Ametek Offers Linkbus Rims for Remote Monitoring of Process Instruments
Pittsburgh, PA, March 26, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The new LinkBus Remote Instrument Monitoring System (Linkbus RIMS) from AMETEK Process Instruments provides users of AMETEK process analyzers and instruments with 24/7 access through their PC web browser or Fieldbus™, ModBus™ protocol-based distributed control system (DCS).
“Remote instrument monitoring offers numerous operational and economical benefits, whether on or offsite,” notes Tom Marecic, Vice President and General Manager of AMETEK Process Instruments. “AMETEK’s Linkbus is among the most flexible and user friendly. A single LinkBus RIMS can be used for up to 16 AMETEK analyzers, including our full line of Thermox Series 2000 and IQ analyzers, Western Research 880/Series 4000 photometric analyzers and 5000 Series Moisture Analyzers.”
“More than one Linkbus RIMS may be preferred with each assigned a unique IP address,” adds Marecic. “For example, all the important analyzers in one processing unit or operation can be linked to a gateway using an RS-485 cable. Each process unit may have multiple analyzers with the resulting 4-20 milliamp signals from each analyzer typically routed to the DCS for control. The Linkbus RIMS can be connected to the plant LAN using a standard Ethernet connection and viewed from any PC on the system simply by using the generic web browser. No specialized software is required and the system is independent of the DCS. “
The Linkbus RIMS hardware/software platform provides users of AMETEK analyzers with a standard analyzer/computer/database connection and a variety of service packages. The platform provides Internet and Ethernet communications capability as well as bi-directional DCS communications using Fieldbus™, ModBus™ communications protocols. Its real-time operating system has the option of incorporating OPC or XML client server capability. The Linkbus RIMS collects and reports process trends and analyzer response time information in addition to all sensor data and functions currently provided by Thermox®Series 2000 and IQ analyzers, the Western Research® 880/Series 4000 photometric analyzers and 5000 Series moisture analyzers. Fault alarms can be issued automatically by email to any location worldwide.
The Linkbus is either offered as a stand alone or with one of the following three levels of AMETEK service:
Onsite Monitoring: In this scenario, analyzers are monitored from any PC on the plant’s LAN, Wide Area Network (WAN) or DCS system. Email messages can be sent to the plant analyzer service group to schedule the maintenance if there are problems that need attention.
Onsite Monitoring with Third Party Notification: Along with onsite monitoring and scheduling plant support maintenance, this option provides for email communication to remote locations (as example: to notify key personnel at multiple locations). Communications access to the analyzers is limited to the onsite LAN /WAN or the through the Fieldbus™, ModBus™ protocol-based DCS system. However, if third party help is desired, an email can be sent to the factory and limited direct analyzer communication access permission granted to a third-party service engineer.
Web Enabled Service: Access to the analyzers can be granted to the manufacturer or a regional support center to monitor and support the analyzers for a per point annual fee. Referred to as AMETEK Linkbus RIMS Service, this option provides real-time, worldwide support through the Internet for any enabled analyzer. This remote service automatically determines the need for maintenance work, parts recommendations are also provided.
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“Remote instrument monitoring offers numerous operational and economical benefits, whether on or offsite,” notes Tom Marecic, Vice President and General Manager of AMETEK Process Instruments. “AMETEK’s Linkbus is among the most flexible and user friendly. A single LinkBus RIMS can be used for up to 16 AMETEK analyzers, including our full line of Thermox Series 2000 and IQ analyzers, Western Research 880/Series 4000 photometric analyzers and 5000 Series Moisture Analyzers.”
“More than one Linkbus RIMS may be preferred with each assigned a unique IP address,” adds Marecic. “For example, all the important analyzers in one processing unit or operation can be linked to a gateway using an RS-485 cable. Each process unit may have multiple analyzers with the resulting 4-20 milliamp signals from each analyzer typically routed to the DCS for control. The Linkbus RIMS can be connected to the plant LAN using a standard Ethernet connection and viewed from any PC on the system simply by using the generic web browser. No specialized software is required and the system is independent of the DCS. “
The Linkbus RIMS hardware/software platform provides users of AMETEK analyzers with a standard analyzer/computer/database connection and a variety of service packages. The platform provides Internet and Ethernet communications capability as well as bi-directional DCS communications using Fieldbus™, ModBus™ communications protocols. Its real-time operating system has the option of incorporating OPC or XML client server capability. The Linkbus RIMS collects and reports process trends and analyzer response time information in addition to all sensor data and functions currently provided by Thermox®Series 2000 and IQ analyzers, the Western Research® 880/Series 4000 photometric analyzers and 5000 Series moisture analyzers. Fault alarms can be issued automatically by email to any location worldwide.
The Linkbus is either offered as a stand alone or with one of the following three levels of AMETEK service:
Onsite Monitoring: In this scenario, analyzers are monitored from any PC on the plant’s LAN, Wide Area Network (WAN) or DCS system. Email messages can be sent to the plant analyzer service group to schedule the maintenance if there are problems that need attention.
Onsite Monitoring with Third Party Notification: Along with onsite monitoring and scheduling plant support maintenance, this option provides for email communication to remote locations (as example: to notify key personnel at multiple locations). Communications access to the analyzers is limited to the onsite LAN /WAN or the through the Fieldbus™, ModBus™ protocol-based DCS system. However, if third party help is desired, an email can be sent to the factory and limited direct analyzer communication access permission granted to a third-party service engineer.
Web Enabled Service: Access to the analyzers can be granted to the manufacturer or a regional support center to monitor and support the analyzers for a per point annual fee. Referred to as AMETEK Linkbus RIMS Service, this option provides real-time, worldwide support through the Internet for any enabled analyzer. This remote service automatically determines the need for maintenance work, parts recommendations are also provided.
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Contact
Ametek Process & Analytical Instruments
Barbara Klemmer
412-828-9040
www.ametekpi.com
Barbara Klemmer
412-828-9040
www.ametekpi.com
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