Showing posts with label Yokogawa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yokogawa. Show all posts

Yokogawa Boiler Controls Used on USNS Mercy


On the United States Navy Hospital Ship Mercy, Yokogawa's Indicating Controllers are used to control two Foster Wheeler boilers supplying steam to 2 GE turbines to generate 18.3 MW of power.

Miller Energy, Inc.
https://millerenergy.com

Upcoming Yokogawa "Back to Basics" Process Control Webinar Series

Now is the time to use your time productively!  Yokogawa's "Back to Basics" webinar series provides you a great resource to learn and review different measurement technologies. These online webinars discuss recommended practices, application selection and sizing, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Gain insight directly from the experts!


Yokogawa Back to Basics Series:




"Attaining Proficiency in Industrial Pressure Measurement "

Online Webinar
Thursday, April 9, 2020
11:00 AM Eastern / 8:00 AM Pacific

This webinar reviews the basic principles of measuring pressure and key considerations when selecting pressure transmitters for various applications.

This webinar will discuss:
  • The basic physics of pressure
  • Types of pressure sensors
  • Communication standards
  • Sensor technology considerations
  • Calibration and maintenance best practices



"Fundamentals of Fabulous Flow Measurement"

Online Webinar
Thursday, April 16, 2020
11:00 AM Eastern / 8:00 AM Pacific

This webinar will explore the fundamentals of flow measurement technologies and how they stack up in different applications.

In this webinar you:
  • Review the theory behind flow measurement technologies
  • Discuss common flow application challenges
  • Evaluate the different technologies when selecting a flow meter
  • Illustrate installation practices for successful measurements



"Magical Mystery Tour of High Purity pH Measurement"

Online Webinar
Thursday, April 23rd, 2020
8:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM Eastern

The presentation will explore the theory of pH and how it can be successfully applied in high purity applications, discuss both standard and solution temperature compensation, review installation requirements, and illustrate good calibration and maintenance procedures to facilitate satisfactory measurements.

In this webinar we:
  • Review the theory behind the measurement of pH
  • Discuss the issues surrounding high purity pH measurements
  • Illustrate the difference between standard and solution temperature compensation
  • Assess installation requirements for successful measurements
  • Clarify good calibration and maintenance procedures



"Vibrating Element Technology for Gas Density, Specific Gravity, and Hydrogen"

Online Webinar
Thursday, April 30, 2020
8:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM Eastern

This presentation goes over the theory behind vibrating element technology and explores some of the applications in which it can be used.

In this webinar you will review:
  • The theory behind density and vibrating element technology
  • The importance of using compensated density
  • How to clean the detector


"Digitally Transform your Plant with Field Wireless and IIOT"

Online Webinar
Thursday, May 7, 2020
11:00 AM Eastern / 8:00 AM Pacific

Wireless sensor networks can provide reliable and secure communications for applications including control, monitoring, safety, and reliability. Regardless of the application, wireless technology has opened the door for companies to pursue improvements that may have been impossible or uneconomical in the past. However, adopting a wireless strategy is more than just throwing a few radios out into the plant. A little planning can go a long way to ensure your future success.

Topics covered include:
  • Where you would use Field Wireless vs IIoT
  • The fundamentals of wireless sensor networks
  • Applications that illustrate how a wireless strategy can transform your operations, improve reliability, and increase safety



Tutorial: The Yokogawa SMARTDAC+ GX/GP Paperless Recorder Channel Settings


The Yokogawa SMARTDAC+ GX and GP are fully integrated measurement, display, and recording platforms equipped with an advanced touch screen operator interface. GX series is a panel-mount design, capable of operating in harsh industrial applications and environments. GP is the portable version of the GX, intended for use in lab and test bench applications.

This video is a tutorial to learn the display settings available within the SmartDAC+  GX/GP's analog input, digital input, digital output, math, and communication channel settings.

For more information about the Yokogawa SMARTDAC+ GX/GP Paperless Recorder contact Miller Energy, Inc. Call them at 800-631-5454 or visit their web site at https://millerenergy.com.

Understanding How Magnetic Flowmeters Work and the Difference between AC and DC Excitation


The electromagnetic flowmeter, commonly known as the "magmeter", gets its name from the magnetic field generated within the float tube that produces a signal proportional to flow. This principle employs Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction. Magnetic flowmeters are built so the direction of the magnetic field is perpendicular to the flow and the line between the electrodes is also perpendicular to the flow. As a conductive liquid flows through the flowtube, an electro-motive force is generated. The electrodes detect the electro-motive force. The electro-motive force is proportional to the flow velocity, flux density, and the meter inner diameter. The flux density of the magnetic field and the meters inner diameter are constant values, therefore the magnetic flow meter can calculate the flow velocity and volumetric flow from the electro-motive force.

The basic components of the magnetic flow meter body are:

  1. A lined flowtube (typically Teflon)
  2. Excitation coils
  3. Two electrodes mounted opposite of each other within the flowtube.

Current is applied to the coils in the magmeter to generate a magnetic field within the flow tube. As a conductive fluid flows through the meter, an electro-motive force is generated. This force is detected by the electrodes and the resulting value is converted to flowrate.

For more information on magnetic flowmeters, contact Miller Energy, Inc. by calling 800-631-5454 or by visiting https://millerenergy.com.

6 Benefits of Using Wireless Networking Systems in Industrial Applications

Wireless Networking Systems in Industrial ApplicationsWireless technologies offer great value over wired solutions. A reduction in cost is just one of the many benefits of switching to the wireless networking system. There are many benefits, including enhanced management of legacy systems that were previously not possible with a wired networking connection.

Here is an overview of some of the value-added benefits of adopting wireless networking in industrial plants.
  1. Reduced Installation Costs - Savings in installation costs is the key benefit of a wireless networking system. The cost of installing a wireless solution is significantly lower as compared to its wired counterpart. Installing a wireless network requires less planning. Extensive surveys are not required to route the wires to control rooms. This reduced installation cost is the main reason industrial setups should consider going wireless instead of having a wired networking system. 
  2. Improved Information Accuracy - Adopting wireless networking also results in improved accuracy of information. The wireless system is not prone to interferences. As a result, the system ensures consistent and timely transfer of information from one node to another. 
  3. Enhanced Flexibility - Enhanced flexibility is another reason for deploying wireless networking solutions in an industrial setting. Additional points can be awarded easily in an incremental manner. The wireless system can also integrate with legacy systems without any issues. 
  4. Operational Efficiencies - Migrating to wireless networking can help in improving operational efficiencies as well. Plant managers can troubleshoot and diagnose issues more easily. The system facilitates predictive maintenance by allowing the monitoring of remote assets. 
  5. Human Safety - Another critical factor that should influence the decision to migrate to wireless networking is the human safety factor. Wireless technologies allow safer operations, reducing exposure to harmful environments. For instance, a wireless system can be used in taking a reading and adjusting valves without having to go to the problematic area to take measurements. With wireless networking systems, readings can be taken more frequently that can help in early detection and reduction of possible incidents. 
  6. Efficient Information Transfer - Another advantage is that the time required to reach a device is reduced. This results in a more efficient transfer of information between network segments that are geographically separated. The industry wireless networking standards use IP addresses to allow remote access to data from field devices. 

For more information on wireless technologies in industrial settings, contact Miller Energy by visiting https://millerenergy.com or by calling 800-631-5454.

The Yokogawa 4-Wire SENCOM™ SMART Sensor Platform

Analyzer FLXA402
Multi-Channel/Parameter Analyzer FLXA402
The SENCOM SMART Sensor Platform has been designed with a strong focus on Yokogawa's digital SMART sensors and provides greater insight and enhanced capabilities for more reliable data across the entire product lifetime.

Yokogawa's latest SMART sensor system enhances the operation, reliability, and credibility of online process analyzers, from the engineering and purchasing to modification and optimization, by using the latest sensing technologies and asset management tools.

The SENCOM SMART Sensor Platform has been designed with a strong focus on Yokogawa's digital SMART sensors and provides greater insight and enhanced capabilities for more reliable data across the entire product lifetime.

Digital SMART SENCOM™ Adapter, SA11
Digital SMART SENCOM™ Adapter, SA11
Yokogawa's latest SMART sensor system enhances the operation, reliability, and credibility of online process analyzers, from the engineering and purchasing to modification and optimization, by using the latest sensing technologies and asset management tools.

Simple Setup and Configuration

Analog sensors equipped with a Variopin connector and Yokogawa ID chip
Analog sensors
The SENCOM 4.0 Platform is designed with an intuitive menu structure, easy-to-understand configuration, alarm settings, and clear error-fixing information to help you make credible and reliable measurements of online process control.

Environmentally Friendly Design

Conventional SMART sensors include integrated electronics on top of an analog sensor, therefore the still operating electronics must be thrown away once the sensor has reachable the end of its lifetime, adding to global waste.

The SENCOM 4.0 platform includes a reusable SMART adapter, so only an analog sensor has to be removed when it reaches the end of its lifetime, thereby reducing waste and costs.

Easy and Efficient Maintenance

Optional Digital SMART SENCOM™ Expansion Junction Box, BA11
Optional Digital SMART SENCOM™
Expansion Junction Box, BA11
The Maintenance Manager is a data management system that allows technicians to forecast maintenance and calibration frequency, estimate the service life of the sensor, and estimate the life expectancy of the sensor.

Calibration data are stored within the memory chip of the SMART sensor using the SENCOM 4.0platform. Once the sensor is connected to the analyzer, it is possible to download or upload the latest calibration data to the FLXA402 analyzer, thus avoiding the need for field calibration.

For more information, visit this page on the Miller Energy website.

Miller Energy, Inc.
800-631-5454

The Yokogawa YS1700 Single Loop Controller Replaces Obsolete Moore/Siemens 353

Yokogawa YS1700

Now that entire Moore/Siemens 350 family is obsolete, are you considering upgrading to a DCS? 


Are you concerned about the cost and time for a new installation, application development and personnel training?

Is it possible that the new equipment vendor may again leave you stranded with their equipment as their core business is not industrial automation and control?

We have a better solution for you: Yokogawa and its YS1700 PID loop controller. Yokogawa has been providing industrial solutions, as their primary business, for over a century and their YS1700 will keep you off of eBay looking for spare 353 parts.

Common Instrumentation Requirements for Industrial Boilers

Instrumentation Used on Industrial Boilers
Typical boiler instrumentation layout.
(courtesy of Yokogawa)
Boilers are used in a broad range of industries such as electric power, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, ceramics, and paper and pulp. Amid the rising energy costs, tightening environmental regulations, and increasing awareness of safety as of late, the needs for high efficiency operation, low emission operation, and safe and stable operation of boilers are growing.

In order to ensure the air and fuel are combusted at an optimal ratio, the waste of fuel is eliminated, and the exhaust gas is cleaned, real-time monitoring of the oxygen concentration of combustion gases is required. Equipped with an oxygen sensor unit with a longer life span, the Zirconia Oxygen Analyzer ZR series are capable of measuring an oxygen concentration with high reliability. The Stack Gas Analyzer monitors exhaust gas components such as NOX, SO2, and CO2 in order to ensure low emission operation.

A single-loop controller can be used to properly distribute control functionality. Offering the advantages of flexibility of building distributed control systems, simple maintenance, compatibility with conventional systems, and the like, the YS1000 Series of Single-loop Controllers are ideal for safe and stable operation at low costs.

In order to ensure highly efficient and safely operated boilers, it is also indispensable to accurately monitor the drum level and steam flow rate. The EJA and EJX Series of Differential Pressure Transmitters are capable of measuring the drum level with high stability even in actual applications at high temperatures and high pressures. The DY Series MV TYPE of Vortex Flowmeters with a simple construction employ a built-in sensor to measure the steam mass flow with high reliability.

Yokogawa offers a wide variety of sensors and controllers that are used to monitor and operate boilers, and contributes to increasing the efficiency and environmental performance of boilers, as well as ensuring their safe and stable operation.

Recommended Products for Boiler Applications


  • Drum Level Measurement - EJA/EJX transmitters
  • Combustion Control - The YS1000 Dual CPU Loop Controller
  • Steam Flow Measurement - Digital YEWFLO MV Type
  • Combustion Monitoring - Zirconia Oxygen Analyzers and AV550G Multi Oxygen Sensor Converter

For more information in Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Metro New York or Delaware contact:
Miller Energy by visiting https://millerenergy.com or by calling 908-755-6700 in New Jersey, or 610-363-6200 in Pennsylvania.

Detailed Look at the Yokogawa YS100 Series as a Replacement for the Obsolete Siemens 353

This video is a thorough presentation detailing why and how the Yokogawa YS1000 Series is the best replacement for the obsolete Siemens/Moore 353 controller. It is composed of a series of presentation slides - hit the pause button to focus on any single slide.

New Jersey: 908-755-6700 
Pennsylvania: 610-363-6200

An Excellent Replacement for the Discontinued Siemens 353 SLC

Siemens 353 replacement
The Yokogawa YS1700 is a great replacement to the
discontinued Siemens 353 SLC controller.

The discontinuation of the Siemens 353 SLC controller is a concern to many users of this popular controller. With few alternatives, customers are joking that they'll have to turn to eBay for spare parts. There's a much better solution though. The Yokogawa YS1700 PID loop controller, a drop-in replacement for the Siemens 353 SLC.

The Yokogawa YS1000 Series is the ideal choice for many control applications offering extreme reliability and sophisticated control. This product family has bright, easy-to-read displays, multiple I/O points, and powerful loop tuning. For critical applications, the YS1700 employs dual CPUs for maximum reliability and hard-manual control for added protection. The YS1700’s powerful function block programming allows for custom strategies to control many demanding processes such as boilers and steam generators, PH control, dosing control, and many other demanding plant processes.

To learn more about replacing the Siemens 353 with a Yokogawa YS1700, visit this page or go directly to this link https://millerenergy.com/Siemens-353-Replacement.

Yokogawa Users Conference 2018

The 2018 Yokogawa Users Conference and Exhibition – North America brings together hundreds of industry experts and valued users to exchange knowledge, share best practices and innovative solutions to real-life day-to-day challenges.
  • Sept. 10-13, 2018
  • Renaissance Orlando at Seaworld, Florida

Attendees experience unique and exciting opportunities to learn more about Yokogawa's solutions and how they can be applied to achieve safe, reliable, and profitable operations.
  • Network: Develop a knowledge-sharing session within a diverse network of users and mingle with industry peers
  • Discover: Gain insights into the latest industry practices and trends from the visionary leaders across prestigious major international and national companies
  • Innovate: Learn more about new products, innovations, and user experiences on how they maximize profit potential and improve their plant process while dealing with complex problems

Paperless + Wireless Process Control Recorder

Paperless and Wireless Process Control Recorder
Paperless and Wireless
Yokogawa GX20W
There are probably few among us who long for the days when process recorders used paper. Video based graphic (also known as paperless) recorders, aside from being paperless, provide a broad range of functionality that empowers a user to display and deliver process information in whatever way is most useful for the application.

High sampling speed of multiple inputs that can be configured to accommodate a range of input signals, along with data storage, network communications and programmable alarm outputs power up the usefulness of these instruments for monitoring and documenting process operation. Many utilize touch sensitive screens, eliminating any buttons or keys on the operator panel.

Some of the great features available on today's paperless recorders:

  • Multiple channels of input
  • Start/stop recording by batch, and create data files
  • Ample internal memory
  • Creation of template-based Excel spreadsheets
  • Custom display function
  • Historical data with date and time calendar search function
  • Ethernet interface
  • PROFIBUS-DP and EtherNet/IP protocols
  • Dust and splash-proof front panel
  • Front panel door lock and login function

Wireless Seals the Deal

Wireless technology is a serious contributor in the effort to improve plant efficiency, lower risk, and increase productivity. Wireless recorders are now available for monitoring virtual all process variables such as pressure, temperature, level, and flow (plus many more).  The use of wireless recorders provides a compelling argument when you consider installation cost savings and convenience.  Savings estimates as high as 70% are realized when compared to the cost using cables for the same application.

There are many options and variants to accommodate every conceivable process control application. Share your data acquisition and process monitoring challenges with instrumentation specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

For more information on paperless recorders, contact Miller Energy by visiting https://millerenergy.com or calling 908-755-6700 in NJ or 610-363-6200 in PA.

Register Early for the Yokogawa Users Conference 2018

Yokogawa Users Conference North America
The Yokogawa Users Conference for North America will be held
on September 10 - 13 in Orlando, FL
Yokogawa is hosting its Users Conference in Orlando FL for 2018. This excellent event enables attendees to:

  • Learn how to maximize the value of their measurement and control investment.
  • View and learn about the latest products and solutions for process measurement and control.
  • Interact with subject experts and Yokogawa partners.
  • Network with industry peers.
  • Build knowledge of best practices for particular industries and measurement and control in general.
There will be panel discussions, technical sessions, exhibits and more. The event is scheduled for September 10th through 13th, and early registration has started. Make plans to attend and build your knowledge base. You can find the registration information at the conference website, or reach out to a Yokogawa representative to find out more.

Magnetic Flow Meters

magnetic flowmeter flow meter on large flanged lined pipe section
Magnetic flow meters can be easily applied in lined
pipe sections and those of substantial diameter.
Image courtesy Yokogawa
The measurement of fluid flow is a common process control function. Flow measurement can have a range of differing output requirements, depending upon the needs of the process operators. With many technologies and instruments from which to choose, knowledge of the principals behind each measurement technology and basic operation requirements can help in the selection of the best instrument for each application. 

Anywhere there are pipes, somebody wants to know how much fluid is passing through them. Industrial flow meters rely on their ability to measure the change in some physical characteristic of fluid moving within a pipe that can be related to fluid velocity or mass flow. Depending upon the nature of the raw measurement, additional information and processing may be necessary to convert the base measurement into a useful measurement of flow rate.

In the processing industries, differing technologies are used to measure fluid motion. Some common technologies include magnetic, ultrasonic, vortex shedding, Coriolis and differential pressure. This list is not exhaustive, and several other technologies will certainly be found in use. Each methodology survives within a competitive marketplace due to its unique combination of performance and value attributes. Let's look at magnetic flow meters, also referred to as magmeters.

The operational principle of a magnetic flow meter is based upon Faraday’s Law. This fundamental scientific principle states that a voltage will be induced across a 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 aspect of a conductive fluid to be expressed via the magmeter. In a magmeter application, the instrument produces the magnetic field referred to in Faraday’s Law. The conductor, moving at a right angle to the magnetic field, is the fluid. The actual measurement of a magnetic flow meter is the induced voltage corresponding to fluid velocity. This can be used to determine volumetric flow and mass flow when combined with values of other fluid properties and the pipe cross sectional area. Magnetic flow meters enjoy some positive application attributes.
  • Magnetic flow meters have no moving parts.
  • The instrument, which often resembles a pipe section, can be lined with corrosion resistant material for use with aggressive media.
  • With no sensor insertions or obstructions in the fluid path, the impact of the instrument on the flow is minimal.
  • Accuracy, when compared to other technologies, is high.
  • Application to laminar, turbulent, and transitional flow profiles is permissible.
  • Generally, measurement is not adversely impacted by fluid viscosity, specific gravity, temperature and pressure.
  • Magnetic flow meter technology can be applied to a very wide range of pipe sizes.
  • Device responds rapidly to changes in fluid flow.
  • Can be successfully applied to liquids containing heavy particulates.
  • Generally long service life with little maintenance.
Though the roster of positive attributes is strong, magmeters are not universally applied. Consider some of these points with respect to your potential application.
  • The fluid acts as the "conductor", as stated in Faraday's Law. Magnetic flow meters only work on liquids with conductivity above a certain threshold. They may be unsuitable for use with hydrocarbons and high purity water for this reason.
  • Cannot be used to measure gas flow because gases are not sufficiently conductive.
  • Piping must be grounded.
  • Generally, rated accuracy requires the pipe cross section to be filled by the liquid being measured.
This listing of attributes is very general in nature. Some magnetic flow meter variants have adaptations that minimize or accommodate the impact of special process conditions. Share your flow measurement requirements and challenges with a process measurement specialist. Your own knowledge and experience will be leveraged into an effective solution by their product application expertise.

Process Gas Chromatographs and Flare Monitoring

gas flare at petroleum oil refinery
Flare monitoring requires specialized instruments to
meet regulatory requirements.
Gas chromatography is a common analysis tool employed in many areas of industry, including oil and gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, and others. Yokogawa Corporation of America  has been delivering top tier industrial GC performance with their GC8000 Process Gas Chromatograph for use in oil and gas, and other industrial applications.

Modern regulatory requirements for flare gas management highlight an application area for gas chromatography. Yokogawa provides an analysis of the requirements for flare monitoring, related regulatory compliance, and how various measurement and analysis techniques and equipment can aid in delivering a successful compliance plan. Industrial gas chromatographs can play a part in a compliance plan for flare monitoring.

In addition to the ruggedness and reliability for which Yokogawa gas chromatographs are well known, the GC8000 brings a number of innovations and improvements to the company’s process gas chromatography product offering that deliver easier operation and more efficient utilization.
  • Color touchscreen HMI for easy operation
  • Advanced predictive diagnostics and software functions monitor key performance indicators during each analysis to verify analyzer is operating within proper tolerances.
  • Parallel chromatography is made practical through the use of the GC Modules provided as part of the GC8000. Virtual GCs can be set up inside a single GC with GC Modules to measure multiple streams simultaneously.
More detail is available on the GC8000 Process Gas Chromatograph, the culmination of Yokogawa’s 55 years of experience in the field. For more information, or to discuss your application specifics, contact a product specialist.

Yokogawa Gas Density Analyzer and Detector Pairing



Yokogawa's Gas Density Meter is a combination of density converter and detector. The instrument provides continuous measurement of process gas density, specific gravity and molecular weight in a configuration delivering stable operation and requiring little maintenance.

One important aspect is the proper pairing of a detector with the density converter. The video explains the process and how to make sure it is done correctly.

Share your process analytical and measurement challenges with process instrumentation experts, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Focus Your Product Selection Quickly With This Useful Tool

Yokogawa Process Instrumentation Selection Tool
The Process Instrumentation Selection Tool from Yokogawa
enables the user to make detailed product selections
with a few clicks.
Image courtesy Yokogawa
In the process measurement sphere, manufacturers respond to market demand and their own growth goals by offering integrated product solutions. This can result in a product offering that is extensive, with many different products that can be applied to the same task. There are often several, or many, choices to winnow down to a final selection. Product research and evaluation for application suitability takes time. In today's business environment, time is what we never seem to have in sufficient quantity. Finding ways to streamline any process can be beneficial.

Yokogawa is one of those companies that manufactures a broad range of products for process measurement. Whatever your process measurement needs, it is likely the Yokogawa has an effective solution that delivers solid quality and performance.

In a past blog posting, we introduced readers to Process Instrument Selection Tool. With some basic information about your application, a few clicks can quickly deliver access to the best product selection for an application. It is simple, rapid and accurate. The product selector covers 24 basic measurement and instrumentation classifications. We are posting about it again because it has been so successful in helping customers zoom in on the right product solutions for their process measurement applications.

The Product Finder is accessible through a number of links throughout Yokogawa's network of representatives. Clicking the link lands you on the start page of the Product Finder. Try it out, and share your process measurement and control challenges with application specialists for even more leveraging of your own process knowledge and experience toward an effective solution.

Maintenance Procedures - Yokogawa ADMAG TI Series AXW Magnetic Flowmeter

magnetic flow meter with corrosion resistant lining
The AXW series of magnetic flow meters is available in
a range of sizes with corrosion resistant lining.
Image courtesy Yokogawa
The ADMAG AXW™ series of magnetic flow meters has been developed based on Yokogawa's decades of experience in the design and manufacture of magnetic flowmeters. The AXW series continues the tradition of high quality and reliability that has become synonymous with the Yokogawa name.

The AXW series is ideal for industrial process lines, and water supply and sewage applications. With outstanding reliability and ease of operation, developed on decades of field-proven experience, the AXW will increase user benefits while reducing total cost of ownership.

Magnetic flow meters, also called electromagnetic flow meters or "magmeters", operate on a very simple principal. An electrically conductive liquid moving through a magnetic field will generate a voltage that is related to the velocity of the liquid. Magnetic flow meters have no moving parts and present little to no pressure drop to the piping system into which they are installed.

Sizes are available from 500 to 1800 mm (20 to 72 inch.) with a wide liner selection such as PTFE, natural hard rubber, natural soft rubber, and polyurethane rubber. The line accommodates industry standard process connections such as ASME, AWWA, EN, JIS, and AS flange standards. A submersible version is also available.

Care and maintenance for magnetic flow measurement devices is simple and minimal. The manual included below provides basic guidelines for maintenance procedures of ADMAG TI (Total Insight) Series AXW magnetic flowmeters. Share your flow measurement challenges with process instrument specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise.


Magnetic Flowmeters: Principles and Applications

industrial process measurement instrument magnetic flow meter magmeter volumetric flow transmitter
Magnetic flowmeters are well suited for flow measurement
with conductive fluids.
Image courtesy Yokogawa
Fluid process control operations rely on the operator's ability to accurately determine qualities and quantities of liquid or gaseous 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 inputs, 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 accurate 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 principle stating 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. On the other hand, water and aqueous solutions tend to exhibit sufficient conductivity to apply magmeter technology.

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 – 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 own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Product Update: SMARTDAC+ GX/GP Series Recorders & GM Series Data Acquisition System Release 4

industrial process control data acquisition equipment
Updated SMARTDAC line of data acquisition instruments
Image courtesy Yokogawa
Yokogawa Electric Corporation announced it's Release 4 of the SMARTDAC+® GX series panel-mount type paperless recorder, GP series portable paperless recorder, and GM series data acquisition system.

With this latest release, new modules are provided to expand the range of applications possible with SMARTDAC+ systems and improve user convenience. New functions include sampling intervals as short as 1 millisecond and the control and monitoring of up to 20 loops.

Overview


Recorders and data acquisition systems (data loggers) are used on production lines and at product development facilities in a variety of industries to acquire, display, and record data on temperature, voltage, current, flow rate, pressure, and other variables. Yokogawa offers a wide range of such products, and is one of the world’s top manufacturers of recorders. Since releasing the SMARTDAC+ data acquisition and control system in 2012, Yokogawa has continued to strengthen it by coming out with a variety of recorders and data acquisition devices that meet market needs and comply with industry-specific requirements and standards.

With this release, Yokogawa provides new modules with strengthened functions that meet customer needs for the acquisition and analysis of detailed data from evaluation tests. These modules decrease the cost of introducing a control application by eliminating the need for the purchase of additional equipment.

Enhancements


The functional enhancements available with Release 4 are as follows:

High-speed analog input module for high-speed sampling.


To improve the safety of electric devices such as the rechargeable batteries used in everything from automobiles to mobile devices, evaluation tests must be conducted to acquire and analyze detailed performance data. For this purpose, sampling at intervals as short as 1 millisecond is desirable. However, this normally requires an expensive, high-performance measuring instrument. When the new high-speed analog input module, a SMARTDAC+ system can sample data at intervals as brief as 1 millisecond, which is 1/100th that of any preceding Yokogawa product. This is suitable for such high performance applications such as measurement of the transient current in rechargeable batteries to vibration in power plant turbines. A dual interval function has also been added that enables the SMARTDAC+ to efficiently and simultaneously collect data on slowly changing signals (e.g., temperature) and quickly changing signals (e.g., pressure and vibration).

PID control module for control function


In applications that need both control and recording, such as controlling the temperature of an industrial furnace or the dosage process at a water treatment plant, there is a need for systems that do not require engineering and can be quickly and easily commissioned. In a typical control and monitoring application, a separate recorder and controller is required to control temperature, flow rate and pressure. At the same time, a data acquisition station must communicate with the controller to ensure data is being capture and recorded. It is time consuming and oftentimes confusing, to ensure the controller and the data acquisition station is communicating seamlessly. By combining continuous recording function of the SMARTDAC+ and PID control module into a single platform, customers can now seamlessly control and record critical process data in one system. The SMARTDAC+ can control, monitor and record up to 20 loops. Each PID control module comes with 2 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs, 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs.

Four-wire RTD/resistance module for precise temperature measurement


While three-wire RTDs are widely used in many fields such as research institutes to manufacturing, some applications require higher level of precision and accuracy that is only possible with 4-wire RTDs. A 4-wire RTD is the sensor of choice for laboratory applications where accuracy, precision, and repeatability are extremely important. To satisfy this need, Yokogawa has released a 4-wire RTD/resistance module for the SMARTDAC+.

Target Markets


GX series: Production of iron and steel, petrochemicals, chemicals, pulp and paper, foods, pharmaceuticals, and electrical equipment/electronics; water supply and wastewater treatment facilities.

GP series: Development of home appliances, automobiles, semiconductors, and energy-related technologies; universities; research institutes.

GM series: Both of the above target markets.

For more information on the SMARTDAC+ GX/GP Series Recorders & GM Series Data Acquisition System contact Miller Energy at (800) 631-5454 or by visiting the company website.