Analysers gain Profibus DP option

ABB has added Profibus DP capability to its AX400 analyser range, providing users with remote access to a greater range of process data at the field level.

ABB has added Profibus DP capability to its AX400 analyser range, providing users with remote access to a greater range of process data at the field level.

With Profibus DP enabled analysers now available for the measurement of dissolved oxygen, pH/Redox and low level and high level conductivity, the AX400 range is ideal for applications in the power, process and municipal water industries demanding fast access to real-time analytical data on their processes.

Digital communications presents the opportunity for a greater variety of real-time process information to be relayed which was previously unavailable to the control system.

This includes not only information on the process itself, but also the status of the device, allowing new possibilities for both process management and preventative maintenance.

As with most fieldbus-enabled equipment, AX400 provides the potential for users to achieve significant cost savings throughout the installation and commissioning and operational stages.

At the commissioning stage, system-engineering time is drastically reduced through reduced cabling requirements and the need for fewer peripheral devices such as remote I/O cards and marshalling cabinets.

In many cases, this reduction in system-engineering time can result in cost savings of up to 43%.

Commissioning AX400 devices on a field network is also greatly simplified by the use of shared GSD files for all models containing both the general and device-specific specifications for setting up the devices.

This provides a standard method for commissioning and eliminates the need to program the devices with individual parameters.

Additional cost savings can also be achieved during operation by the availability of up to the minute data on device status, which can help ensure that maintenance is only carried out when necessary.

Another benefit of the AX400 is its ability to automatically match its data transfer (baud) rate to that of the Profibus field network.

This removes any data transfer speed restrictions on the design of the network when installing AX400 devices.

ABB's AX400 analyser range represents a powerful online monitoring platform for analytical applications.

In addition to a comprehensive set of standard options, AX400 analysers also support an extensive set of addon options, including the ability to extend to four current outputs and five alarm relays.

AX400 analysers are supplied as standard for 85 to 265V AC operation.

To meet the move to safe working practices, which is increasingly becoming a standard across industry, the instrument can also be provided with 24V AC or 12 to 30V DC operation.

If a low voltage option is used, no safety tests or extra personnel are required to meet safety procedures, further adding to the unit's overall cost effectiveness.

All AX400 analysers are available for either wall/pipe or panel-mounting and are rated to IP66/NEMA 4X, making them suitable for installation in any location.

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