David Hopper reveals the new verification tools equipped with Bluetooth
Verification of Coriolis flowmeters using a mobile phone or tablet is now possible thanks to the latest advances in Bluetooth technology. The Bluetooth communication protocol is well established in the consumer world, with people using it to quickly and conveniently connect their mobile devices. Making Bluetooth available on a Coriolis mass flowmeter adds another layer of communication with an intuitive interface compatible with both the traditional and newer communication protocols. This addition to existing structures is seen by many expert groups as the future of automation and communications protocols.
Recently released by Krohne as part of its myDevice smart services concept, the technology uses the free Opticheck Flow Mobile app for Android or IoS to make a secure wireless connection to any Bluetooth-equipped Optimass flowmeter from a distance of up to 20m (or further, depending on the environment), even in hazardous areas, and also using SIL certified devices.
Advantages of better flowing communication with Coriolis
Connecting to the flowmeter using Bluetooth provides an open interface between “process control“, “monitoring” and “optimisation”. There are many advantages for end users and service teams, starting from on-site commissioning through to monitoring and verification. Particularly useful where access to the device is limited, all the device information is now available in the palm of the hand, making it the ideal service tool to manage all device settings and outputs.
A key benefit is that a variety of commissioning tasks and verification that can now be completed wirelessly, including zero calibration, configuration of diagnostics, NE 107 configuration, monitoring of meter performance and application parameters. The app also has direct access to all the device-related information and assets held on PICK, Krohne’s Product Information Centre, to aid commissioning and service.
This latest addition to the Opticheck Flow Mobile tool provides wireless on-site device verification at basic and in-depth levels without interrupting the process. Test reports are produced that can be downloaded by service as PDFs. Service personnel can also run additional diagnostic and monitoring functions to check the process further and optimise device settings for best performance.
Additionally, a full back-up of all device settings can be made and used to restore the device to a previous state or back to the original factory settings. Having Bluetooth connection to a device with internet access also allows a “snapshot” of the flowmeter to be taken, which can be emailed to a service centre for analysis in the event of a fault, or for a process to be analysed.
David Hopper is with Krohne
