other RTU systems, with transferable configuration files between the two systems.

In addition to the standard VIRTU suite of solutions that includes VIRTU, VIRTU DL, VIRTU S, and VIRTU IO+, VIRTU can be built and tailored to client specification.

Paul D. White, President, Orbital, said, “VIRTU is our next generation Remote Telemetry Solution that builds on our extensive experience developing and integrating telemetry systems across the UK gas transmission and distribution network over the past 15 years. With off-the-shelf delivery, rapid deployment, an intuitive interface, and guaranteed future-proof features, VIRTU has been designed with usability as a top priority. This product can also be utilised by other utility networks beyond oil and gas; other industry applications for VIRTU include water/waste water, electrical power distribution, industrial process, remote asset monitoring, environmental monitoring and renewables. We look forward to showcasing VIRTU’s capabilities to key customers in the UK in the coming weeks.”

CUI Global president & CEO William Clough, stated, “By collaborating with Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV, the global leader in automation products, we have ensured that world-class industry standard hardware has been incorporated into VIRTU and is backed by robust technical support and our extensive experience in designing and deploying our IRIS systems. VIRTU will initially benefit UK gas transmission and gas distribution networks with further collaboration expected throughout Europe and North America.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/04042019/orbital-gas-systems-introduces-new-virtu-to-uk-market/