Converting Hart or Profibus to Pulsed Output: Simple Methods for Coriolis Flowmeter Issues

Question:

Greetings, I am currently dealing with a malfunctioning Coriolis flowmeter on a filler machine. The filler specifically requires a pulsed output, and unfortunately, the manufacturer is unable to modify the program. Is there a simple method to convert other protocols such as Hart or Profibus to a pulsed output for this situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Jason.

Top Replies

It's a bit unclear. Can you provide more details about your issue? It sounds like you were using a flow meter that gave a pulsed output based on the flow measurement, such as one pulse per X gallons, for a filler machine. What exactly are you looking to achieve by replacing the flow meter with a different device? I am unsure about your protocol query. Have you considered simply swapping the current flow meter with another one that also gives a pulsed output?

Explore signal and process converters and conditioners, which are commonly offered by industrial control vendors. These devices can convert analog signals into pulse signals. They come in various configurations, including set, configurable, and programmable options.

Robertmee inquired for further clarification, mentioning that the issue was unclear. It seems like there was a flow meter that generated a pulsed output based on measured flow, but there is a need to replace it with a different device. The protocol question raised was not understood, and the suggestion was to replace the flow meter with another one that provides a pulsed output. Hello Robert,Thank you for your input. The original flow meter malfunctioned, and the cost of a new replacement is $20,000. However, there are numerous surplus flow meters available with protocols like Hart and Profibus, but they lack the pulsed option. These surplus flow meters are priced at around $1,500, but do not meet the pulsed signal requirement of my filler PLC.Kind regards,Jason

What is the highest flow rate (measured in lb/s, tons/day, etc.) and how much mass does each pulse represent? If the solution is too complex, the expenses associated with designing and implementing it may exceed the cost of a new Coriolis meter.

When determining the maximum flow rate in pounds per second or tons per day, it is important to also consider the mass represented by each pulse. If the solution becomes overly complex, the associated design and implementation costs may outweigh the affordability of a new Coriolis meter. Thank you for your insight. The 1-inch dosimeter that recently malfunctioned was measuring water, with each pulse representing 1 milliliter of water. The filler is currently filling 10 liters, with a Siemens PLC managing the process.

Hi Jason, it sounds like you're in a bit of a pickle. Even though your manufacturer can't assist, there might be a few workarounds. Depending on your specific machine, you could potentially use a field communicator to change your Coriolis flowmeter's output protocol to pulse. Alternatively, you could look into acquiring a separate protocol converter device that translates Hart or Profibus signals into the pulsed output your filler system needs. It's always a good idea to double-check compatibility with your specific systems before making any modifications. Best of luck with the troubleshooting!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Is it possible to convert protocols like Hart or Profibus to a pulsed output for a Coriolis flowmeter that requires it?

Answer: Yes, there are simple methods available to convert protocols like Hart or Profibus to a pulsed output for Coriolis flowmeters that require it. These methods can help you overcome the issue of a mismatch between the required output and the capabilities of the existing system.

FAQ: 2. What are some common techniques or solutions to address the pulsed output requirement for a Coriolis flowmeter on a filler machine?

Answer: Some common techniques include using signal converters or interface modules that can translate the output from protocols like Hart or Profibus into a compatible pulsed output for the specific requirements of the filler machine. These solutions can provide a straightforward way to adapt the existing setup without needing to modify the manufacturer's program.

FAQ: 3. How can I ensure a seamless integration of the converted pulsed output with the Coriolis flowmeter on the filler machine?

Answer: To ensure a seamless integration, it is essential to carefully select the appropriate signal converter or interface module that is compatible with both the existing protocols (Hart or Profibus) and the requirements of the pulsed output for the Coriolis flowmeter. Additionally, testing and calibration after the conversion will help verify the functionality and accuracy of the setup.

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