In order to control processes more safely and accurately, users need reliable electromagnetic flowmeters that are capable of carrying out diagnostic checks not just on themselves, but also on the process environment.
With the introduction of digital technology and more complex processes, there is an increasing demand for specific knowledge from maintenance staff and operators.
In spite of this, in recent times there has been a significant reduction in staffing levels in MCT maintenance departments in the process industry, or the work has been outsourced. The consequences of this loss of knowledge as regards automation technology components are noticeable over a wide range of applications and have led to a call for new requirements, also at manufacturer level.
Field devices, the crucial link between the process and the control room, must be as simple as possible to plan, integrate into the process and maintain.
Of course, the field devices must fulfil the normal process requirements such as pressure, temperature, meter size and material requirements. They must also be suitable for use in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and must already have the necessary properties for the measurement technology of tomorrow.
One solution to this problem is the Krohne IFC100 electromagnetic converter. It covers a wide range of applications, has all the necessary technical properties and is also interesting from an economical standpoint.
Its existing big brother, the IFC300 converter, is the high-end device that is used in the more critical applications, such as the measurement of media with very high solids content and high-precision calibration applications.
The IFC100 has been available since the start of the year and replaces the tried and tested IFC010 range, which up to now has been used principally for simple applications. The IFC100 goes beyond the possibilities of its predecessor and can, for example, be used in hazardous areas.
The new converter was designed for a wide range of applications, from simple applications in the water industry, to more demanding applications in the chemical industry. It has already proven itself in terms of reliability in a very extensive field test. In addition to the chemical and water industries, the device is also used in the food industry, in environmental technology as well as in engineering and power generation, to name just a few.
As well as as its very high accuracy of ±0.3percent of the measured value, it offers fast signal conversion so that processes can be controlled more safely.
For years, diagnostics has been one of the main focuses when developing Krohne measuring devices. Thus, the IFC300 diagnostics concept is by far the most advanced currently available on the market. The IFC100 also benefits from this as it has been equipped with extensive diagnostics tools for checking device functions, executing out-of-spec diagnostic checks and for application checks. The out-of-spec check determines both online and at regular intervals whether the device is still within its specification.
The application check enables the device to identify whether gas bubbles are present in the medium. In this respect, it is particularly well suited for use where containers are batch-filled or batch-emptied, which, until now, has led to incorrect measurements caused by bubbles or partial filling of the pipe. This often occurs in the beverages industry and in breweries. Additionally, the device also displays faults such as conductivity that is changing or is too low, electrode errors, deposits on the electrode or media or ambient temperature levels that are too high. In this way, the IFC100 identifies not only device-related faults but also deviations in the process. These diagnostics give the operator useful support, enabling him under certain circumstances to intervene in the process. This significantly increases efficiency when trouble-shooting.
A further focus during development is ease of use. At Krohne, that starts right from the electronics. For this purpose, the development and application engineers have designed an extensive concept over many years, known as the General Device Concept (GDC). Behind GDC is a modular electronics concept. For example, a uniform user interface speeds up the commissioning of the device. This philosophy also applies to the new family member, the IFC100, which can be installed, commissioned and operated very easily using just four operating keys. Unlike its predecessor, the IFC100 is available with a HART interface and an Ex version for Zones1+2. It will also soon be equipped with communication interfaces such as the Feldbus from the Fieldbus Foundation or PROFIBUSPA. A decisive factor when the device is in use is the data back-up when changing the electronics. With the IFC100, it is not necessary to re-enter the parameters into the device after replacing the converter. Needless to say, the IFC100 is backward compatible with all sensors.
Its intuitive menus, the default integrated languages and a large, illuminated display make operation very straightforward, even under difficult visibility conditions on site.
The converter is just as straightforward when it comes to installation. While the IFC100C in the 0° version is ideal for installation in vertical pipes, the 45° version is favoured for installation in horizontal pipes. Additionally, the angled design improves the readability of the display. The display can be turned in 90° increments, making virtually any customer-specific installation position possible.
Remote installation can make sense in the case of temperature effects, vibration or difficult-to-reach locations. With the IFC100W version, the power supply and the measured value signal between the sensor and the converter is done using two connection cables. The electronics can be used in all housing versions without having to re-input the parameters.
In spite of the unique device concept, the IFC100 has taken on the best properties of the IFC300. This includes the sophisticated diagnostics function, the very high accuracy and the simple menu guidance, to name just a few aspects. The IFC100 is compatible with all sensors in the OPTIFLUX product line. Thanks to the fact that it is maintenance-free, to its wide field of application, to the fast signal conversion and last but not least, to its attractive price, the IFC100 is sure to establish a pole position in the process world, just like its big brother, the IFC300.l
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Günter Pinkowski is with Krohne Messtechnik GmbH & Co KG, Duisburg, Germany. www.krohne.com
