Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a field-mountable process device (16, 116) that receives digital information from one or more process devices (D1, D2, D3, D4), and provides an associated analog output. Embodiments of the present invention include providing a wireless interface (120) to the field-mounted process device (116) such that configuration and/or diagnostic information can be communicated between the field-mounted process device (116) and one or more additional devices. In some embodiments, the field-mounted process device (16, 116) can be completely powered by the digital process communication loop (14) to which it is. coupled. Finally, embodiments of the present invention also include generating and storing within the field-mounted process device (16, 116) a mapping (300) between one or more field devices communicating in accordance with a digital process communication protocol and an analog output of the field-mounted process device (16, 116).
Abstract:
Outer annulus plugging detection is provided for gas-lift oil wells. The outer annulus detection is effected using a pressure transmitter (100). The pressure transmitter (100) provides an indication of pressure within an outer annulus (22) of the oil well. A statistical parameter related to a plurality of outer annulus pressure readings is used to provide an indication of annulus plugging. Examples of the statistical parameter include means and standard deviation.
Abstract:
A two-wire field-mounted process device (16) with multiple isolated channels includes a channel that can be an input channel or an output channel. The given input or output channel can be coupled to multiple sensors or actuators (32, 34), respectively. The process device (16) is wholly powered by the two-wire process control loop (14). The process device (16) includes a controller (40) adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) coupled to an input channel (42, 44, 46) and to control actuators coupled to an output channel (48). The controller can be further adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands. The process device also includes a loop communicator (36) that is adapted to communicate over the two-wire loop.
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) and method are provided for transferring electrical energy from a Fieldbus process communication loop (12) to at least one other process communication loop (24) operating in accordance with a different process communication protocol. A power transfer device (10) is coupleable to a Fieldbus process communication loop (12) and to a second process communication loop (24). The power transfer device (10) is wholly powered by the Fieldbus process communication loop (12), and is configured to supply at least some electrical energy to the second process communication loop (12).
Abstract:
A system for predicting fouling and corrosion of a combustion system in an industrial process includes a pipe (102) , a restrictive element (104) , and a fouling and corrosion detector (110) . The pipe (102) contains a fuel. The restrictive element (104) is coupled to the pipe (102) and the fuel passes through the restrictive element (104) . The fouling and corrosion detector (110) is coupled to the pipe (102) and is adapted to detect a characteristic signature of the restrictive element (104) and to generate an alarm if a change in the detected signature exceeds a predetermined limit relative to a baseline signature.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a field-mountable process device (16, 116) that receives digital information from one or more process devices (D1, D2, D3, D4), and provides an associated analog output. Embodiments of the present invention include providing a wireless interface (120) to the field-mounted process device (116) such that configuration and/or diagnostic information can be communicated between the field-mounted process device (116) and one or more additional devices. In some embodiments, the field-mounted process device (16, 116) can be completely powered by the digital process communication loop (14) to which it is. coupled. Finally, embodiments of the present invention also include generating and storing within the field-mounted process device (16, 116) a mapping (300) between one or more field devices communicating in accordance with a digital process communication protocol and an analog output of the field-mounted process device (16, 116).
Abstract:
A field-mounted process device (116) with multiple isolated connections (56, 58, 60, 62) includes a connection that can be an input or an output . The given input or output can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device (116) can be wholly powered through its communication I/O port (122) . The process device includes a controller (40) adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input connection and to control actuators coupled to an output connection. The controller (40) can be further adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands .
Abstract:
Outer annulus plugging detection is provided for gas-lift oil wells. The outer annulus detection is effected using a pressure transmitter (100). The pressure transmitter (100) provides an indication of pressure within an outer annulus (22) of the oil well. A statistical parameter related to a plurality of outer annulus pressure readings is used to provide an indication of annulus plugging. Examples of the statistical parameter include means and standard deviation.
Abstract:
A field device (20, 200) includes diagnostic circuitry (36) adapted to measure a characteristic related to a process control and measurement system (10). The measured characteristic is used to provide a diagnostic output indicative of a condition of the process control and measurement system (10). The measured characteristic can be provided to a diagnostic module that operates upon the measured characteristic to predict, or otherwise model, a condition of the process control and measurement system (10).