Comprehensive Process Control with Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Process Instrumentation

Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Process Instrumentation offers a robust, all-encompassing portfolio that provides precise, reliable measurements across essential process variables: pressure, flow, level, temperature, and more. With a focus on integration and interoperability, EcoStruxure’s process instrumentation supports a broad range of industrial applications by uniting high-quality sensors with innovative measurement technologies, ensuring optimal performance and streamlined data access for modern automation systems.

Comprehensive Product Range

The EcoStruxure Process Instrumentation suite addresses a full spectrum of measurement needs. Its pressure measurement solutions include advanced transmitters, offering highly accurate gauge, differential, and absolute pressure readings for applications in diverse sectors like oil and gas, water treatment, and manufacturing. Flow measurement devices cover technologies such as magnetic, vortex, and Coriolis flowmeters, providing reliable performance across liquid, gas, and steam applications. Level measurement includes buoyancy, radar, and ultrasonic options, catering to complex requirements in tanks and other containment systems. For temperature, Schneider offers resilient transmitters equipped to handle challenging environments. At the same time, their process analytical tools enable accurate pH, conductivity, and chemical composition analysis, which is critical for quality control in various processes.

Quality and Innovation

Schneider Electric’s instrumentation portfolio is built on decades of innovation, such as developing the first d/p cell and dual-phase digital Coriolis mass flowmeter. This commitment to excellence is seen in features like the FoxCal technology, which enhances accuracy and reduces the need for multiple transmitters by embedding multiple calibration curves within a single device. Such advancements make Schneider’s products among the most accurate in the industry, maintaining high stability with minimal drift over time. For instance, the high-performance pressure transmitters guarantee accuracy levels as tight as ±0.025% of reading, an advantage in high-precision applications where reliable, stable measurement is paramount.

Single Source Availability and Support

Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Process Instrumentation is designed to be a one-stop solution, consolidating all essential measurement types within a single brand. This approach simplifies the supply chain, reduces compatibility issues, and offers users the convenience of centralized procurement and support. The instrumentation integrates seamlessly within the broader EcoStruxure architecture, a comprehensive platform encompassing software, digital services, and IoT capabilities, ensuring that data flows uninterrupted from sensors to control systems to cloud-based analytics.

Additionally, Schneider Electric provides dedicated support and service to maintain equipment functionality and extend product lifecycle. Users benefit from 24-hour global support, ensuring access to expertise at any time. Schneider’s service offerings include predictive maintenance and easy device configuration to streamline installation, troubleshooting, and upgrades.

With EcoStruxure Process Instrumentation, Schneider Electric delivers a comprehensive, reliable, and innovative suite of solutions to meet the needs of complex industrial environments. By combining cutting-edge technology with industry-leading support and single-source convenience, Schneider empowers businesses to achieve enhanced operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and optimal productivity.

Mead O'Brien
https://meadobrien.com
(800) 874-9655

Setting the Foxboro/Schneider Electric IDP10-A Differential Pressure Transmitter for Measuring Flow

This tutorial explains the setup for the Foxboro / Schneider Electric differential pressure transmitter model IDP10-A when used in a flow monitoring application.

When you need the flexibility and performance of a customizable, intelligent transmitter but do not need a digital output signal, these transmitters give outstanding value at a low cost. 

The Foxboro® brand Model IDP10 is a two-wire d/p Cell® Transmitter with an analog output that enables accurate, dependable differential pressure measurement and transmits a 4 to 20 mA analog output signal. 

The IDP10 is a comprehensive series of d/p Cell, gauge, absolute, multirange, multivariable, and premium performance transmitters. All use field-proven silicon strain gauge sensors and standard top works. 

Included in this transmitter is the -A electronics module. It is a low-cost analog output transmitter with complete configurable capabilities. This transmitter offers the most ability at the lowest possible cost to you. It even allows you to re-calibrate to new calibrated ranges using the conventional LCD indication without the requirement for calibration pressure. 

It is intended for use in Division 1 hazardous locations and meets Division 2 standards. Versions that fulfill agency flameproof and zone criteria are also available.

For more information, contact Mead O'Brien. Call (800) 874-9655 or visit https://meadobrien.com.

Superior Process Measurement Performance for All Industries: EcoStruxure Process Instrumentation

Process instrumentation provides accurate, reliable measurement and analysis of pressure, flow, level, temperature, positioner, and process analytical variables so you have the process control you need for maximum integration and interoperability — all at competitive prices, low cost of ownership, and 24-hour worldwide support from a single source.

Schneider Electric’s process instrumentation is allied with various industry-leading brands that result in systems, software, and services that dramatically improve your operation’s economic, safety, and environmental performance. In addition, the deployment of multiple, advanced measurement systems will enhance the availability and utilization of all the assets on which your success depends.

Mead O'Brien
(800) 874-9655
https://meadobrien.com

Advantage Goes to Radar Level Over Ultrasonic Transmitters for Bulk, Dry Materials

Ultrasonic level transmitters used in dry bulk solids level monitoring are starting to be eclipsed. Radar level technology is now so good that it can get a level or distance signal from unreflective media such as polypropylene pellets. Compared to ultrasonics, radar is often more reliable, easier to use and has lower maintenance requirements.

The LR64 and LR65 from Schneider Electric (Foxboro) offer customers the benefit of reliable, trouble free solids level measurement. The radars use powerful Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology and advanced signal processing technology.

For more information, call Mead O'Brien now at (800) 892-2769 or visit their website at https://meadobrien.com.

Measuring Water and Liquid Level in Narrow, Obstructed Tanks with 80 GHz Non-Contact Radar Technology

The Foxboro Schneider Electric 80 GHz Radar (FMCW) Level Transmitter is ideal for measuring level of water and other liquids liquids in narrow tanks with internal obstructions.

The Schneider Electric (Foxboro) LR75 is a non-contact radar level transmitter that uses FMCW technology. It measures distance, level and volume of liquids and pastes. It has an empty spectrum function that filters false reflections caused by equipment inside the tank.

• LR75 Free Space Radar
• 80 GHz FMCW technology
• cQPSus XP
• 4 -20mA /HART® 7
• 1/2" NPT Cable Entry
• Backlit Display
• (-14.5..580 psig) I (-40 deg F to +302 F) / FKM/FPM Process Seal
• 1-1/2“ DN40 Lens Antenna
• 1-1/2“ NPT ASME Process Connection
• Very low cost of ownership

DOWNLOAD THE 80GHz LR75 BROCHURE HERE

For more information, contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at 800-892-2769 or visit their website at https://meadobrien.com.

Radar Level: The Relationship Between Frequency and Beam Angle and Using Beam Angle Calculators

Radar is the preferred technology for level measurement in many of today’s industrial applications. Selecting the best microwave frequency transmitted by the device for your application is crucial, and understanding the relationship between frequency and beam angle is very important.

In this video, Jeff Blair, Offer Manager for level products at Schneider Electric, presents the difference in beam angle at various frequencies and how to use Beam Angle Calculators to determine beam width at various levels in a tank.

For more information about radar level instrumentation, contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at (800) 892-2769 or visit their website at https://meadobrien.com.

The Schneider Electric Foxboro CFT51 Digital Coriolis Mass Flow and Density Transmitter with HART or Modbus Communication Protocol

The Schneider Foxboro Model CFT51 Digital Coriolis Mass Flow and Density transmitter is an advanced generation of mass flow devices using DSP (digital signal processing) technology, which allows this transmitter to provide improved performance over other Coriolis flowmeters. This mass flow and density meter, comprising a CFT51 mass flow and density transmitter and a Foxboro CFS mass flowtube, measures fluid mass flow rate directly, not inferentially. Direct measurement of mass helps eliminate the inaccuracies of multiple process measurements associated with volumetric flow devices.

Download the Schneider Electric Foxboro CFT51 Digital Coriolis Mass Flow and Density Transmitter Product Bulletin Here

For more information, contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at  (800) 892-2769 or visit their web site at https://meadobrien.com.

Configuration and Setting the Schneider Electric / Foxboro IMT30A Magnetic Flow Signal Converter

This video below provides instruction on setting the Schneider Electric / Foxboro Model IMT30A.

The electromagnetic signal converter IMT30A is a used for measuring volumetric flow in various kinds of applications that can be found in the water industry and food and beverage processing. The IMT30A can be used together with Foxboro flow sensors 8400A, 8500A, 9500A, 9600A and 9700A with outputs representing measured values for flow, mass and conductivity.

Industries

• Water & Wastewater
• Food & Beverage
• Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Agriculture
• Steel

Applications

• Water and wastewater treatment Water distribution network Irrigation installation
• Water abstraction
• CIP cleaning stations

https://meadobrien.com
(800) 892-2769

Basic Set up of the Schneider Electric / Foxboro LG01 Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter

The Foxboro Model LG01 Radar level measurement transmitter provides very accurate and reliable level measurement for the widest choice of installation and application.

Guided Wave Radar Technology 

Electromagnetic pulses are emitted and guided along a probe. These pulses are reflected back at the product surface. The distance is calculated by measuring this transit time. This device is perfect for high-end applications. It is suitable for applications with foam, dust, vapor, agitated, turbulent or boiling surfaces with rapid level changes.

This video demonstrates the quick set up of the instrument. 

Process Instrumentation and Noise

Protect process instrumentation from
electrical noise.

Instrument noise, and eliminating instrument noise, is important to consider in process control instrumentation. Noise represents variations in process variable measurement that is not reflective of actual changes occurring in the process variable. Typically, electrical devices such as high voltage wiring, electric motors, relays, contactors, and radio transmitters are the primary sources of instrument noise.

No matter the cause for the process noise, the measurement signal in the process is being distorted and is not reflecting the true state of the process at a certain time. Accuracy and precision of process measurements are negatively affected by noise, and can also contribute to errors in control system. Controller output can reflect the noise affecting a process variable.

Grounding allows for the reduction of noise stemming from electrical systems. Shielded cabling and separating signal cabling from other wiring, as well as replacing and repairing sensors, allows for noise reduction. Low-pass filters are a way to compensate for noise, and much of the instrumentation used in process systems incorporates noise dampening features automatically. Determining the best kind of filter to use depends heavily on cut-off frequency, alpha value, or time constant.

The ideal low-pass filter would eliminate all frequencies above the cutoff frequency while allowing every frequency below the cut-off frequency to be unaffected. However, this ideal filter is only achievable mathematically, while real applications must approximate the ideal filter. They calculate a finite impulse response, and also must delay the signal for a bit of time. To achieve better filter accuracy, a longer delay is needed so that the filter computation “sees” a bit further into the future. The calibration of these filters heavily relies on the desired accuracy level of the process, while also taking specific steps in calibration to best fit a particular process.

Noise is important to mitigate because the noise observed while measuring the process variable can produce “chatter” in the final control element of a process. The resulting “chatter” increases the wear of mechanical control elements, such as valves, and will generate additional cost for the process as a whole. The filtered signal lagging behind the dynamic response of the unfiltered signal is a result of the filtered signal’s increased dead time, meaning that signal filters add a delay in sensing the true process state. The solution is to find a mid-point between signal smoothing and information delay, which allows for elimination of noise while not negatively affecting the speed by which information is delivered.

For question about any process control application, or challenge, visit https://meadobrien.com or call (800) 892-2769

Two Point Calibration of the Foxboro IDP-10-T Pressure Transmitter

The Foxboro / Schneider Electric I/A Series Electronic Pressure Transmitters are a complete family of D/P Cell, gauge, absolute, multirange, multivariable, and premium performance transmitters, as well as transmitters with remote or direct connect seals, all using field-proven silicon strain gauge sensors and common topworks.

A common HART electronics module is used for all HART Pressure Transmitters. Also, because all configuration and calibration data is stored in the sensor, you can replace a HART module with another HART module without transmitter reconfiguration or recalibration.

The video below provides step-by-step instructions for two point calibration of the IDP-10-T pressure transmitter.

Understanding Vortex Shedding Flow Technology

Foxboro Vortex Shedding Flowmeter.
Notice the shedder bar in the flow path.

Photograph of vortices
(credit Jürgen Wagner via Wikipedia)

Vortex shedding flowmeters are a type of flowmeter available to the process industry for the consistent evaluation of flow rates. These flowmeters measure the volumetric flow rate of media such as steam flowing in pipes, gases, and low viscosity liquids, boasting both versatility and dependability. Since they have no moving parts, they are impervious to the kind of wear turbine or mechanical meters experience.

Principles of Operation
A "shedder" bar (also known as a bluff body) in the path of

Animation of vortices
(credit Cesareo de La Rosa Siqueira
via Wikipedia)

the flowing fluid produces flow disturbances called vortices. The resulting vortex trail is predictable and proportional to the fluid flow rate. This phenomena is know as the "Von Kármán vortex street" (see illustrations to the right). Sensitive electronic sensors downstream of the shedder bar measures the frequency of the vortices and produce a small electrical pulse with every vortex created. The electrical pulses also also proportional to fluid velocity and is the basis for calculating a volumetric flow rate, using the cross sectional area of the flow measuring device.

Typical Areas of Use
Vortex shedding flowmeters are used on steam, cryogenic liquids, hydrocarbons, air, feed water, and industrial gases.

Applications to Avoid
Splitting higher viscosity fluids into concordant vertices is extremely difficult due to the internal friction present, so using vortex shedding flowmeters on high viscosity media should be avoided. Also, avoid applications with low flow rates and low Reynolds Numbers, as the vortices created are unstable.

Consideration for Use
Consideration must be given to applications with low Reynolds numbers, as the generation of vortices declines at critical points of reduced velocity. Low pressure can also be a problem in this regard. Users must take Reynolds number, velocity, and density into consideration before choosing a vortex shedding flow meter. As always, it's best to discuss your application with an knowledgable support professional before specifying, purchasing, or installing this type of flowmeter.

Watch the video below for more information on vortex flow technology.

For more information on  vortex shedding flowmeters, visit https://www.meadobrien.com or call (800) 892-2769.

Foxboro IMT25 Flow Transmitter Quick Start Video and IOM - Everything You Need

The Foxboro® brand Model IMT25 Intelligent Magnetic Flow Transmitter uses a pulsed dc technique to excite the Models 8000A, 8300, 9100A, 9200A, 9300A, and 2800 Magnetic Flowtube coils, and convert the low level signal voltage to a digital, 4 to 20 mA, or pulse output.

FEATURES

• Digital precision, stability, and resolution ensure top measurement performance.
• Remote communication with HART communication protocol. (For FOUNDATION Fieldbus protocol, refer to PSS 1-6F5 B.)
• Remote configuration using PC-based configurator or HART Communicator.
• Local configuration using optional integral keypad, with backlighted, 2-line, LCD display.
• Scaled pulse or frequency output.
• Unidirectional or bidirectional flow.
• Analog output programmable for unidirectional, bidirectional, or multiple input range.
• Relay outputs with programmable functionality for alarms.
• Contact inputs with programmable functionality for remote operation.
• Automatic and manual zero lock.
• Online diagnostic help.
• Software configuration and totals protected in nonvolatile memory in the event of power loss.
• Compact single or dual compartment.
• Enclosure meets NEMA 4X and IEC IP66.
• Field test mode using Foxboro Model IMTSIM Magnetic Flowtube Simulator.

Foxboro IMT23 Transmitter Operation, Configuration, and Calibration from Mead O'Brien, Inc.

HART Communication Protocol - Process Instrumentation

Process instrument with HART protocol (Foxboro)

The Highway Addressable Remote Transducer Protocol, also known as HART, is a communications protocol which ranks high in popularity among industry standards for process measurement and control connectivity. HART combines analog and digital technology to function as an automation protocol. A primary reason for the primacy of HART in the process control industry is the fact that it functions in tandem with the long standing and ubiquitous process industry standard 4-20 mA current loops. The 4-20 mA loops are simple in both construction and functionality, and the HART protocol couples with their technology to maintain communication between controllers and industry devices. PID controllers, SCADA systems, and programmable logic controllers all utilize HART in conjunction with 4-20 mA loops.

HART instruments have the capacity to perform in two main modes of operation: point to point, also known as analog/digital mode, and multi-drop mode. The point to point mode joins digital signals with the aforementioned 4-20 mA current loop in order to serve as signal protocols between the controller and a specific measuring instrument. The polling address of the instrument in question is designated with the number "0". A signal specified by the user is designated as the 4-20 mA signal, and then other signals are overlaid on the 4-20 mA signal. A common example is an indication of pressure being sent as a 4-20 mA signal to represent a range of pressures; temperature, another common process control variable, can also be sent digitally using the same wires. In point to point, HART’s digital instrumentation functions as a sort of digital current loop interface, allowing for use over moderate distances.

HART in multi-drop mode differs from point to point. In multi-drop mode, the analog loop current is given a fixed designation of 4 mA and multiple instruments can participate in a single signal loop. Each one of the instruments participating in the signal loop need to have their own unique address.

Since the HART protocol is a standardized process control industry technology, each specific manufacturer using HART is assigned a unique identification number. This allows for devices participating in the HART protocol to be easily identified upon first interaction with the protocol. Thanks to the open protocol nature, HART has experienced successive revisions in order to enhance the performance and capabilities of the system relating to process control. The standardization of “smart” implementation, along with the ability to function with the legacy 4-20 mA technology and consistent development, has made HART a useful and popular component of the process measurement and control industry framework.

Have a question about HART? Contact Mead O'Brien by visiting this link, or call
(800) 892-2769.

Common Ways to Measure Steam Flow

For steam, energy is primarily contained in the latent heat and, to a lesser extent, the sensible heat of the fluid. The latent heat energy is released as the steam condenses to water. Additional sensible heat energy may be released if the condensate is further lowered in temperature. In steam measuring, the energy content of the steam is a function of the steam mass, temperature and pressure. Even after the steam releases its latent energy, the hot condensate still retains considerable heat energy, which may or may not be recovered (and used) in a constructive manner. The energy manager should become familiar with the entire steam cycle, including both the steam supply and the condensate return.

When compared to other liquid flow measuring, the measuring of steam flow presents one of the most challenging measuring scenarios. Most steam flowmeters measure a velocity or volumetric flow of the steam and, unless this is done carefully, the physical properties of steam will impair the ability to measure and define a mass flow rate accurately.

Steam is a compressible fluid; therefore, a reduction in pressure results in a reduction in density. Temperature and pressure in steam lines are dynamic. Changes in the system’s dynamics, control system operation and instrument calibration can result in considerable differences between actual pressure/temperature and a meter’s design parameters. Accurate steam flow measurement generally requires the measurement of the fluid’s temperature, pressure, and flow. This information is transmitted to an electronic device or flow computer (either internal or external to the flow meter electronics) and the flow rate is corrected (or compensated) based on actual fluid conditions.

The temperatures associated with steam flow measurement are often quite high. These temperatures can affect the accuracy and longevity of measuring electronics. Some measuring technologies use close-tolerance moving parts that can be affected by moisture or impurities in the steam. Improperly designed or installed components can result in steam system leakage and impact plant safety. The erosive nature of poor-quality steam can damage steam flow sensing elements and lead to inaccuracies and/or device failure.

The challenges of measuring steam can be simplified measuring the condensed steam, or condensate. The measuring of condensate (i.e., high-temperature hot water) is an accepted practice, often less expensive and more reliable than steam measuring. Depending on the application, inherent inaccuracies in condensate measuring stem from unaccounted for system steam losses. These losses are often difficult to find and quantify and thus affect condensate measurement accuracy.

Volumetric measuring approaches used in steam measuring can be broken down into two operating designs:

1. Differential pressure
2. Velocity measuring technologies.

DIFFERENTIAL

For steam three differential pressure flowmeters are highlighted: orifice flow meter, annubar flow meter, and spring-loaded variable area flow meter. All differential pressure flowmeters rely on the velocity-pressure relationship of flowing fluids for operation.

Orifice Flow Meter
(courtesy of Foxboro)

Differential Pressure – Orifice Flow Meter

Historically, the orifice flow meter is one of the most commonly used flowmeters to measure steam flow. The orifice flow meter for steam functions identically to that for natural gas flow. For steam measuring, orifice flow flowmeters are commonly used to monitor boiler steam production, amounts of steam delivered to a process or tenant, or in mass balance activities for efficiency calculation or trending.

Differential Pressure – Annubar Flow Meter

The annubar flow meter (a variation of the simple pitot tube) also takes advantage of the velocity-pressure relationship of flowing fluids. The device causing the change in pressure is a pipe inserted into the steam flow.

Differential Pressure – Spring-Loaded Variable Area Flow Meter

The spring-loaded variable area flow meter is a variation of the rotameter. There are alternative configurations but in general, the flow acts against a spring-mounted float or plug. The float can be shaped to give a linear relationship between differential pressure and flow rate. Another variation of the spring-loaded variable area flow meter is the direct in-line variable area flow meter, which uses a strain gage sensor on the spring rather than using a differential pressure sensor.

VELOCITY

The two main type of velocity flowmeters for steam flow, turbine and vortex shedding, both sense some flow characteristic directly proportional to the fluid’s velocity.

Velocity –  Turbine Flow Meter

A multi-blade impellor-like device is located in, and horizontal to, the fluid stream in a turbine flow meter. As the fluid passes through the turbine blades, the impellor rotates at a speed related to the fluid’s velocity. Blade speed can be sensed by a number of techniques including magnetic pick-up, mechanical gears, and photocell. The pulses generated as a result of blade rotation are directly proportional to fluid velocity, and hence flow rate.

Vortex Flowmeter
(courtesy of Foxboro)

Velocity – Vortex-Shedding Flow Meter

A vortex-shedding flow meter senses flow disturbances around a stationary body (called a bluff body) positioned in the middle of the fluid stream. As fluid flows around the bluff body, eddies or vortices are created downstream; the frequencies of these vortices are directly proportional to the fluid velocity.

For more information on process steam management, contact Mead O'Brien by visiting http://www.meadobrien.com or call (800) 892-2769,

What are Magnetic Flowmeters and How Do They Work?

Magnetic Flowmeter
(courtesy of Foxboro Schneider Electric)

Crucial aspects of process control include the ability to accurately determine qualities and quantities of materials. In terms of appraising and working with fluids (such as liquids, steam, and gases) the flowmeter is a staple tool, with the simple goal of expressing the delivery of a subject fluid in a quantified manner. Measurement of media flow velocity can be used, along with other conditions, to determine volumetric or mass flow. The magnetic flowmeter, also called a magmeter, is one of several technologies used to measure fluid flow.

In general, magnetic flowmeters are sturdy, reliable devices able to withstand hazardous environments while returning precise measurements to operators of a wide variety of processes. The magnetic flowmeter has no moving parts. The operational principle of the device is powered by Faraday's Law, a fundamental scientific understanding which states that a voltage will be induced across any conductor moving at a right angle through a magnetic field, with the voltage being proportional to the velocity of the conductor. The principle allows for an inherently hard-to-measure quality of a substance to be expressed via the magmeter. In a magmeter application, the meter produces the magnetic field referred to in Faraday's Law. The conductor is the fluid. The actual measurement of a magnetic flowmeter is the induced voltage corresponding to fluid velocity. This can be used to determine volumetric flow and mass flow when combined with other measurements.  

The magnetic flowmeter technology is not impacted by temperature, pressure, or density of the subject fluid. It is however, necessary to fill the entire cross section of the pipe in order to derive useful volumetric flow measurements. Faraday's Law relies on conductivity, so the fluid being measured has to be electrically conductive. Many hydrocarbons are not sufficiently conductive for a flow measurement using this method, nor are gases.

Magnetic Flowmeter and controller.
(courtesy of Foxboro Schneider Electric)

Magmeters apply Faraday's law by using two charged magnetic coils; fluid passes through the magnetic field produced by the coils. A precise measurement of the voltage generated in the fluid will be proportional to fluid velocity. The relationship between voltage and flow is theoretically a linear expression, yet some outside factors may present barriers and complications in the interaction of the instrument with the subject fluid. These complications include a higher amount of voltage in the liquid being processed, and coupling issues between the signal circuit, power source, and/or connective leads of both an inductive and capacitive nature.

In addition to salient factors such as price, accuracy, ease of use, and the size-scale of the flowmeter in relation to the fluid system, there are multiple reasons why magmeters are the unit of choice for certain applications. They are resistant to corrosion, and can provide accurate measurement of dirty fluids ñ making them suitable for wastewater measurement. As mentioned, there are no moving parts in a magmeter, keeping maintenance to a minimum. Power requirements are also low. Instruments are available in a wide range of configurations, sizes, and construction materials to accommodate various process installation requirements. 

As with all process measurement instruments, proper selection, configuration, and installation are the real keys to a successful project. Share your flow measurement challenges of all types with a process measurement specialist, combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

A Magmeter Designed to Withstand the Most Common Failure Modes

Foxboro magnetic flowmeter and transmitter.

When it comes to the application of Magmeters, the biggest problem our customers have is reliability. These devices commonly breakdown due to the corrosive and abrasive materials they measure, and the effects of the internal pressure of the liquid flowing through them.

Foxboro magnetic flowmeters, however, solve these industry-wide issues with superior construction, compact design, the widest selection of options, combined with low power consumption.

Foxboro magnetic flow tubes utilize a superior electrode. By using large electrodes, the flowmeter output is less sensitive to the effects of entrained air, and unaffected by higher internal pressures.

Rugged Teflon liners are resistant to chemical attack which makes it possible to use the Foxboro magnetic flowmeter in hard to handle corrosive liquids and slurries.

Finally, Foxboro magnetic flowmeters offer system  accuracy of plus or minus 0.25 percent of reading.

Foxboro flow tubes can be paired with there IMT 25 and IMT 96 transmitter for complete compact system that provides unequalled durability measurement accuracy and performance with virtually no maintenance and minimal replacement cost covering the widest choice of industry applications available.

For more information on Foxboro magnetic flowmeters please contact Mead O'Brien at (800) 892-2769 or visit http://www.meadobrien.com.

Enhancing Cyber Security in Industrial Control Systems and Critical Infrastructure with Dynamic Endpoint Modeling

A white paper courtesy of Schneider Electric (Foxboro)

Cyber attacks against Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are on the rise, putting nations’ critical infrastructure at risk. In a paradigm shift from the traditional network security systems, a new approach — Dynamic Endpoint Modeling — learns and models the behavior of all devices on the network and triggers alerts when algorithms detect changes in learned behavior.

Read the entire white paper below.

Enhancing Cyber Security in Industrial Control Systems and Critical Infrastructure with Dynamic Endpoint Modeling from Mead O'Brien, Inc.

Foxboro Vortex Flow Meters

The patented family of Foxboro vortex flowmeters has the high accuracy and rangeability of positive displacement and turbine flowmeters without the mechanical complexity and high cost. Maximum rangeability up to 100:1 is possible as compared to 3:1 for a nonlinear differential pressure producer (orifice plate).

Because these Flowmeters have no moving parts, they are very durable and reliable. This simplicity of design ensures low initial cost, low operating and maintenance costs, and therefore contributing to an overall low cost of ownership.

For more information, contact:

Mead O'Brien

(800) 892-2769

www.meadobrien.com

A Guide to Instrumentation for Ethanol Fuel Production

Ethanol plant

Ethanol, the common name for ethyl alcohol, is fuel grade alcohol that is produced through the fermentation of simple carbohydrates by yeasts. Fueled by growing environmental, economic, and national security concerns, U.S. ethanol production capacity has nearly doubled in the past six years, and the Renewable Fuel Association (RFA) projects another doubling of the industry by 2012. Ethanol can be made from renewable feedstock’s such as grain sorghum, wheat, barley, potatoes, and sugar cane. In the United States, the majority of the ethanol is produced from corn.

The two main processes to produce ethanol from corn are wet milling and dry milling.

Foxboro transmitter

Wet milling is more versatile as it produces a greater variety of products, including starch, corn syrup, and sucralose (such as Splenda®). However, with this versatility come higher costs in mill design, building, and operation. If ethanol is the primary product produced, dry mills offer the advantages of lower construction and operations costs, with improved production efficiency. Of the more than 70 U.S. ethanol plants currently being built, only a few are wet mills.

The efficiency of ethanol production has come a long way during the last 20 years. As more large-scale facilities come on line, ethanol producers are faced with the growing challenge of finding innovative ways to maintain profitability while this market matures. An increasingly accepted solution is process automation to assist ethanol producers in controlling product quality, output, and costs. Because sensing and analytical instrumentation represents what is essentially the eyes and ears of any automation system, careful evaluation of instrumentation, at the design phase can reduce both equipment and operating costs significantly, while improving overall manufacturing effectiveness.

The following document, courtesy of Foxboro, provides a good overview of instrumentation and the production of ethanol.

A Guide to Instrumentation for Ethanol Fuel Production from Mead O'Brien, Inc.