Efficient Plant Nov./Dec. 2022 - 8

feature | digital transformation
Flow, pressure, temperature, and
level data are always available for
monitoring and control, but status
and diagnostic data provided by
smart instrumentation go a step
further to optimize plant operations.
Advance Efficiency
With Digital Communication
Modern smartinstrumentation
solutions
provide diagnostic
information that empowers
informed decision making and
proactive maintenance.
Fabrício de Andrade
Endress+Hauser
FOR DECADES, CONTROL-SYSTEM instrument data was constrained to
single analog process variables communicated through individual 4-to-20-mA
current loops. Modern instrumentation advances, particularly digital communications,
now provide a wealth of additional diagnostic and other information,
enabling operational insights unachievable with simple 4-to-20-mA measurements
alone. Th is extended data helps plant personnel improve operational effi ciency and
avoid unplanned shutdowns by empowering them to implement proactive maintenance,
in addition to simplifying calibration procedures.
Modern device-level network media options, such as HART over 4-to-20 mA,
WirelessHART, Ethernet-APL, and Bluetooth, provide the ability to transmit data
bi-directionally between an instrument and its host system. Various communication
methods are selected, based on the target fi eld devices, and depending on the
intended application.
For wired installations, plants can implement a combination of HART over
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Efficient Plant Nov./Dec. 2022

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