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:
A diagnostic device for use in a industrial process includes monitoring electronics or diagnostic circuitry configured to diagnose or identify a condition or other occurrence in the industrial process. The system can be implemented in a process device such as a flowmeter, and in one example an acoustic flowmeter. A transducer can also be used and a frequency response, such as resonant frequency, can be observed.
Abstract:
A field device (12) having a self-description is provided. The field (12) device includes loop communication circuitry (50) configured to communicate process information using a process standard communication protocol. A controller (60) is coupled to the loop communication circuitry (50) to communicate with one or more process devices using the loop communication circuitry (50). The controller (60) is coupled to a non¬ volatile, writeable, non-transitory computer readable medium (64) having a plurality of blocks (66, 68). A first block (66) contains device executable code, which when executed by the controller causes the field device to provide at least one process control function. A second block (68), at least as large as the first block (66), contains an electronic device description (70) of the field device.
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:
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).
Abstract:
A wireless mesh network provides secure communication by encrypting data using one or more encryption keys. A configuration device in communication with a security manager of the network provides a temporary secure communication path between the security manager and a new field device to be added to the mesh network. Cryptographic material and other configuration data can then be transferred between the security manager of the network and the new field device securely via the configuration device.