Flow meters for process
July 1st 2008 ABB has announced the launch of a new range of
flow meters targeted at the process industries. Part
of ABB's FlowMaster family, ProcessMaster
incorporates a host of features providing users with
enhanced performance with reduced complexity
Available in sizes 3 to 2000 mm (1/10
– 80"), the ProcessMaster range
offers a wide choice of liner and
electrode options, enabling it to meet the
needs of demanding applications.
Options include a high temperature
design model in combination with a
reinforced PTFE, suitable for
hot-fluid applications up to
180°C. Additional liner
choices include hard
rubber, soft rubber, PTFE,
ETFE and PFA for all
applications including those
requiring protection against
abrasion and chemical attack.
Self-cleaning and doublesealed
electrodes
ensure enhanced
reliability and
performance. The
use of high
frequency excitation,
combined with
advanced filtering,
further improves
measurement
accuracy by reducing
the impact of fluid and
electrode noise. The increased excitation
frequency has been shown to reduce the
background noise by up to 65%.
An IP 68 (NEMA 4X) optimised sensor
design is also available for applications
requiring complete protection.
Four electronics cartridge options result
in cost savings on inventory control, when
compared to ABB's previous offering of 14
cartridge variants. Featuring active/passive
current and pulsed outputs, the
slimmed down cartridge offering
helps simplify installation and
reduce spare part costs and
inventory. Each cartridge can be
deployed in integral, pipe
mounted and remote installations,
with an Ex version also available for
hazardous area locations.
In common with ABB's
latest generation of
instruments, the
ProcessMaster meters use
ABB's new universal
Human Machine Interface
(HMI). A four-button key
pad with soft key function
enables operators to
quickly scroll through and
select options, simplifying
operation, maintenance and training
and reducing cost of ownership. The
standard HART protocol enables online
modification and monitoring of
parameters.
The backlit, graphical display can be
easily rotated through 270°, allowing
operators to customise the display position
to their specific requirements. "Throughthe-
glass" control allows local operator
interface to rapidly configure standard user
parameters.
The time needed to install and
commission a ProcessMaster flow meter is
reduced by the inclusion of advanced data
storage and an on-board sensor memory
inside the flow meter sensor. On initial
installation, the self configuration
sequence automatically replicates all
sensor data into the transmitter, eliminating
the opportunity for errors and reducing
start up times. This data is continually
updated to ensure total integrity of the
measurement throughout operation.
The ProcessMaster range also features
diagnostic capabilities. In accordance with
NAMUR NE107, alarms and warnings are
classified with status classifications such
as 'maintenance required', 'function check
failure', and 'outside of specification'.
Users can readily upgrade their meters
with new operating and diagnostic
capabilities via an infrared service port,
which enables new functions to be added
without operational interruption.
ABB is currently the market leader for
electromagnetic flow meters within the UK. More articles from ABB Limited: | 
