Crowcon has developed an HMI solution that can run alongside existing DCS/SCADA/PLC systems or mimic panels which are used to monitor wider system views incorporating other sensors including security, flow, smoke and fire.
Crowcon’s product manager William Allum explained, “This solution enables our customers to view data from multiple panels from one central screen. Due to the system having the ability to store alarm and event logs, users can quickly understand the symptoms of a problem as they view the information and identify the exact location.
Vortex & Gasmaster HMI employs license-activated software operated from a dedicated touchscreen panel. As the system is modular, users specify the required number of input converters to link the number of controllers in their system. It monitors up to six Vortex panels or racks, or up to 10 Gasmaster controllers operating on one system.”
The display shows gas levels from all detectors from the chosen panel simultaneously and enables the user to adjust or test a system. It is now possible to see the details of each controller within a system, including alarm indications, as well as the complete configuration and location of each gas detector.
Users can also see possible trends within the alerts. For example, an alarm in a specific location may be triggered on a regular basis. This is due to the development of a one hour ‘trend visibility by gas’ function.
The Crowcon HMI can connect with the controller via RS-485 MODBUS or ethernet cable which are capable of long distance connectivity.