Gas detector validated!

United Electric Controls has announced that its Vanguard WirelessHART Gas Detector is now HART Registered. This registration ensures that all WirelessHART users will be able to add Vanguard device drivers the next time they update their device descriptor (DD) libraries. It also assures users that they can add Vanguard systems to existing WirelessHART networks, seamlessly and securely.

"Vanguard WirelessHART gas leak detectors can be dropped into any WirelessHART network using a secured network I.D. and join key. The unit automatically detects the sensor type and configures it automatically. This saves additional setup time and effort and the HART certification gives our users one more layer of confidence that this plug-and-play interoperability will be achieved seamlessly,” said Chris Frail, Vanguard product manager for United Electric Controls.

The HART communication protocol is the largest digital communications technology deployed in the process industries with more than 40 million field instruments supporting HART technology installed worldwide. The FieldComm Group owns the HART specifications and provides specification development and training, as well as device registration.

Eliminating the need for a wired infrastructure can reduce gas leak detector installation costs by as much as 50 percent and installation time by almost 90 percent, making it much easier and affordable to extend safety coverage. Further contributing to economical safety coverage expansion is Vanguard lithium metal battery technology and intelligent power management circuitry, which extend battery life well beyond five years, establishing the Vanguard detection system as the benchmark in battery-operated wireless gas detection.

The Vanguard WirelessHART detector uses a system of field-interchangeable gas sensor modules to detect methane (CH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3), and non-methane hydrocarbon gases.

#PAuto @UEControls @FieldCommGroup

Leak Detector for Ammonia and Hydrocarbons.

United Electric Controls has added ammonia and hydrocarbons sensors to its Vanguard WirelessHART Gas Detector. Wireless gas detection reduces compliance costs and improves safety by eliminating the need for wiring and terminations, reducing installation costs by as much as 80 percent and enabling greater coverage density. United Electric Controls WirelessHART gas leak detectors reduce costs and improve safety further because they can run on a single battery for five or more years.

“By adding ammonia and additional hydrocarbons to our popular Vanguard line, we extend the benefits of our WirelessHART solution to provide more flexibility for improving plant safety and complying with emissions regulations. Detection of toxic and combustible gases is critical to both plant safety and emissions monitoring. Wireless technology makes it much more affordable to install gas detectors in areas of the plant that are hard to reach or where running new power or communication wires is cost-prohibitive,” said Chris Frail, Vanguard product manager.

Monitoring ammonia gas leaks Ammonia leak detection is critical in chemical plants that produce or store it for use in their processes. A good example is temporary storage tanks, which must be monitored for the presence of fugitive vapors constantly, but for which wiring communications and power can be costly and labor-intensive. Wireless detectors make it easy and affordable to deploy or redeploy sensors where and when they are needed. Ammonia gas leaks in food and beverage plants and other settings where refrigeration is in use are increasingly common as federal regulations drive ammonia to replace fluorocarbons refrigerants. Ammonia is popular for this because it is readily available, has low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Ozone Depletion (ODP) values and is a generally cost-effective solution, but it is also both toxic and combustible, which requires real-time monitoring. In the power industry, ammonia is used to reduce nitrogen oxide (NO) — the chemical that creates smog and acid rain (NOx) -- in flue gas in coal-plants before it enters the atmosphere. Leaks are possible during operation or in storage areas.

Monitoring hydrocarbons gas leaks Cost-effective leakage of non-methane hydrocarbon gases (NMHCs) such as butane (CH4H10), pentane (C5H12), and propane (C3H8) are also increasingly necessary for plant safety and regulatory compliance. In the power industry, for example, remote locations are increasingly moving to liquefied propane gas (LPG) as a power source over alternatives like diesel and fuel oil because it is more environmentally friendly. Storage tanks and transportation for these would require monitoring for leaks. Refineries, petrochemical plants, and other downstream operations produce hydrocarbon gases, such as propane, heptane, and butane for applications from primary fuel sources to byproducts of other chemical reactions. Each point of use or storage has the potential for leaks that can be toxic, flammable, explosive, or harm the environment.

Connecting to the network
WirelessHART Vanguard Gas Detectors interface with existing networks to provide continuous coverage while reducing the cost of detecting toxic and combustible gases. Vanguard gas detectors handle a broad ambient operating temperature range (-40°C to 65°C); feature enhanced zero stability, and are equipped with interchangeable firmware that enables measurement of additional gases without changing the base unit.

Sensor heads for hydrocarbons gases will be available in January of 2020. In addition to NH3 and hydrocarbons gas leak monitoring, Vanguard offers interchangeable sensor heads for methane (CH4) carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S.) Future Vanguard versions will detect other gases, including hydrogen from electric generators and battery rooms and oxygen that might be depleted in continuous emissions monitoring (CEM) shelters.

#PAuto @UEControls

Gas detector for offshore platform operations.

United Electric Controls, a leading producer of safety, alarm and shutdown technology, is demonstrating the latest version of its Vanguard WirelessHART gas detector, with new features of value for offshore platforms.

Magnetic mounting and adjustable pipe clamp options enable offshore operations teams to increase detection of toxic and combustible gases. High stability and high-resolution offerings improve reliability and accuracy of detection and the addition of carbon monoxide (CO) detection to existing wireless hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methane CH4 detection reduces cost of compliance with air pollution regulations.

"By eliminating the need to install and locate wiring, wireless technology reduces installation cost by as much as 90 percent and preserves valuable platform space. The new capabilities of the Vanguard WirelessHART detector make it even easier for platforms to benefit from wireless gas detection by giving them more flexibility to locate detectors on the platform, and the CO detection capability helps control one of the largest sources of offshore air pollution,” said Andrew Liptak, United Electric Controls Product Manager for Gas Detection.

The new Vanguard WirelessHART gas detector version also features its new FLEXmountTM installation, which augments Vanguard standard mounting with magnetic and universal options. The magnetic option enables installation on I-beams without drilling. The universal option uses adjustable clamps that enable installation on pipes from 3” to 12” in diameter, without a hot work permit.

Among the locations in which gas detection might be located on a platform are mud logging units, mud pit room, drilling derrick and mud gas separator, and well-test areas, or wellheads, where H2S is prevalent. Locating near gas flaring locations, venting storage tanks, dehydrators, and pig launchers can detect CH4 releases, and locating near burners can detect CO emissions.

Vanguard WirelessHART version 1.2 also includes the following new features:

• New WiHART communication accessories, which enable users to extend system range, get more out of their installed HART instruments by receiving WirelessHART data via 4-20 mA inputs, and further extend range with powered repeaters.
• A new touchscreen configurator, which streamlines onboarding of the gas monitor to a WirelessHART network.
• Upgraded diagnostic software, which detects and pre-warns of system faults, providing more visibility into sensor messages, more ways to code the status of the signals and fewer false alarms.

The Vanguard WirelessHART Gas Detector version 1.2 is available immediately, supporting interchangeable detection heads for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methane (CH4) as well as carbon monoxide (CO). Beta testing is now underway for ammonia (NH3) detection heads.

WirelessHART Gas Detectors.

United Electric Controls has announced availability of discounted Beta test versions of its Vanguard WirelessHART gas sensors for ammonia (NH³) and carbon monoxide (CO). The new capability is delivered as interchangeable sensor heads for the WirelessHART Vanguard gas detector.

“Our power industry users have been using the Vanguard detectors primarily to reduce the cost of finding methane leaks in natural gas lines and eliminate explosions from accumulations in silos and bunkers. The addition of ammonia and carbon monoxide provides even more capability to monitor important assets and keep workers safe,” said Andrew Liptak, United Electric Controls Product Manager for Gas Detection.

WirelessHART Vanguard Gas Detectors interface with existing networks to provide continuous coverage while reducing the cost of detecting toxic and combustible gases. United Electric Controls has recently upgraded the Vanguard to handle a broader ambient operation temperature range (-40°C to 65°C); enhanced zero stability; and with interchangeable firmware that enables measurement of additional gases without changing the base unit. NH³ and CO are the first new gases to take advantage of this unique capability.

Power producers use ammonia to reduce nitrogen oxide (NO) — the chemical that creates smog and acid rain (NOx) in flue gas before it enters the atmosphere. CO results from incomplete combustion and can leak from boiler casings and smoldering coal. Undetected leaks of either can be toxic or result in explosions.

Future Vanguard versions will address other gases commonly found in the power industry, including hydrogen from electric generators and battery rooms and oxygen that might be depleted in continuous emissions monitoring (CEM) shelters.

Beta testers of the ammonia and carbon monoxide detectors receive up to fifty percent discount on the first three ammonia or carbon monoxide Vanguard detectors they purchase. They can also purchase additional sensor heads which will enable them to detect hydrogen sulfide (H²S) or methane (CH⁴) using the Vanguard base unit.

@UEControls  #PAuto #WirelessHART

Gas detector enhanced!

United Electric Controls has expanded the capabilities of its Vanguard WirelessHART gas detector. Highlights include an expanded temperature operating range, enhanced stability across temperature ranges, improved handling of WirelessHART commands, and capability for interchangeable sensors.

“As our customers begin to see return on investments in WirelessHART gas detection, they are looking to apply it in more diverse settings and applications. This latest Vanguard version meets customer demands for operation in more extreme climates and improved connectivity, while also providing a foundation on which they can add new capabilities in the future,” said Andrew Liptak, United Electric Controls Product Manager for Gas Detection.

The Vanguard Gas Detector interfaces with existing networks to provide continuous detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methane (CH4) gases, which are among the most widely produced and most dangerous industrial gases. Among the highlights of the latest upgrade are expanded temperature range, improved zero stability over those ranges, and capability for interchangeable sensors.

• Broad operating temperature range. With new ambient operating temperatures from -40°C to 65°C, Vanguard sensors now have one of the highest operating ranges in the industry, making them suitable for extreme temperature ranges in areas such as India and Alaska.
• Enhanced zero stability. Minimal zero shift with changing ambient temperature reduces the chance of false alarms and provides faster connection to the gateway. Updated WirelessHART commands allow quicker connectivity to networks and commissioning of a gas detection system.
• Updated FlexSense firmware. New sensor interchangeable firmware will accept new sensors to measure additional gases without changing the base unit.

Additional upgrades include improvements in span repeatability over temperature, sensor stabilization time, and installation. United Electric Controls’ Vanguard Gas Detector Version 1.1 is available for immediate shipping.

@UEControls  #PAuto #HART

Safety certification for switches.

United Electric Controls (UE) has received SIL 2 certification on two of its most popular electromechanical switch offerings. Combined with the award-winning SIL 2-certified One Series Safety Transmitter, UE now offers process instrumentation end users with a unique range of options for high-reliability electromechanical or digital switching in general process or hazardous area functional safety applications.

"As global economies become more dynamic and volatile, industrial companies are looking for new ways to reduce risk and are increasingly demanding SIL certification on new instruments. Although our electromechanical switches are already well-known for their reliability, we have obtained SIL certification to provide an added level of assurance. Combined now with our SIL-certified One Series Safety Transmitters, we offer a broad set of options for cost-effective and reliable safety switching,” said Wil Chin, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, United Electric Controls. 

Global safety certification leader exida has certified United Electric’s (UE’s) 100 Series and 120 Series pressure, differential pressure and temperature switches for use in a SIL 2 environment, with systematic capability at SIL 3 level. The option for SIL 3 reliability in electromechanical or digital switching provides great flexibility to optimize instrumentation around performance, safety or economic objectives.

High-reliability, high-speed switching at low cost

Switch users looking only for economical, high speed electromechanical SIL 2 level switching can specify the 100 Series for weather-proof general applications. The 100 Series provides pressure or temperature switching for process plants and OEM equipment. Its one-piece enclosure features a clamshell cover for easy wiring accessibility, with a wide variety of microswitch, sensor and process-connection options. Typical applications include heat tracing, freeze protection, processing equipment (pumps, compressors), inputs for annunciator panels and fire suppression systems.

High-reliability, high-speed switching in hazardous environments

Those needing SIL 2 level reliability temperature and pressure switching in Division 1/Zone 1 hazardous environments can consider the explosion-proof UE 120 Series electromechanical switches. The 120 Series performs critical safety, alarm and shutdown functions in oil & gas, petrochemical, and refining industries. They are also globally certified for hazardous applications in North America (cULus), Europe (ATEX, CE, IECEx), India (PESO), Russia (EAC), and other regions.

High-reliability digital switching

Those seeking the financial and operational benefits of having a complete safety instrumented system (SIS) in a single digital unit would specify UE’s One Series Safety Transmitter. One Series Safety Transmitters uniquely bundle rapid switching, safety logic solving and temperature or pressure sensing in a single housing. They are equipped with digital displays and diagnostic capabilities and shipped SIL 2 certified (SIL 3 Capable) from the factory, removing risk of implementing external relays and controls.

The newly SIL-certified electromechanical switches will be available for sale on May 1, 2017. The One Series Safety Transmitters are available immediately.

 @UEControls #PAuto  #Safety

Wireless gas detector with long life battery.

United Electric Controls has a WirelessHART gas detector that can monitor presence of harmful gases for more than five years without a battery replacement. The new Vanguard WirelessHART gas detector reduces monitoring costs and increases safety by eliminating the need for costly and fixed wiring.

Potential applications

Once on a wireless network, the Vanguard detector can serve many gas monitoring functions, including the following:
• Wireless remote and local gas detection, such as tank farms, oil and gas production facilities, refineries, pipelines, abandoned wells and waste treatment plants.
• Temporary situations in which the cost of setting up a wired solution is completely unfeasible, such as a maintenance turnaround, natural disaster, security breach or plant expansion.
• Asset management initiatives, where trending of emissions over time through the deployment of multiple wireless sensors can initiate the necessary predictive and preventive maintenance, or pollution control monitoring.

The cost of adding just one new gas measurement point, including obtaining ‘hot’ work permits, running conduits for wires, burying them, and so on, can be in the neighborhood of $10,000 for land-based systems and as much as five times that for offshore applications. "Wireless technology can reduce the cost of adding a monitoring point by up to 90 percent,”" said Wil Chin, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, United Electric Controls.

They developed the Vanguard detector in response to the market need for a cost-effective way to add multiple gas measurement points. Vanguard field-interchangeable gas sensor modules detect and record hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or methane (CH4) gas in parts per million (PPM) or percent of lower explosive limits (LELs) respectively, along with network and battery status.

WirelessHART 7.2 technology carries signals to local 128 x 64 pixel digital displays or other IEC 62591 compatible connections — all of which integrate seamlessly with existing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) or asset management (AMS) systems. The Vanguard detector has been designed and tested to interoperate with Emerson Smart Wireless Gateway 1410 and 1420.

Easy operation
The Vanguard detector can be mounted anywhere and dropped easily into any WirelessHART network by inputting the network I.D. and join key. The unit automatically senses the detector type and configures it automatically. Seamless, plug-and-play interoperability saves additional setup time and effort. Class 1, Div. 1&2 certification and an explosion-proof and intrinsically safe design help ensure trouble-free operation in hazardous environments. The unit also has ATEX and IECEx approvals.

@UEControls #Pauto 

Transmitter wins safety award.

United Electric Controls, has won the 2016 exida safety award for its One Series Safety Transmitter — the first SIL 2-certified transmitter designed solely for safety system applications. Selected in the sensor category, the United Electric Safety Transmitter (ST) is the first transmitter to incorporate a logic solver and high capacity safety relay output (SRO) in addition to an industry standard transmitter – all in one explosion-proof enclosure.

As a global leader in safety and cybersecurity certification for the process industries, exida provides companies around the world with guidance in functional safety, alarm management, and automation system design.

“Each year we honor those companies that stand out as having made a unique contribution to industrial safety. By integrating a safety logic solver and high capacity safety relay with an industrial transmitter, United Electric Controls’ One Series offers a simple, economical approach for enhancing functional safety,” said exida Partner Chris O’Brien.

Unlike costly, overcomplicated process transmitters that must be adapted for safety use, the One Series is engineered to protect, giving safety teams simple setup and fast, safer and affordable performance — from the start. The transmitter is available in versions that monitor temperature or pressure.

“We are honored that the One Series Safety Transmitter has been recognized for its one of a kind safety capability by an organization with exida’s stature in the industry. We are grateful that exida sees the potential of its functionality,” said Wil Chin, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for United Electric Controls.

@UEControls #PAuto #Safety

Beta testers wanted for WirelessHART gas detector.

United Electric Controls has announced the availability of beta versions of its Vanguard WirelessHART gas detector. The new detector, which has a five-year battery life, is designed to maximize toxic or explosive gas detection points but eliminates the need for costly and fixed wiring. United Electric Controls is offering free beta trials to gain additional feedback on customer experience and product performance prior to the official product roll-out in early 2017.

“Our new Vanguard gas detector has received approvals from all relevant safety agencies, and we now want to utilize the time we have, before officially releasing the product next year, to learn as much as we can about how it performs in the field,” said Wil Chin, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, United Electric Controls.

United Electric developed the Vanguard detector in response to the market need for a cost effective way to add multiple gas measurement points. The cost of adding one new gas measurement point, including the cost and labor of obtaining ‘hot’ work permits, running conduits for wires, and burying them, can exceed $10,000 per device for land-based systems and as much as five times more for offshore applications. Wireless technology can reduce that cost up to 90-percent while also making the plant much safer.

Vanguard field-interchangeable gas sensor modules detect and record hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or methane (CH4) gas in parts per million (PPM) or percent of lower explosive limits (LELs) respectively, along with network and battery status. WirelessHART 7.2 technology carries signals to local 128 x 64 pixel digital displays or other IEC 62591 compatible connections — all of which integrate seamlessly with existing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) or asset management (AMS) systems.

Potential Applications
The Vanguard beta program will provide companies running operations that generate (H2S) or (CH4) an opportunity to try it out in various settings, including the following applications:

• Wireless remote and local gas detection, such as tank farms, oil and gas production facilities, refineries, pipelines, abandoned wells and waste treatment plants.
• Temporary situations in which the cost of setting up a wired solution is completely unfeasible, such as a maintenance turnaround, natural disaster, security breach or plant expansion.
• Asset management initiatives, where trending of emissions over time through the deployment of multiple wireless sensors can initiate the necessary predictive and preventive maintenance, or pollution control monitoring.

60-day beta period Companies who agree to complete feedback surveys, will get free use of a system for 60 days.  A United Electric Controls installation team will assist in the commissioning at the end users’ facility.  Those interested in being considered for participation in the beta program should contact our Directors of Functional Safety Technologies - Scott Pierce (spierce@ueonline.com) or Gregg Parsons (gparsons@ueonline.com) to find out more about becoming a beta partner.

Versatility, Capability and Economy in Industrial Process Monitoring.

A significant upgrade to United Electric Controls' One Series line of explosion-proof, programmable transmitters and switches has appeared. The new line compresses all of the functionality of the preceding line into only five models while adding new operational, programming and diagnostics capabilities.

"“Delivering functionality to addresses the new application needs that have emerged since we introduced the concept of self-diagnostic switches more than 18 years ago had required 18 different models. Now, by incorporating the technology advances we made in developing our One Series SIL-certified safety transmitter, we can deliver all of that functionality plus additional capabilities with only five models. This makes upgrading from mechanical switches easier than ever for customers trying to reduce the cost and improve performance in industrial monitoring and switching,”" said Wil Chin, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, United Electric Controls.

United Electric Controls One Series instruments provide unique alternatives to both conventional mechanical switches and transmitters for controlling operations such pumps and compressors, lubrication oil monitoring, hydraulic pressure, filter status and other industrial applications based on temperature or pressure. The new One Series line offers these advantages by providing switch only, transmitter only and hybrid transmitter-switch models.

New application versatility
Customers choose from among the following new One Series instruments based on their requirements for integrated switching and sensing, intrinsic safety, power level and power source.

• For integrated switching and transmitter, model 1XTXSW provides a loop-powered 24 VDC HART enabled smart-transmitter, with two programmable set point fail-safe solid state relays rated at 0-280 VAC/VDC @ 0.3 A.
• For high voltage, low current switching only, model 1XSWHL provides a 2-wire input powered switch for 110 and 230 VAC and 125 VDC logic solver inputs, with a programmable set point switch rated at 70 – 240 VAC/VDC at 0.1 A max.
• For low voltage, low current, intrinsically safe switching only, model 1XSWLL provides a 2-wire input powered switch for 24 and 48 VDC logic solver inputs, with a programmable set point switch rated at 7.8 – 50 VDC at 0.1 A max.
• For high voltage, high current switching only, model 1XSWHH provides a 4-wire externally powered programmable set point switch rated at 70 – 240 VAC @ 0.15 - 10 A
• For use as a transmitter only, model 1XTX00 provides a loop-powered 24 VDC HART enabled smart transmitter compliant to the NAMUR NE 43 standard.

Both of the 2-Wire input powered switch models mentioned above (model 1XSWLL and 1XSWHL) utilize existing wiring and control schemes and can provide a drop-in replacement for mechanical switches. No wiring or control system programming changes are required, providing easy and cost-effective plant upgrades.

New operability
All One Series models have extensive diagnostics, programmability and trip management capabilities. Configurable I Am Working (IAW™) self-diagnostics provide piece of mind that the instrument is functioning properly by communicating with the control system using a dedicated discrete fail-safe-open output. The integral digital process display shows what is happening in the process at a glance. Powerful plugged port diagnostics flag potentially dangerous sensor clogs and memorizes the highest and lowest process variables for process troubleshooting and learning.

A programmable set point and deadband provides versatile, accurate and repeatable alarm and shutdown switching using the integral keypad. HART® enabled models provide full access and control of all transmitter and switching functions using any registered HART communicator. A programmable trip delay, which holds off the trip decision for tenths of seconds up to several minutes, provides operators time to gather more data before initiating a shutdown. Nuisance trip filtering eliminates unwanted nuisance trips and unnecessary alarms; and an electronic trip counter records trips for up to two relays to assist with process adjustments and troubleshooting.

Availability
All models come with a 3-year warranty and are available immediately. United Electric Controls offers a switch modernization program in which they will provide a free, onsite analysis of opportunities for improving industrial operations monitoring and equipment control via integrated sensing and switching.

@UEControls #PAuto #EX

Stainless steel explosion proof junction box!

United Electric Controls (UE,) has a new 316 stainless steel explosion proof junction box. The box is available assembled with the company’s stainless steel product lines such as the compact, dual seal certified, explosion proof 12 Series pressure and temperature switches as well as the hermetically sealed TX200 pressure transmitters. It is also available for separate purchase as a junction box kit.

As oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical and other process firms extend operations globally and into more challenging environments, they are requiring greater protection for their instrumentation and greater assurance that it will meet worldwide standards. With this new junction box, United Electric Controls offers all stainless steel, corrosion resistant switch/transmitter-box assemblies suitable for use in a Class 1, Div. 1 environment while meeting with the highest global standards,” says Julian Yeo, Product Manager, United Electric Controls.

The new junction box holds numerous worldwide certifications, including cCSAus, ATEX, IECEx and PESO. It also has IP 66 certification, representing resistance to dust and inclement weather. The explosion proof stainless steel junction box is available for ordering as junction box option M432, which has ½” NPT threads or as option M433, which has M20 threads. Either option can be skid- or wall-mounted.

 @UEControls #PAuto #EX

Defining switch upgrade strategies.

United Electric Controls (UE) has announced a new program to help companies assess their industrial switching needs and evaluate upgrade opportunities. The program includes a guided assessment of needs for operational visibility, adjustability, safety, availability, energy conservation, economy and hazardous locations and helps determine the ideal combination of legacy and new digital switches that can meet them.

“A typical process plant might have anywhere from 100 to 1000 mechanical switches installed, some of which may be nearing the end of their useful lives or taking up operating space that might be filled by more productive contributors to plant control, process efficiency and safety. In addition to our robust line of electromechanical switches, UE offers temperature and pressure transmitters with built-in digital switching functionality to help customers determine where digital switching may fit into the plant automation schemes,” says Wil Chin, Director of Marketing for United Electric Controls.

Reliable switching is vital to plant operation performing functions ranging from controlling hard alarms, permissives, safety interlocks, blowers and fans to initiating an emergency shutdown. United Electric Controls has found that many companies are migrating to digital switches for the following reasons:

• Improved operational visibility via LCDs that display local process variables and diagnostics
• Easily adjustable set point and deadband to reduce setup time
• Certified for use in SIL 2 safety systems, capable of SIL 3
• Improved uptime to boost productivity
• Protection from hazardous conditions
• Lower total cost of ownership
• Plant modernisation

UE has also found, however, that some companies tend to prefer electromechanical switches to achieve the following objectives:

• Limited power availability at the source
• Faster reaction time
• Lower purchase price

In the new switch assessment program, UE application experts will meet with plant managers to help identify the mix of switches that will meet their needs, now and into the future.

Switch options

UE offers a unique line of digital and electromechanical switches, including hybrid transmitter-switches that offer functionality not possible with traditional switches or process transmitter, including the following:

• For companies that might want to augment their switching capability with built in temperature or pressure sensing capability, UE offers its One Series 1XTXSW hybrid transmitter-switch, which functions as a switch, a gauge, and a transmitter. This reduces costs and potential media leaks while increasing reliability. It is ideal for applications with high cycle rates and hazardous environments.
• For those that need SIL 2 or SIL 3 functionality, UE offers its One Series Safety Transmitter, a unique hybrid that integrates a switch, a transmitter and a logic solver in one unit. This enables deployment of a fully certified Safety Instrumented System (SIS) in the field while minimizing the number of safety components.
• For those who benefit from continuing to use mechanical switches, UE offers a complete line of electromechanical pressure, differential pressure, vacuum, temperature and general purpose switches, covering heavy, medium and light duty applications.

HART enabled transmitters with integrated switching for On-Off control.

Combining reliable temperature or pressure monitoring withdigital switching reduces costs and improves safety

United Electric Controls has introduced a unique new family of HART capable transmitters that provides programmable switching functionality for industrial process monitoring applications. The new One Series 1XTXSW transmitter line is the first to integrate HART 7 compatible 4-20 mA output and two solid-state programmable relays for monitoring temperature or pressure in safety, alarm and emergency shutdown applications.

Ideal for harsh environments The One Series has no moving parts, which provides a highly repeatable and fully adjustable deadband switch that is ideal for applications with high cycle rates. Instrument response time is >100 milliseconds. The new One Series 1XTXSW transmitters are especially valuable in hazardous and harsh monitoring conditions that involve temperature extremes and high pressures that rapidly change, exhibiting pulsations, water hammer and thermal cycling and other wear inducing conditions. Mechanical switches, which have more moving parts, are more susceptible to such trauma, which impacts reliability and requires more maintenance. Integrating sensors and solid state relays in an explosion-proof transmitter enclosure, protects them against environmental stress and the HART programming capability makes it easier to configure and maintain both the sensor and the switch, remotely, avoiding the need to open the enclosure in Division 1 areas. The new One Series 1X line also has worldwide hazardous location approvals for Class I, Divisions 1 & 2 (Zones 0, 1 & 2). Dual Seal Certification The 1XTXSW line also provides Dual Seal Certification, meeting the requirements of ANSI/ISA 12.27.01 and NEC 501.17 for hazardous location hydrocarbon pressure monitoring. The Dual Seal option provides a secondary process seal which prevents the migration of process media into the instrument enclosure and conduit system in the event that the sensor diaphragm (primary seal) is breached. The Dual Seal offers all 316L stainless steel construction for excellent process compatibility. A threaded collection port articulates 360 degrees, making installation easy and providing primary seal rupture annunciation. The burst pressure rating of this secondary seal far exceeds all One Series pressure sensors, preventing media migration and providing maximum safety. Cost-effective upgrades The new One Series hybrid transmitter-switch line also enables cost effective plant upgrades. The 2-Wire switch-only models 1XSWLL utilize existing plant wiring and control schemes. The loop-powered HART transmitter-only models 1XTX00 provide a NAMUR standard 4-20 mA output and eliminate the switching function for cost-effective transmitter upgrades. A low cost transmitter-only option For those who need only a low cost transmitter, United Electric controls makes this new product available without solid state relays or the “I am Working Health Status” switch output. This would be ideal for applications in which high reliability is essential, but where there is no need to switch external devices on and off. Health status is provided by a NAMUR NE 43 standard 4-20 mA output.

End users deploying a HART communication networks can finally add switches to the list of field assets in their predictive maintenance strategy and reduce routine inspections and unplanned shutdowns. Typical electromechanical switches are blind and can’t alert workers that something is amiss with the device. Combining HART and smart diagnostics in the device, workers can manage all their instrumentation assets – including switches – using a centralized asset management solution. And by focusing on only the devices with issues, time is not wasted on healthy devices, which saves a huge amount of labor.

“There are many benefits to integrating sensing and high current switching, but trying to achieve them with a traditional process control transmitter is impossible, given the space constraints of the devices. We provide industrial monitoring and electronic switching at about the half the cost of a conventional process transmitter and now provide HART communications for access, control, and health assessment of all aspects of this hybrid transmitter-switch. We know of no other HART-capable pressure or temperature transmitter with integrated, remotely configurable switching,” said Wil Chin, Vice President for Marketing and Business Development at United Electric Controls.

These smart transmitters also include United Electric’s “I am Working” (IAWTM) discrete diagnostic output for remote monitoring from a PLC or DCS. A large back-lit display provides process values, set point programming, and health and switch status notifications, all at about half the cost of a traditional process control transmitter.

Industrial sensors monitor temperature or pressure abnormalities by comparing the process conditions with pre-programmed set points in a PLC or DCS controller. The controller actuates external relays, which accordingly switch devices on or off for safety, alarm and shutdown functions. Using a United Electric Controls transmitter, which embeds the sensor, transmitter and two solid state relays, however, can combine all of these functions and improve reliability while reducing lifecycle costs.

The One Series 1XTXSW hybrid transmitter-switch effectively replaces a gauge, a switch and a transmitter requiring only one connection to the process. This reduces costs and potential media leaks while increasing reliability.