Feature Sensors & Sensing Systems Continued from page 16


In order to show savings in opera- tional terms the flexibility of a product is vital, as is its modularity in terms of hardware and software. Sensors and transducers have a fixed operational envelope, and also a minimal price dif- ferential between manufacturers of reli- able quality products. The controllers they are connected to however, can affect costs dramatically.


Each product should ideally have a wide range of usage, leading to device consolidation and a reduced number of different products in use. This can then


vastly less expensive than a system including a separate controller, separate I/O, comms gateways and a HMI, let alone the attendant commissioning, wiring housing and install cost. The real advantage of one universal controller, specifically designed to con- nect sensors and transducers in process control environments is the impact it can have on reducing operational costs. With a multiCELL for example, you can configure once, then copy and paste to other devices via an SD card, or just adapt the settings and save time. User configurable display views mean that the device can be configured once for different users or different processes, and then used to switch between differ- ent stored views.


generate a virtuous circle which requires reduced training effort, allows more flexible staffing and reduced effort in all production processes, as well as managing the products in use. So how does a field instrument sup- port cost reductions in practice? The simple answer is to specify the right one in the first place.


The handling of a product must be easy and repeatable. This typically means no specialist tools required for installation or commissioning, hence no hidden costs and no need to carry large amounts of kit in order to have a wide range of tools to hand.


Data management should be easy. Bürkert realised that simple things such as the upload and download of settings, cross referenced with data storage capacity and easy configurability of multiple items made a huge difference to the end user. A more intelligent field device needn’t mean a more complex one to handle, because that would likely negate any cost saving in process. All this research was taken into account in the design of Bürkert’s multiCELL 8619 compact field-based process controller. This meant investing in multiple interchangeable control boards for pH, conductivity, inputs and outputs, plenty of onboard intelligence with intuitive menus and parameter set- tings, plus set programs for controlling a variety of analogue and digital process signals via a simple menu structure that included text and icons - all displayed on a large, clear, backlit screen that could be easily interacted with in a process environment.


The result of all this application knowledge in one product means it is


18


Maintenance, monitoring interroga- tion and data upload and download are all possible via a one operator interface. It also means that selective access via a password can provide data security and minimise handling errors by selective allocation of activities to different user responsibilities. On screen instructions also mean quick learning and no need for a bulky manual or laptop to be at hand. Integrated menus also support cali- bration routines for sensor, analogue


Right: a typical customer for Bürkert’s type of new intelligent field multi-transmitter /controllers has a process application with multiple sensor types and arrangements in use, plus actuators and valves for performing functions in recurring applications


inputs and outputs, allowing configura- tion without having to use separate tools and wiring. The device also has a signal simulation function for sensors, input and output signals and so sup- ports easy start-up procedures, winning time on verifying the causes of errors. Not only is the device easy and intu- itive to use, therefore reducing the train- ing and manpower required operationally, but because it performs so many functions, standardisation is easy and the cost of ongoing support and maintenance is kept to a minimum. The device will tell you what version of its software or firmware it is running and allows easy updates and upgrades without losing custom parameter sets. If a device ever needs to be exchanged it can simply be replaced and the SD card used to transfer the operating parame- ters, providing a totally plug and play


Conclusion


Bürkert firmly believes that there are substantial process control cost savings to be made from the complete lifecycle of a process multi-transmitter/controller, that cost reduction starts with device selection and savings are made both directly and indirectly. Each individual plant needs to carry out some analysis based on its own individual instrument usage, the kind of processes taking place and the individual operating conditions. Thinking about usability throughout the product lifecycle and the real TCO has led Bürkert to create a very different type of product and one that the com- pany believes indicates the future for intelligent process field devices.


Burkert Fluid Control Systems www.burkert.co.uk T: 01285 648 721


replacement for a very advanced process control function.


The strongest argument for the future of usability is that by using scrolling functions and icons with a very user friendly keypad, Bürkert has effectively created a multi-transmitter for various types of sensors in combination with a full process controller that you can install, use and interact with as you would use a mobile phone.


So where do you apply? A typical customer for this type of new intelligent field multi-transmitter/con- troller has a process application with multiple sensor types and arrangements in use, plus actuators and valves for per- forming functions in recurring applica- tions - all providing a variety of different signals at different rates and in different formats, requiring a lot of different know-how just for daily operation. The solution would be to use a multiCELL multi-channel / function / transmitter / controller as a central device, connect all the different sensors, perform all the necessary functional configuration in only one device, and for each application store the configura- tion on an SD card for reuse.


Enter 204 APRIL 2013 Automation


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