Endress+Hauser is the right place to come to if you want to combine the advantages of state-of-the-art flow measuring technology with those of data transmission via industrial Ethernet. Proline flowmeters, which have been tried-and-tested for decades, are now available for digital communication via EtherNet/IP or Profinet.
Flexible production systems, transparent processes, efficient plant maintenance, environmentally friendly utilisation of resources and smooth operations are just some of the important aspects that users need to consider in order to remain competitive in the long term. In addition, increasingly strict regulations necessitate even tighter process monitoring, resulting in an increased use of field devices. Traditional fieldbus technology has its limits, particularly in large-scale plants with their massive diagnostic and process data. This applies especially to modern, multivariable field devices that record several process variables at the same time to ensure maximum operational transparency.
In this case particularly, new and promising opportunities are created by the significantly higher data transmission rates of modern Ethernet protocols such as EtherNet/IP and Profinet. This is not least because modern digitalisation is becoming more important in the field level of process automation. Moreover, process data can now be integrated seamlessly across data acquisition systems, such as for logistics or quality assurance departments.
Industrial Ethernet technology has firmly established itself in the automation technology sector and is used more and more frequently. This holds particularly true for sectors where performance capabilities of process control, IT functions (e.g. diagnostics) or very large data volumes are top priorities. Industrial Ethernet also gives plant engineering companies even greater flexibility when it comes to plant planning, components and system architecture.
Advantages of Proline flowmeters with industrial Ethernet include:
• Cost-efficient system integration without additional components (e.g. gateways or couplers).
• Fast device parameterisation via the integrated webserver without a device driver.
• HistoROM data storage concept: easy device replacement with automatic device recognition and configuration.
• Direct access to all measuring values and diagnostic parameters via PC, control room or Internet (remote diagnostics).
• High level of plant availability and process reliability.
• Heartbeat Technology for reliable self-diagnostics and device verification.
Industrial Ethernet technology makes it possible to make optimal use of the highly versatile IT functions of automation devices. For this reason, the Proline 100 and Proline 400 flowmeters have been equipped with a webserver as standard. Status or diagnostic messages can now be viewed or retrieved in their entirety using a conventional web browser – via Ethernet (PC, laptop) or via a WLAN access point (tablet, smartphone).
EtherNet/IP: flexible and powerful
Originally developed by Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), EtherNet/IP represents a reliable and sophisticated industrial Ethernet network solution for manufacturing automation. Among others, ODVA (of which Endress+Hauser is a member) has played a decisive role in the release of this industry standard.
As technology leaders, Endress+Hauser introduced – in addition to devices for registration and analysis – the very first flowmeters featuring EtherNet/IP to the market: Promass 83 in 2010, and Promag 53 in 2011. Recent new arrivals are the compact Proline 100 line for the foodstuff and life sciences industries, as well as Proline 400 for the water industry. What does this mean for customers? It means excellent integration in all important automation systems such as RSLogix 5000 from Rockwell Automation or Unity from Schneider Electric as well as in plant asset management operating tools such as Endress+Hauser’s FieldCare.
Proline with EtherNet/IP
Endress+Hauser has offered a wide range of Coriolis, as well as electromagnetic flowmeter systems with EtherNet/IP technologies since 2010, such as for process monitoring, quality assurance and plant protection. Add-on profiles containing the corresponding data structures and device information for all Proline 100 flowmeters with EtherNet/IP are available. This interface also features a graphical environment (faceplates) and ensures seamless integration of the devices in control systems from Rockwell Automation.
Profinet: a true innovation in flow measurement
Profinet represents the technological advancement of Profibus on the basis of industrial Ethernet. As a successor of Profibus DP, Profinet has proven its worth for years in manufacturing automation and mechanical engineering.
Profinet, similar to EtherNet/IP, ensures complete interoperability, which means a uniform and continuous communication system from control to the field device level. It is also possible to operate multiple protocols simultaneously or to integrate existing fieldbus systems with the help of proxy technology. Profinet thus has the same advantages of an industrial Ethernet protocol, including real-time transmission of extensive diagnostic and process data volumes from multivariable field devices.
To do justice to the continually growing importance of Profinet, Endress+Hauser now offers the groundbreaking industrial Ethernet protocol for its Proline 100 compact flowmeter.
Proline with Profinet
Proline 100 is the first flowmeter range to offer digital communication via Profinet. With its highly compact design, Proline 100 offers full functionality in a small package. It has been specifically designed for modular process facilities with skids in the life sciences and foodstuff industry.
Proline flowmeters can be integrated seamlessly into the Profinet engineering environment. Therefore, it is possible to retrieve all diagnostic and process data at any time during operation, allowing for optimum monitoring and evaluation of data. Malfunctions or disturbances can be easily recognised and taken care of immediately, leading to long-term increase in plant availability.
For more information contact Hennie Blignaut, Endress+Hauser, +27 (0)11 262 8000, [email protected], www.za.endress.com
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