A solution that is both easy to install and cost effective
Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) announces that it has added a network function to the UM33A digital indicator with alarms, a product in the UTAdvanced controller series, and will release this to the market on May 7.
With this network function, a single UM33A digital indicator can receive, process, and sequentially display data from up to eight sensors. The enhanced UM33A is an easy to install and cost effective solution that enables the monitoring of data from multiple field sensors. By improving the functions of its UTAdvanced product line, Yokogawa aims to satisfy the latest customer needs and expand its controller business.
Development Background
In recent years, there has been a growing need to strengthen the monitoring of data from field sensors. For safety and other reasons, operators need the ability to remotely monitor data from sensors that are installed high up, in confined spaces, and other locations where it is difficult to visually check the readings on the sensor displays. The UM33A digital indicator that Yokogawa has been offering until now accepts analog data from sensors that measure parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate, converts this data into digital signals, and displays the readings. It can also issue an alarm if an input signal falls outside a preset range. However, it is only able to accept data from a single sensor. To check data from multiple sensors, it is necessary to install and configure other equipment such as a touch panel with an embedded controller or some other type of user interface used in combination with a programmable controller (PLC). This equipment is both expensive and requires a lot of engineering.
Yokogawa has strengthened the functions of the UM33A to satisfy the needs of customers who want to check measurement data from multiple sensors in the field. The enhanced UM33A can be installed easily and at a lower cost.
Features
1. Easy to introduce/improved monitoring of data
The enhanced UM33A supports the master function and the data monitoring function of the Modbus/RTU communication protocol, and is able to connect with up to eight sensors and sequentially display data from those devices. The UM33A is thus able to monitor data from multiple field sensors without requiring the installation and engineering of a separate device with user interface and controller functionality. It can also function alongside already installed systems that employ such specially configured hardware. With its ability to remotely connect with multiple sensors throughout a site, the enhanced UM33A makes it easier for plant personnel to check measurement data from these devices.
2. An enhanced field digital solution
In plants, progress is being made in the introduction of field digital solutions that rely on digital communications between intelligent field devices and control systems. Field digital solutions allow the transmission of significantly greater amounts of data, including not only data on process parameters but also instrument status information, and the ability to monitor this information online improves maintenance efficiency. Thanks to its functional enhancements, the enhanced UM33A can handle both digital and analog communications with sensors, and is thus well positioned to facilitate the introduction of field digital solutions at plants.
Major Target Markets
Companies that design and manufacture machinery, air conditioning systems, power equipment, tanks, and other items for use in industries such as electrical equipment, machinery, chemicals, foods, semiconductors, and automobiles
Applications
Display of temperature, pressure, and flow rate; alarming; and display of operating conditions in heating, cleaning, sterilization, cryogenics, refrigeration, wastewater treatment, and other manufacturing and R&D processes
About the UTAdvanced Series
The UTAdvanced series controllers are mounted on furnaces and other types of heat process-related industrial facilities for the measurement, display, and control of operating variables such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate. The UTAdvanced controller comes standard with a sequence control function based on the ladder logic programming language, which is widely used by engineers. Improved design efficiency and elimination of the need for relays and other peripherals have resulted in a lower price. As a result, this series has enjoyed great success in the market since its release in 2009.
The lineup also includes:
- Digital indicating/DIN rail mounting type controllers: UT55A, UT52A, UT35A, UT32A, UT75A
- Program controllers that control based on patterns that are preset along the time axis (program-pattern control): UP55A, UP35A, UP32A
About Yokogawa
Yokogawa's global network of 113 companies spans 60 countries. Founded in 1915, the US$3.5 billion company engages in cutting-edge research and innovation. Yokogawa is active in the industrial automation and control (IA), test and measurement, and aviation and other businesses segments. The IA segment plays a vital role in a wide range of industries including oil, chemicals, natural gas, power, iron and steel, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, and food. Targeting this segment, Yokogawa helps companies maximize their profits by offering a wide range of highly reliable products and working with the subsidiary KBC Advanced Technologies to provide premium solutions and services. For more information about Yokogawa, please visit www.yokogawa.com
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