Next generation of pressure instruments provides advanced connectivity

Endress+Hauser announces the release of its new Cerabar and Deltabar pressure and differential pressure instruments, with a Bluetooth interface for easier operation and improved efficiency in regulatory control, safety, and other systems. A high level of safety combined with enhanced productivity follows the Endress+Hauser smart safety approach to increase plant availability. Heartbeat Technology creates the data basis for predictive maintenance and allows the instruments’ functionality to be verified without process interruption. 

Many industries are struggling with attrition, personnel turnover, and training new hires, and major plant additions are often performed by service providers who may not have a thorough knowledge of the equipment and systems on site. The amount of safety-related equipment continues to grow in many industries, and with it the number of costly required proof tests for maintaining safety integrity level (SIL).

To comply with these and other requirements, Endress+Hauser's new transmitters offer a more user-friendly user interface in its new Cerabar and Deltabar pressure transmitters. Intuitive operation is now provided via the SmartBlue app, which includes guided operating sequences for parameterization and commissioning of the pressure sensor, bridging distances of up to 50 feet. Thus, even measuring points that are difficult to reach or in hazardous areas are easy to maintain, even if they are only integrated into the process via a 4–20mA interface. 

Plant personnel do not have to connect a cable, and real-time data from the pressure transmitter is easily available without the need for permits to open the housing, or for safety equipment to reach the instrument. 

The Bluetooth connection has a special protocol that meets the increased safety requirements in industrial applications, and all connectivity is password protected. The Fraunhofer Institute AISEC tested the interface for its level of cybersecurity protection and rated it "high" for protocol and algorithm.

The NAMUR roadmap "Process-Sensors 4.0" names three key criteria for digital process sensors: wireless communication, sensor diagnosis, and the provision of information about the sensor and the process. With the optionally available Bluetooth and Heartbeat Technology functions, the new Cerabar and Deltabar product lines meet these criteria, providing a solid foundation for implementing an IIoT strategy.

For example, Heartbeat Technology supports maintenance staff when verifying measuring points. This can be done via a Bluetooth connection and at the touch of a button with the SmartBlue app, which can be hosted on a smartphone or the Endress+Hauser SMT70 tablet, which is rated for use in hazardous areas. The verification can be carried out in less than three minutes without process interruption. A verification protocol, which provides detailed information about all tests, is generated automatically. 

Continuous self-diagnostic functionality provides a coverage rate of over 95 percent. With this information, it is possible to plan system revisions and maintenance work in advance to reduce downtime significantly and simplify the maintenance processes. 

Heartbeat Technology provides users with the tools needed to optimize production through data-based insights into the process by providing transparency about the condition of the instruments and the process, but Heartbeat Technology can do even more. 

It also detects irregularities in the process, for example deviations in the loop resistance, which in turn indicate a defective cable. Blocked impulse lines, e.g. due to crystallized medium, are detected by differential pressure transmitters. This type of data provides the basis for predictive maintenance.

Heartbeat Technology’s diagnostic, monitoring, and verification functionalities allow users to more efficiently interact with their instruments to improve process productivity. For example, predictive maintenance and better diagnostic information or in-situ health verification result in less unscheduled downtime. 

Guided operating sequences support plant personnel during the commissioning of measurement points and during SIL proof tests by showing technicians what to do, step by step. This prevents operating errors and systematic errors to improve safety. These tasks can also be completed more quickly because there is no need to consult a manual.

The new colour display also provides safety at first glance. In the event of an error, it switches from green to red and thus provides a quick overview.

The new Cerabar and Deltabar instruments feature proven, reliable, and robust sensor technology. New pressure measurement technology includes self-explanatory and efficient operating instructions to prevent systematic errors during instrument parameterisation. These features maintain the high safety level of the system and at the same time reduce maintenance costs, during commissioning as well as maintenance.