Rockwell Automation Partner, Endress+Hauser, Unveils The World's First Coriolis Mass Flow Meter For EtherNet/IP Network

Adding further capabilities to the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture and PlantPAx Process Automation System, Endress+Hauser is launching the Promass 83 Coriolis Mass Flow Meter with EtherNet/IP connectivity. Rockwell Automation complements this hardware development with the software tools for RSLogix 5000 and FactoryTalk View integration as part of a PlantPAx system. Some of the benefits jointly delivered include reduced network count, simpler installation, seamless integration and reduced programming time.

The new EtherNet/IP-enabled Promass 83 will be available in January 2010 and is designed to offer process system designers greater freedom and choice in their selection of components and architectures. EtherNet/IP is a leading Industrial Ethernet variant, and so the addition of an EtherNet/IP capability makes the Promass 83 even more attractive to machine and skid builders operating in the hybrid process/discrete control industries.

Dion Bouwer, Product Manager - Platforms at Endress+Hauser, explains: "We see that a number of our joint customers with Rockwell Automation are increasing their usage of EtherNet/IP in automated systems and so it was no surprise when several of them approached us last year asking for Ethernet and EtherNet/IP capabilities to be built into the device.”

"For the end user, the primary advantage will be simplicity and speed of integration," Bouwer continues. "Some protocols require additional remote I/O devices and a separate fieldbus protocol to handle communications; with this new device variant, these are now unnecessary. From the speed perspective, even our own research and development team was astounded by how quickly it integrated into the Rockwell Automation Logix platform. It was literally a case of a few mouse clicks, as opposed to the 15-20 minutes it would take to configure over another network."

Dr. Jürgen Weinhofer, Director, Integrated Architecture, EMEA Region at Rockwell Automation, explains the user benefits from Rockwell Automation's perspective: "The EtherNet/IP interface gives users direct access to device data without additional configuration or programming. By using a standard, unmodified protocol, this data can then be shared seamlessly and very easily across the entire network. It can then be viewed either on line-side HMIs or, via existing Ethernet networks, on computers in offices and control rooms – even remotely over the Internet.

"Our RSLogix 5000 programming environment treats the Promass 83 in the same way as any of our I/O modules, intelligent sensors or actuators," Weinhofer elaborates. "By using the Add-On Profile that we have added to our extensive library, the module can be simply added to the I/O configuration of the project. This creates predefined tags meaning it takes literally seconds to integrate. A FactoryTalk View global object is also available. This is a graphical element which can be used for SCADA HMIs or networked computers – the result being that the device can be easily integrated into both the programming and visualization environments."

A typical application for the Promass 83 would see it in a blending skid, allowing the incoming flow of a number of raw ingredients to be tightly controlled, helping to maintain the quality of the finished product. As well as measuring mass flow and density, the unit can also be used to measure viscosity. In-line viscosity meters are often very expensive meaning that many viscosity readings are done in a lab, rather than in the line. With this device, users can measure viscosity, on-line in real time and adjust control parameters accordingly – rather than waiting for lab results. The device is also capable of measuring gasses.

Joerg Herwig, Director Marketing at Endress+Hauser Flowtec, concludes: "This product-development program is a graphic example of how Endress+Hauser works with one of its strategic partners to address market needs. Both companies realized the demand for this capability and by working together we have created a device which has a tremendous potential to be a 'game changer' as one customer put it."

BACKGROUND

Logix platform: As part of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture, Logix platforms provide a single control architecture for discrete, drives, motion and process control systems. Whether you need a high-performance control system or a small, value-based control system, Logix platforms provide the right control system for your applications. Along with NetLinx open networks, Kinetix integrated motion and visualization products, Logix platforms provide the maximum in control integration, program reuse, communication flexibility and overall ease-of-use so you'll spend less on setup, operation and maintenance. The Programmable Automation Controller family includes: CompactLogix System, ControlLogix System, SoftLogix5800 Controller and DriveLogix System.

RSLogix 5000 software: With RSLogix 5000 programming software, users need only one software package for discrete, process, batch, motion, safety and drive-based applications. RSLogix 5000 software offers an easy-to-use, IEC61131-3 compliant interface, symbolic programming with structures and arrays and a comprehensive instruction set that serves many types of applications. It provides ladder logic, structured text, function block diagram and sequential function chart editors for program development as well as support for the S88 equipment phase state model for batch and machine control applications.

PlantPAx: The Rockwell Automation PlantPAx Process Automation System represents the culmination of significant investments in automation tech-nology for the process industry. This system leverages the company’s core process automation capabilities and technologies with those of market leading partners, such as OSIsoft and Endress+Hauser, and acquisitions including Incuity, Pavilion Technologies, ICS Triplex, Xi’An Hengsheng and ProsCon, to provide customers a scalable, open and cost-effective process solution.

Based on the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture™, the Plant-PAx system delivers a unified process, discrete and information solution with key areas of focus including systems engineering, batch and sequencing, asset management and field device integration, critical control and process safety.

Endress+Hauser Promass 83: Coriolis flow meters have the ability to measure several process variables all at the same time. This opens up completely new perspectives in process control, quality assurance and plant protection. Mass flow, density and temperature, the primary measured variables, can be used to derive other values such as volume flow, solids content, viscosity or concentrations and complex density functions.

The uniform Proline transmitter concept includes:

• Modular device and operating concept resulting in a higher degree of efficiency
• Software options for viscosity and concentration measurement for extended range of application
• Diagnostic ability and data backup for increased process quality

Promass sensors are tried and tested in over 100,000 applications and offer:

• Multivariable flow measurement in compact design
• Insensitivity to vibrations thanks to balanced measuring system
• Efficient protection against forces from piping thanks to robust construction
• Easy installation without taking inlet and outlet runs into account

EtherNet/IP: EtherNet/IP™ extends commercial off-the-shelf Ethernet to the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP™) — the same upper-layer protocol and object model utilized in DeviceNet™, and Control-Net™. CIP allows EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, and DeviceNet product developers, system integrators, and users to apply the same objects and profiles for plug-and-play interoperability among devices from multiple vendors and in multiple subnets. Combined, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and EtherNet/IP promote transparency from sensors to the enterprise software. The Endress+Hauser Group

Endress+Hauser is a global leader in measurement instrumentation, services and solutions for industrial process engineering. With over 8,000 employees worldwide, the Group generates annual net sales of more than $1.4B.

Structure
Company-owned sales centers and a network of partners guarantee competent worldwide support. Production centers in eleven countries meet customers’ needs and requirements quickly and effectively. As a successful family-owned business, Endress+Hauser is set for continued independence and self-reliance in the future.

Products
Endress+Hauser provides sensors, instruments, systems and services for level, flow, pressure and temperature measurement as well as liquid analysis and data acquisition. The company supports customers with solutions and services in automation engineering, logistics and information technology. Our products set standards in quality and technology.

Industries
Customers are primarily from the chemical/petrochemical, food & beverage, water/wastewater, life science, oil & gas, energy, primaries, pulp & paper and shipbuilding industries. Endress+Hauser supports its customers to optimize their process engineering procedures while taking into consideration reliability, safety, economic efficiency and environmental protection.

History
Founded in 1953 by Georg H Endress and Ludwig Hauser, Endress+Hauser has developed from being a specialist in level measurement to a provider of complete solutions for industrial measuring technology and automation, with expansion into new territories and markets.

SOURCE: Endress+Hauser, Inc.