Power over Ethernet (PoE) offers several advantages to process engineers, eliminating the need for a separate DC power infrastructure and enabling communication over the same cable. This brings a new level of agility, as flow meters can be installed wherever they are needed. Furthermore, ABB's 4-wire Ethernet system combines traditional outputs with future-proof communication protocols. The modular design allows for seamless integration of both, ensuring future-proof devices and extending the lifespan of the flow meters.
Furthermore, flow meters with Ethernet connectivity increase the simplicity, flexibility, and reliability of operations in process automation, while also improving the ability to view data in real time. Data previously hidden in field devices, such as measurements of density, conductivity, or concentration of the medium, can now be accessed. This, in turn, will help customers across all sectors identify redundant measurement points in their plants and thus save money.
“ProcessMaster and CoriolisMaster with Ethernet will facilitate our customers’ digital journey toward smart cities and Industry 4.0. Ethernet is the leading communications technology. By incorporating it into ABB flow meters, we can help more customers reduce operational complexity and lower infrastructure costs in more plants worldwide in a secure and remote manner,” said Frank Frenzel, Global Product Line Manager for Process Flow Meters.
A secure, integrated web server based on ABB's Ability™ cybersecurity framework ensures robust and secure operation, simplifying commissioning and troubleshooting for instrumentation engineers. It also provides access to configuration, diagnostic, and measurement data via an embedded QR code. This allows for verification of all flowmeter components and provides status information through automatically generated reports.
The combination of 4.20 mA or digital outputs with the new 1- or 2-port Ethernet system future-proofs traditional instrumentation, enabling speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s. The flowmeters utilize various Ethernet-based communication protocols, such as Modbus TCP or high-performance EtherNet/IP. This prepares them for IT/TO convergence, cloud connectivity, and the requirements for secure, encrypted communication, both now and in the future.
