New Multichannel Analytical Transmitter Introduced

Endress+Hauser (Switzerland) introduces the Liquiline CM44P multichannel analyser transmitter that accepts up to 16 parameters from analytical sensors and transmits them via 4-20mA HART, Profibus, Modbus or EtherNet/IP. The CM44P accepts inputs from up to two process photometers and four analytical sensors simultaneously. Sensor types include pH, ORP, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, turbidity, free chlorine and ion selective sensors. Mathematical functions allow the CM44P to calculate measured values on the basis of multiple input values.

The CM44P also performs diagnostics on all connected sensors and analysers, and transmits error messages. Some diagnostic functions include: monitoring impedance of pH glass; measuring signals for stagnation; monitoring the condition of electrodes and the degree of electrode aging; checking for overcurrent conditions; and comparing measured values of conductivity and temperature against tables defined in USP and EP specifications for pharmaceutical water.

All resulting diagnostic messages are reported according to NE107 categories. An optional web server allows operators to remotely access the transmitter. Using any web browser, measurement values or diagnostic messages can be viewed or the device configuration can be changed.

Processes such as chromatography, fermentation, filtration and phase separation require monitoring of multiple parameters. In chromatography, for example, the combination of a UV process photometer and pH, temperature and conductivity sensor inputs ensures accurate detection of the target product. It also verifies buffer quality in the column is correct, leading to optimum product yield. In addition, the CM44P detects the transition from product to cleaning phase, allowing optimisation of cleaning and flushing cycles in the column.

In fermentation, the combination of a process photometer measurement with pH and dissolved oxygen sensor inputs helps users achieve optimal growth conditions for microorganisms. Combining dissolved oxygen and turbidity measurements provides an accurate overview of a filtration process. Turbidity measurement indicates product purity, while dissolved oxygen measurement indicates if oxygen has penetrated the process, which could have an adverse effect on product quality.

The CM44P interfaces to all Memosens sensors from Endress+Hauser and other vendors. Memosens is an international standard, with all sensor-related data stored directly in the sensor head. The CM44P can access this data for analysis, mathematical calculations and diagnostic purposes, and transmit it via various interfaces. It can also store it in a tamper-proof database or SD card, export it to a CSV file for Microsoft Excel, and perform a data logger function with up to 150,000 entries in up to eight logbooks. All settings, logbooks, etc. are stored in a non-volatile memory to ensure the data is retained in the event of a power failure. Memosens lab-calibrated sensors and hot plug-and-play allow for fast commissioning.

Mathematical functions can be used to calculate up to six “virtual” process values such as a pH calculation based on two conductivity values; the difference between two measured values; rH value based on inputs from a pH and ORP sensor; calculation of the remaining capacity of a cation exchanger; and others.

With the CM44P, plant personnel can obtain all of the quality and process information needed from a single transmitter, leading to reduced installation time, lower equipment costs, no need to acquire and manipulate data from multiple instruments, and simplified maintenance.