Crowcon has introduced the HART
Communication Protocol for its
IRmax infrared (IR) hydrocarbon
detector. The protocol is available
with the IRmax in two formats:
Local hand-held communicator
connection. In this format, HART
communicators are used for
maintaining and calibrating a host of
instruments. Staff can use a common
communicator to maintain all of
their safety and process instruments.

The user simply needs to upload and
install the DD (Device Description)
file to their communicator to access
a range of IRmax functions and
displays, alarm thresholds and
diagnostic information.
HART over a 4-20mA signal line.

Here, the safety function is performed
by the 4-20mA signal (connected to
a conventional controller or PLC/
DCS). A HART device can also be
connected in parallel with the signal
connections to read the detector’s
status information.

Featuring dual-wavelength IR
sensor technology, the compact
IRmax detects methane and other
potentially explosive hydrocarbons.