The intelligent IFC 100 converter is accurate and features a refined diagnostic concept that also includes the process environment. It was designed for a wide range of applications, from simple tasks in the water industry to more demanding challenges in chemical plants, and has already proven its reliability in a detailed field test.
The advent of digital technology, accompanied by increasingly complex processes, has led to a growing demand for specific knowledge on the part of maintenance staff and operators. In spite of this, there has been a significant reduction in staffing levels in the process industry’s I&C maintenance departments in the last few years due to work being outsourced. The consequences of this loss of know-how in the area of automation technology components have been widespread, leading to new requirements for products and producers alike. Field devices – the crucial link between the process and the control room – must be as simple as possible to plan, integrate into the process and maintain. Of course, these devices must also comply with traditional process specifications such as pressure, temperature, nominal width and materials. They must be suitable for use in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and designed with the needs of tomorrow’s measurement technology in mind.
One solution to this problem is the IFC 100 converter from Krohne. It covers a wide range of applications, combines all the necessary technical characteristics and is moreover commercially efficient. The IFC 300 converter, its big brother, is a high-end device that is preferred for more critical applications, such as measurements of media with a very high solids content or high-precision calibration. The IFC 100 has replaced the IFC 010 range, which was previously the specialist for simple tasks. However, the IFC 100’s functionality far exceeds that of its predecessor and the device can also be used in hazardous areas, for example. It has already proven its reliability in a detailed field test. In addition to its high accuracy – equivalent to ±0.3 % of the measured value – it is distinguished by fast signal conversion, facilitating improved process control.
Diagnostics has been a key focus of Krohne measuring devices for many years. The diagnostic concept of the IFC 300 is by far the most advanced currently available on the market. The IFC 100 also benefits from this strategy and is equipped with extensive diagnostic tools for verifying device functions, performing out-of-spec diagnoses and testing applications. The out-of-spec diagnosis determines whether a device is still within its specification both online and cyclically. The application test enables the device to identify whether gas bubbles are present in the medium. It is consequently ideal whenever containers have to be batch-filled or batch-emptied – often a source of incorrect measurements in the past due to bubbles or partial filling of the line. The device additionally indicates faults such as low or varying conductivity, electrode defects, deposits on the electrode and excessive media or ambient temperatures. The IFC 100 detects not only device-related faults but also nonconformances in the process. This diagnostic information provides the operator with valuable support, so that prompt intervention in the process is possible if necessary. Troubleshooting efficiency is significantly increased.
Another development priority is ease of use. At Krohne, this begins with the electronics. The company’s development and application engineers have evolved a special concept for this purpose called GDC (General Device Concept). GDC describes a modular electronics philosophy. A standardised user interface speeds up commissioning of the devices, for example. This philosophy is also an integral part of the IFC 100, which can be installed, commissioned and operated extremely simply with just four keys. Unlike its predecessor, the IFC 100 can be supplied with a Hart interface and as an Ex version for Zones 1 and 2. It will soon be additionally equipped with communication interfaces such as Fieldbus Foundation or Profibus PA. The data backup when the electronics are replaced is a further decisive advantage. It is not necessary to re-enter the parameters into the IFC 100 after exchanging the converter. Needless to say, the IFC 100 is backward compatible with all sensors. Its intuitive menus, multilingual capability integrated as standard and large, illuminated display make operation very straightforward, even if the lighting conditions on site are problematic.
Installation in any position
The converter is just as straightforward when it comes to installation. While the 0° version of the IFC 100 C is ideal for installation in vertical pipes, the 45° version is favoured for horizontal lines. The angled design additionally improves the readability of the display. The latter can be turned in 90° increments, making virtually any customer-specific installation position possible. Remote installation can make sense in case of temperature effects, vibration or difficult-to-reach locations. With the IFC 100 W model, the power supply and the measured value signal between the sensor and the converter are implemented using two connection cables. The electronics can be used in all housing versions without having to re-input the parameters. The IFC 100 is compatible with all sensors in the Optiflux product line.
cpp 421
Measurement technology
ECWATECH 2008, Moscow
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