low cost connection for up to 30 HART field devices via a single Maxiflex HART module
Feb 2000Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Omniflex
For the vast number of HART enabled smart devices now installed in plants around the world, Omniflex has developed a network interface module (NIM) which enables either two analog loops or 30 digital loops to be connected for data acquisition, control and calibration. Expansion is easy as each Maxiflex CPU can handle up to 15 NIMs (30 analog or 450 digital HART loops) and up to 126 Maxiflex CPUs can be connected to a Conet LAN.
HART is a de-facto global standard for enhanced digital transmitter communications and petrochemical and other plants typically have thousands of HART devices measuring flow, pressure, temperatures, mass, mass flow and other process variables which are required by the DCS or scada for monitoring and control. HART uses frequency shift keying to superimpose digital communications at a low level on top of the 4-20 mA signal, enabling 2-way communications to take place, thus making it possible for additional information beyond just the normal process variable to be communicated.
As HART is a master/slave protocol, each Maxiflex HART NIM acts as a primary master that provides a permanent host interface for two HART networks simultaneously. These could be two single analog (4-20 mA) loops or two groups of 15 digital loops operating in Multidrop mode. The NIM provides full 1500 V r.m.s. isolation to the field to maintain integrity of signals in the presence of ground loops and electrical noise on the plant.
Because of the spread-out nature of many plants, it becomes very expensive to connect HART transmitters to the DCS and as a consequence, many of these will remain as standalone devices in remote corners of the plant, requiring operators to perform manual readings and regular calibration. Because Maxiflex and Conet offer a low-cost, long distance data acquisition solution, the HART NIM becomes an attractive, cost-effective option to integrate a wide range of instruments into the main process control system.
HART multidrop networks are ideal for remote monitoring stations, tank farms, pipeline distribution systems and other monitoring applications in which fast data rates are not required. Because there are so many HART devices available on the market, saving millions of man-hours that would otherwise be spent on calibration and resultant plant errors due to incorrectly set up equipment, integrating these devices into the mainstream process control system is therefore a logical move.
For ease of use, the NIM is also self-configuring and on power up, searches the HART networks to build an automatic inventory of connected devices found. Thereafter various data elements are continuously and automatically read from the devices and stored in the NIM's data interchange table (DIT) for use by the rest of the Maxiflex System and also by the scada or DCS.
Analysers for use in high ambient temperature environments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The 993X series of analysers from Ametek Process Industries are now IECEx Zone 2 certified for use in locations with up to 60°C ambient temperature. Built with IP66-rated enclosures and using an integrated cooling system, they can be installed outdoors or in minimally temperature-controlled enclosures, reducing complexity while lowering capital and operating costs.
Read more...Keeping mine outstations connected Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex has helped wireless data communications systems firm, Scan RF implement site-wide monitoring systems at the 17 000-hectare Kolomela iron ore mine in South Africa.
Read more...The art of precision measurement
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To achieve precise, reliable measurement results when scanning component parts, use is frequently made of reference points. In optical measuring processes, these permit the referencing of three-dimensional objects during the digitisation.
Read more...Simplifying battery management for remote dual-voltage systems Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Electrical Power & Protection
Ian Loudon, international marketing and sales manager at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex outlines the advantages of dual-voltage power supply in field environments.
Read more...Vibration test system supports international space industry TANDM Technologies
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Dragonfly Aerospace has launched EOS SAT-1, one of seven satellites in the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. With optimisation of resources being a key component for Dragonfly, it called on TANDM to assist in creating and heavily expanding its environmental testing capabilities by providing a vibration test system that allowed it to perform in-house vibration and shock testing.
Read more...The role of alarm annunciators in temperature monitoring Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Temperature Measurement
Director at alarm annunciator specialist, Omniflex explores the importance of alarm annunciators in temperature monitoring applications, drawing on examples from different industrial settings.
Read more...Sensor technology for brewing Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Brewing is a delicate balance, blending tradition with innovation. Now, modern sensor technology is stepping in to perfect the art of fermentation.
Read more...Loesche gets dirty Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The world’s attention is on environmental sustainability, and the pressure on countries and companies to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment and preventing climate change is at an all-time high. As we confront a multitude of environmental and social challenges, managing waste and maximising landfill diversion can play a key role.
Read more...Water systems with energy savings and sustainability Labotec
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
ELGA Veolia has relaunched its award-winning PURELAB flex range, with features to reduce the system’s environmental footprint and incorporate some of the latest innovations in water purification technologies. The ecological improvements integrated into the flex range have been made to reduce water and power consumption.
Read more...Keeping an eye on invisible radiation Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.
printer friendly version