Innovation: New Automation Solutions

New Product Innovation
Emerson launched many new innovative automation products in the past two years, enabling safer, more sustainable, and more reliable operation with greater throughput production. Many of the new innovations are around connectivity technology, which is important because it makes devices easier to deploy and use and software such as industrial AI easier to integrate for new powerful solutions. But there are also many innovations which are purely mechanical, enabled by new materials and additive manufacturing methods.

Multiple connectivity technologies are used to fill the needs of the many use-cases around the plant:
Thanks to these standard connectivity technologies, the new products work together with existing automation. And these connectivity technologies are implemented in not just in just one device or one product but cut across the full range of automation, forming a cohesive ecosystem.

  • Measurement Instrumentation​
  • Control Systems and Software​
  • Valves, Actuators, and Regulators​
Bluetooth® wireless technology
Bluetooth
Field instruments can be hard to reach, such as those installed on top of a tall tank or below grated flooring. Opening the cover to hook up wires to a communicator can let moisture in. Imagine instead commissioning, including configuration and calibration, and maintenance, including identification and diagnostics of your instrumentation wirelessly using your mobile phone, tablet, or even from your laptop without climbing or opening the device. Even ten times faster over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates. Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity technology in field instruments makes this possible. In software and apps, the instruments with Bluetooth connectivity look just like wired HART devices, so the learning curve is minimal. Indeed, these products also support 4-20 mA/HART. Security includes encryption and pin. Note that local Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity does not take the place of the permanent WirelessHART sensor network for automating data collection.

Emerson is implementing Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity in not just one product line, but across many new transmitters, valve positioners, mobile apps, and computer software so that over time you can configure all your devices using Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity. New innovative products with Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity include:

OPC-UA
OPC-UA
Most automation software needs to connect to other software, systems, and devices to get data from them or pass data to them to be effective. Coding Application Programming Interfaces (API) for every software app to connect with the others it has to exchange data with would be time-consuming, costly, and make software upgrades risky. Imagine instead seamless integration of real-time data, alarms & events, historical data, and historical alarms & events without any coding. OPC-UA connectivity technology makes this possible. Add to this a structured information model (IM), metadata including status, and cloud support. In software the data in systems and devices with OPC-UA connectivity are easily browsed so the learning curve is minimal.

Emerson is implementing OPC-UA connectivity in not just one product line, but across new wireless sensor network gateways and valve analytics software in addition to many existing products so that over time you can integrate all your software, systems, and devices. And these fit into the cohesive ecosystem of OPC-UA connectivity products already available. New innovative products with OPC-UA connectivity include:

  • New control system software subscription for smaller, modular system installations. A fully functional DCS in a small control system attractive solution for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for process skid or package unit.
  • New control system edge environment for egress and storage of dynamic process data together with system configuration hierarchy providing context. Data flow is encrypted and one-way for security allowing for experimenting and testing without disruption to operations.
  • New wireless gateway version supporting up to 200 wireless sensors for lower project cost.
  • Micro controller with software defined I/O for lower project cost.
HART-IP
HART-IP
The analog 4-20 mA signal has associated transmission errors, conversion errors, and each signal such as a measurement require an individual pair of wires at additional cost. Imagine instead digital connectivity technology, which is error free, infinitely reproducible, and has zero marginal cost. Ethernet connectivity makes this possible. However, Ethernet and IP are not sufficient for interoperability between automation components. An industrial application protocol is also required. The HART-IP connectivity technology is the most suitable option for instrumentation. HART-IP connectivity technology in instrumentation and infrastructure makes this possible. In software the data in instruments appear unchanged so the learning curve is minimal.

Emerson is implementing HART-IP connectivity in not just one product line, but across wireless sensor gateways, software, and valve-mounted process controllers so that over time you can integrate all your devices using HART-IP connectivity. And these fit into the cohesive ecosystem of HART-IP connectivity products already available as well as the larger cohesive HART ecosystem including WirelessHART and 4-20 mA/HART automation components. New innovative products with HART-IP connectivity include:

WirelessHART
WirelessHART
Non-industrial wireless sensor networks, need special tools for each sensor to assign network credentials, don't integrate with Intelligent Device Management (IDM) software, require frequent battery replacement, each sensor requiring their own field configuration tool, no Modbus or OPC in gateway to integrate with plant historian and control system, no centralized sensor configuration, no adaptor for HART devices, every sensor having their own monitoring app, every sensor having their own way of displaying sensor status, no detail diagnostics like vibration spectrum and waveform, and not an IEEE standard radio and IEC standard protocol. Imagine instead a wireless sensors supported by a common tool to assign network credentials to all sensors, integration with IDM software, long battery life, common field configuration tool, automatic data conversion to Modbus and OPC-UA to integrate with third-party systems and software, centralized sensor configuration, adaptor for HART devices, common sensor status display, detail diagnostics like spectrums and waveforms, IEEE radio and IEC protocol. WirelessHART connectivity technology in sensors makes this possible. In software the data in sensors with WirelessHART connectivity is easily accessed so the learning curve is minimal.

Emerson is implementing WirelessHART connectivity in not just one product line, but across wireless sensors, software, and valve-mounted sensors so that over time every corner of your plant can be monitored and optimized using WirelessHART connectivity. And these fit into the cohesive ecosystem of WirelessHART connectivity products already available as well as the larger cohesive HART ecosystem including HART-IP and 4-20 mA/HART. New innovative products with WirelessHART connectivity include:

  • New temperature transmitter and sensor using X-well technology for non-intrusive temperature sensing without cutting, drilling, or welding for applications to improve safety, sustainability, reliability, and production.
  • New wireless multi discrete I/O transmitter with eight discrete inputs or outputs for remote control and monitoring, such as electric actuators / motor operated valves (MOV) to reduce field operator workload.
  • Wireless corrosion and erosion monitoring system using new non-intrusive EMAT ultrasonic thickness (UT) sensor for applications with high temperature as well as pipes and vessels with thick walls for greater integrity.
  • Wireless corrosion and erosion monitoring system using new non-intrusive ultrasonic thickness (UT) sensor for applications with very high temperature as well as pipes and vessels with very thick walls for greater integrity.
  • New smart antenna for wireless gateway, intrinsically safe and using regular shielded twisted pair cable for easy installation in hazardous areas enabling wireless sensors for applications to improve safety, sustainability, reliability, and production.
  • Valve health application using casual AI for monitoring valve condition and performance including through a wireless adapter for greater valve reliability.
  • New network management application using casual AI to monitor sensor network health for greater network reliability.
  • Non-intrusive wireless corrosion transmitter specialized for chemical plants for greater piping integrity and safety.
  • Direct spring pressure relief valve with wireless bellows leak detection for improved sustainability.
HART
HART
The HART connectivity technology has been around for decades. Most smart instrumentation today use the familiar 4-20 mA/HART connectivity. However, there has been a few device types that were not available in a `smart' version. Some `non-smart' instrumentation remain, possibly supplied as part of a package unit, skid, or valve assembly. New instruments enable `smart' capabilities and in software HART connectivity enable interoperability. Indeed the Bluetooth products above also support 4-20 mA/HART.

Emerson is implementing HART connectivity across many new transmitters including valve position, controllers, mobile apps, and computer software and these fit into the cohesive ecosystem of 4-20 mA/HART connectivity products already available as well as the larger cohesive HART ecosystem including HART-IP and WirelessHART automation components. New innovative products with 4-20 mA/HART connectivity include:

  • New dual channel transmitter liquid analyzer for pH/ORP, ion selective electrodes (ISE), contacting and toroidal conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chlorine, and ozone, and is ready for future digital sensors reducing maintenance cost.
  • New wedge flow meter consisting of new wedge-shaped primary flow element and DP transmitter suitable for abrasive and high viscosity fluids improving production and reducing maintenance cost.
  • New fixed gas detector for hydrocarbon gases using optical absorption detection technology for ultra-fast response time to determine gas concentration without need for calibration improving safety and reducing maintenance cost.
  • Smart position transmitter with linkage-less non-contact position sensor for to monitor valve issues to improve production.
  • Smart displacer type liquid level controller takes place of electro-mechanical controllers for greater reliability.
  • Smart fixed gas detector using non-dispersive infrared (IR) sensor for combustible gas leak detection for greater safety.
  • Smart non-contact radar with “radar-on-a-chip” 80 GHz FMCW technology and extended range for improved production in new use-cases.
  • Smart controller with local user interface to configure, diagnose, calibrate, and monitor auxiliary variables in HART transmitters for improved production.
  • Data server to replicate intelligent field device data outside the process control network for use to improve reliability.
PROFINET
PROFINET
Again, the analog 4-20 mA signal has associated transmission errors, conversion errors, and each signal such as a measurement require an individual pair of wires at additional cost. Imagine instead digital connectivity technology, which is error free, infinitely reproducible, and has zero marginal cost. Ethernet connectivity makes this possible. However, Ethernet and IP are not sufficient for interoperability between automation components. An industrial application protocol is also required. The PROFINET connectivity technology is another option. PROFINET connectivity in devices makes this possible.

Emerson is implementing PROFINET connectivity in not just one product line, but across many new transmitters and controllers so that over time you can integrate all your devices using PROFINET connectivity. New innovative products with PROFINET connectivity include:

  • New valve system with new modular design including different pneumatic connections, network connectivity modules, and valve modules. Rugged all-metal baseplate and threads for reliability.
  • New larger size Coriolis mass flow meter sensor for ultra-high-pressure hydrogen for higher capacity dispensing with high accuracy for correct billing.
  • Compact Coriolis mass flow and density meters sensor with smaller size and lower weight for lower project cost.
  • Controller with native DCS integration and fast logic execution for improved production.
EtherNet/IP™
EtherNET/IP™
Again, the analog 4-20 mA signal has associated transmission errors and conversion errors, and each signal, such as a measurement, requires an individual pair of wires at an additional cost. Imagine instead digital connectivity technology, which is error-free, infinitely reproducible, and has zero marginal cost. Ethernet connectivity makes this possible. But again, Ethernet and IP are not sufficient for interoperability between automation components. An industrial application protocol is also required. The EtherNet/IP connectivity technology is yet another option. EtherNet/IP connectivity in devices makes this possible. Emerson is implementing EtherNet/IP connectivity not just in one product line but across many new transmitters and controllers so that, over time, you can integrate all your devices using EtherNet/IP connectivity. New innovative products with EtherNet/IP connectivity include:

  • New compact transmitter for Coriolis mass flow meter sensors with Ethernet, power over Ethernet (PoE), or configurable I/O enabling full data access to improve production.
  • New controller with flexible capacity on a subscription-based license. Pay only for what you need now and add capacity and protocols any time for lower project cost.
  • New Ethernet I/O card control system interface for Ethernet-based devices like PLCs, Motor Control Centers, drives, and switchgear etc. enabling full data access to improve reliability and sustainability.
Mechanical Marvels
Higher layer of protection safety devices must function even in abnormal situations when there is no power, as a last line of preventive defense. Mechanical devices make this possible.

Some use-cases require control where there is no power. Mechanical devices make this possible.

Valves controlling high pressure drop cause high ambient noise due to vibration, turbulence, or cavitation requiring noise attenuation. Mechanical devices make this possible.

Emerson is implementing mechanical designs, additive manufacturing, and advanced material in not just one product line, but across many process touch points such as primary control elements and final control elements. New innovative products which are completely mechanical include:

  • New pressure regulator with new free poppet design and 10 Ra micro-inch finishes for ultra-high purity gases ideal for the semiconductor industry.
  • New pressure regulator with new two-stage design ideal onboard hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles with storage up to 700 bar (10,000 psi).
  • New emergency shutoff valve used in LPG or anhydrous ammonia transfer hoses to automatically shutoff flow in the event of a hose rupture or if it gets hot to improve safety.
  • Regulator with balanced port with optional integral slam-shut for better production.
  • Rotary valve trim made using additive manufacturing reduces noise level for greater occupational safety.
  • Globe valve trim cage made using additive manufacturing reduces noise level for greater occupational safety.
  • Modal attenuator with internal acoustic cavities reduces valve noise level for greater occupational safety.
Others
Other new innovative products include:

  • New pressure control valve with new Ethernet network connectivity and software to quickly startup, monitor, and control valves including an expanded range of diagnostic and monitoring functions.
  • New Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with new online double conversion design for greater uptime and zero transfer time. Network connectivity for remote monitoring including advanced diagnostics.
  • New acoustic particle monitor to measure sand rates from oil or gas wells to manage erosion of piping reducing maintenance cost and improving safety. Non-intrusive for easy installation. Onboard signal processing – no additional software required in control system.
  • New acoustic pig detector for real-time signaling as pig passes through the pipeline to know where in the line the pig is and how much debris is removed to optimize cleaning reducing cost. Non-intrusive for easy installation. Onboard signal processing – no additional software required in control system.
  • New rotary electric actuator for throttling or on/off applications taking the place of traditional pipeline gas actuated valves. Zero bleed and venting of product to the atmosphere thus improving sustainability.
  • Natural gas odorant injection system using line pressure instead of dosing pump for greater reliability.
  • Gas chromatograph requiring no analyzer shelter ideal for natural gas/biomethane and hydrogen.
  • HTML5-based operator interface supporting web content embedded directly into operator graphic displays.
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