Goodbye Transmitters! New Sensor Technology Offers Safe and Reliable Operation

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KROHNE Analytics GmbH

Krohne Messtechnik GmbH

Until recently, a local, external (proprietary) transmitter was required for analytical sensors to analyze the sensor signals for the process control system. A proprietary cable is also used to connect the sensor and transmitter, and the electronics, memory, and processors are arranged in the sensor plug-head connector and connection cable coupling to facilitate inductive data transfer. The original analog signal of a pH electrode is converted from analog to digital format and vice versa up to six times and translated by up to seven processors when reaches the output of the transmitter, depending on the manufacturer — a long communications path and a considerable source of error.

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By integrating the transmitter directly in the sensor plug-head connector, Smartsens minimizes the possibility of an error occurring as a result of fewer conversion steps, fewer processor interfaces, and the lack of a cable/plug-type connection with electronics.

Transmitters – A Technology with Certain Flaws

The integrated processor also offers higher levels of performance than all other processors typically used in transmitters and is therefore ideal for handling the wide variety of tasks it encounters. Krohne relies on far fewer components for signal processing, which provides for a much higher level of system security and technological refinement.

The transmitter is weak in other areas as well. Not only is the hardware prone to failing and the proprietary software typically less than mature, the measurement point is also frequently configured incorrectly. This poses new challenges to the user every time, since the pin assignment and menu guidance provided as the transmitter is being configured can vary, even if the same manufacturer is involved. Smartsens, on the other hand, is connected directly to the control system using a VarioPin plug-type connection, and configuration is carried out via Hart DD (e.g. with a Hart handheld device and a junction box (to zone 1) or Pactware (FDT/DTM)). A dual-wire display or, alternatively, the Smartmac with dual-wire “transmitter” (Hart Master) can be installed on site as an option to pick up the 4 to 20 mA signal. The Smartmac uses the same operator guidance logic as the familiar IFC 100 converter for Krohne flow meters; re-orientation is therefore not required - a mjor advantage for the new technoloy...

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