The SIL 3-capable STZ Functional Safety Dual Input Smart HART Temperature Transmitter has several features designed to reduce process interruptions safely in your SIS. One of the most important is the new dual sensor input that allows for Backup and Fail-Over Protection, which is the topic of a new Problem Solver on the Moore Industries website.

This example of a potential real-world application focuses on reducing the risk of exothermic reactions in batch reactors. These reactions can create thermal runaways where rising temperatures can lead to dangerous conditions. Backup and Fail-Over Protection allows either of the sensors or inputs to be designated as the primary measurement, with the secondary input acting as the backup sensor in case of primary sensor failure. This helps to mitigate potential thermal runaways before they become dangerous.

Visit the Problem Solvers section of our website to see more applications featuring the range of Moore Industries’ products.

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Moore Industries has released a video highlighting the features of our  STZ Functional Safety Dual Input Smart HART Temperature Transmitter family. You can view the video at our Interface Solution Video Library or watch it below:

Part of the FS Functional Safety Series, the exida approved, SIL 3-capable STZ family provides an isolated and linear 4-20mA output proportional to the input with advanced features that give you far more control over your temperature measurements. This includes a dual sensor input that reduces process interruptions. Backup and Fail-Over Protection allows either of the sensors or inputs to be designated as the primary measurement, with the secondary input acting as the backup sensor in case of primary sensor failure. The dual sensor input also allows for Average and Differential measurements along with High-Select and Low-Select options.

The STZ family includes a wide range of housing options, all of which are shown in the product video. This is just one of the informative videos available for viewing at our Interface Solution Video Library. Along with videos highlighting product features, the library also includes videos showing real world examples of applications using our products.

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Q: We are in need of a signal converter that converts a 4-20mA logarithmic signal into a 4-20mA linear signal. We need one input and one output per device. Do any of your devices perform this function?

A: We offer several models of signal converters which have look-up table linearization/characterization capability.

The SIY is an output loop-powered unit that can be configured for up to 85 ordered pairs. With this model, each ordered pair must be keyed in using the provided configuration software.

The CPT is a line-powered model that can be configured for up to 128 ordered pairs. The ordered pairs are computed with a spreadsheet, saved as a two column CSV file and then loaded into the provided configuration software. The configuration is then loaded into the CPT.

With both models you specify the X and Y values so you can cluster points at the most non-linear part of your table.

Do you want more information? Download the data sheet. Or visit the catalog.

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Q: We are a boiler/burner company dealing with a rising amount of computer-based burner controls. We have installed several and have some blowers that are controlled by VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives). We have run into issues with noise on certain systems. We get occasional problems with 4-20mA feedback from the VFD despite going through the proper grounding techniques. We are wondering if installing an opto isolator on the feedback loop might eliminate our issue. We have used the SIX Signal Isolator many times on the signal going to the VFD to offset impedance issues on the VFD. Can we put an opto isolator on both signals?

A: Whether the SIX or another isolator will cure your problem depends on the nature of the noise and how the loop is energized. Sometimes you can install an isolator without additional analysis and see if it works.

If you have data about the noise, compare it to the noise rejection specification of the isolator. For example, the Common Mode Rejection for the ECT-DIN Signal Isolator exceeds 95dB @ 60Hz with a limit of 1500 Vrms.

When selecting the appropriate isolator, take into account which device is providing the loop voltage on the input and output sides. Per the ECT datasheet, you can see that it is available as an output loop powered, input loop powered or line powered device.

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Senior Sales Engineer JR Madden took the Moore Industries Instrumentation Trailer on the road to the Wyoming Oil and Gas Fair in Casper last month. He was able to get a prime “parking space” for the trailer as well – right between the main parking lot and the show entrance. It was a very popular show with an estimated attendance of 1,000. JR said that the attendees who stopped by the trailer were high-level employees interested in our instrumentation for the oil and natural gas industries.

Being able to set up shop outside of the show floor is an excellent advantage of having the Instrumentation Trailer. JR is able to get on the road and bring our range of instrumentation solutions to the public, both by attending trade shows and going on site to customers in conjunction with our reps.

Moore Industries will be at another big event next week as we will be one of the exhibitors at the Emerson Global Users Exchange 2015 from October 12-16 in Denver. If you are attending the show, make sure to stop by and see the latest instrumentation. We’ll be at Booth 212 next to the Integrated Operations section.

Do you want more information? Download the data sheet. Or visit the catalog.

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The Moore Industries SIL 3-capable STZ Functional Safety Smart HART Temperature Transmitter family, part of the FS FUNCTIONAL SAFETY SERIES, is a dependable and accurate temperature transmitter for use in Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) where dangerous processes occur. The STZ has been certified by exida after rigorous evaluation to ensure conformance with strict IEC 61508:2010 standards for safety-related applications.

The STZ offers a dual sensor input that reduces process interruptions. Backup and Fail-Over Protection allows either of the sensors or inputs to be designated as the primary measurement, with the secondary input acting as the backup sensor in case of primary sensor failure. The dual sensor input also allows 

for Average and Differential measurements along with High-Select and Low-Select options.

The STZ also features Moore Industries’ Device Intelligence, a series of features designed for smarter control and monitoring including:

• Sensor drift and corrosion detection that checks and alerts users when the sensor is drifting out of a preset range or when the resistance due to corrosion exceeds set parameters.
• Smart range alarms with four HART alarms – set to any input or calculated input – that detect when the variable is within or outside of user preset limits.
• A High Availability option that enables the selection of how the AO behaves when there is an input failure or out-of-range value detected by the transmitter. This helps prevent spurious trips or nuisance alarms in Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).
• Input simulation capability allowing manual input of a direct or calculated value. This essentially simulates a real input, allowing users to test the AO or any HART diagnostic and range alarms – which assists in proof test procedures.

The STZ is HART 7 compliant with exception-based reporting and dynamic variable mapping. It is HART and DTM programmable with user-oriented basic configuration for fast and accurate setup. Utilizing the HART DD, it can be configured and interrogated on the 4-20mA loop via any HART handheld communicator or HART compatible host. To prevent unauthorized or accidental reconfiguration of the STZ while it’s performing its safety function, it has an added security feature to allow users to set HART communication into a Read Only or Off mode. Users can also program or monitor the transmitter with any FDT compliant host or program such as PACTware using the STZ DTM.

The intrinsically-safe -AIS option for the STZ-DIN allows direct connection of sensors located in hazardous locations by including an embedded intrinsically-safe barrier in the front end of the STZ-DIN. The STZ-DIN -AIS is an associated apparatus suitable for mounting in Non-Hazardous or Class I, Division 2/Zone 2 hazardous locations with sensor input terminals connected to sensors or equipment in Class I, II, III, Division 1/Zone 0/1 hazardous locations.

See a video highlighting the key features of the STZ at our Interface Solution Video Library.

Do you want more information? Download the data sheet. Or visit the catalog.

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The STA Safety Trip Alarm datasheet and installation manuals have been updated. The new change reflects the addition of a Universal power supply to the unit. Previously, customers needed to select either a 24DC or UAC power supply. The new Universal power supply accepts any power input range between 21.6-375Vdc or 90-260Vac.

Adding the Universal power supply option simplifies the ordering process for customers. In addition, it makes it easier for customers to plan additions or upgrades to their facilities without having to worry about the type of power being used.

The specifications in the datasheet and installation manuals have also been changed to reflect the new Universal power supply. Updated specs include Power Supply, Power Consumption and Alarm Trip Delay. In addition, the Relative Humidity specs have been updated.

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Sensor drift is a common problem that can lead to inaccurate temperature measurement readings. It can be caused by several factors including environmental contamination, vibration or extreme temperature fluctuations. Because this drift causes the measurement error to get worse over time, it’s not possible to calibrate out the error. Traditionally, reducing inaccurate measurements caused by sensor drift has meant undertaking a regular and time-consuming preventative maintenance calibration program.

You can avoid having to do constant preventative maintenance to avoid inaccurate temperature readings by using the THZ³ and TDZ³ Dual Input Smart HART Temperature Transmitters. The Drift Alert feature lets you configure the transmitter to monitor the differential between the readings of the dual sensors. If the readings drift apart by an amount greater than your preset range, an out-of-range warning or alarm is triggered. This alerts plant engineers that maintenance is needed.

This sensor drift alert can be configured to send a drift alert via HART or you can drive AO to your preferred fail state.

If your BPCS does not have HART inputs cards, you can use the HIM Smart HART Loop Interface and Monitor to deliver the HART alarms and diagnostic data via relay contacts.

Interested in learning more tips for getting accurate temperature readings? Read our “A Practical Guide to Improving Temperature Measurement” white paper.

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Q: I am looking for a device to create a temperature switch. I currently use a simple temperature switch with a 230°F setting, but at times the temperature of the unit goes over 400°F briefly and destroys the switch. I need to be able to hook a thermocouple up to the device and program a setpoint (with no display required) and have a set of dry contacts open when the temperature rises above the setpoint.

A: Our model CPA PC-Programmable Alarm can accept a thermocouple or RTD input and trip a relay based on the setpoint that you have configured. It can be configured using our software and a USB cable. 

Do you want more information? Download the data sheet. Or visit the catalog.

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Moore Industries has integrated PACTware into the range of monitoring and configuration options available with products including the STZ Functional Safety Dual Input Smart HART Temperature Transmitter and the THZ3 and TDZ3 Dual Input Smart HART Temperature Transmitters. Using an FDT host such as PACTware with a DTM is quickly becoming a worldwide standard as customers search for a universal method of programming, monitoring and diagnosing their field instruments. FDT/DTM technologies eliminate problems caused by vendors having different software programming packages or programming for multiple protocols (such as HART, FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus and PROFIBUS PA). Moore Industries has integrated PACTware into the range of monitoring and configuration options available with products including the STZ Functional Safety Dual Input Smart HART Temperature Transmitter and the THZ3 and TDZ3 Dual Input Smart HART Temperature Transmitters. Using an FDT host such as PACTware with a DTM is quickly becoming a worldwide standard as customers search for a universal method of programming, monitoring and diagnosing their field instruments. FDT/DTM technologies eliminate problems caused by vendors having different software programming packages or programming for multiple protocols (such as HART, FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus and PROFIBUS PA).
We’ve put together a single place for all the resources you’ll need to utilize PACTware. You can visit our PACTware Resource Center to get all the downloads and information you’ll need to set up and configure your instruments or to perform monitoring and diagnostic capabilities.
This includes:
PACTware Configuration Software and DTMsDevice DTMsMISP Comm DTMWhile on the resource page, you can also view a tutorial highlighting the basics of PACTware by Moore Industries Director of Customer Service Bob Croughwell.

Do you want more information? Download the data sheet. Or visit the catalog.

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Many plants have process stages with several points of temperature that have to be monitored. Many of these measurements are critical and thus will utilize dual elements or fully redundant sensors.  

Download the PDF file

When these critical measurement needs arise and you can’t afford to have your process shut down, look to the THZ3/TDZ3 Smart HART Dual Input Temperature transmitters that allow you to configure the transmitter for a failover or backup mode. When the primary sensor fails the TDZ3 automatically switches to the backup sensor and the failure is reported via HART diagnostics and display. The THZ3/TDZ3 transmitter family can be HART or DTM programmed and carries worldwide approvals.

Key Attributes:

• Backup or Failover mode on primary sensor failure
• HART or DTM programmable
• Worldwide hazardous area approvals

Some plants have processes that create explosive atmospheres. When alarming is required on points that are in these locations consider using an Associated IS alarm trip, especially when the method of protection is Intrinsic Safety (IS). When IS is chosen as the facility’s protection method, intrinsically safe barriers for all of the 4-20mA, RTD and TC signals can be quite expensive, engineering intensive and space consuming.

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The SPA2IS Site Programmable Alarm Trip is considered an associated IS device because it has the IS barrier embedded in the device so it can connect to temperature elements and transmitters that are located in Class I Div 1 or Zone 0/1 hazardous areas.  This saves time and money since traditional IS barriers and the associated marshaling cabinet is no longer needed.  The SPA2IS is approved for installation in Class I Div 2/Zone 2 areas and has four programmable SPDT relays and an optional auxiliary analog output.

Key Attributes:

• IS barrier built into SPA2IS, reducing needs for external IS barriers
• Easy programming with free PC software or push buttons
• Four programmable SPDT relays with auxiliary analog output

Challenge: Measure inlet and outlet temperature of a process heater using existing three-wire RTDs and provide a 4-20mA process variable signal, representing the differential temperature across the heater, to a local alarm trip for heater protection and share that differential temperature signal with the Basic Process Control System (BPCS). The measurements are in a hazardous area and plant standards require the use of a certified IS system.

Solution: The THZ3-DIN Dual Input Temperature Transmitter with the Associated IS (AIS) option and SPA2 Alarm Trip with self diagnostics capability, and local display/alarm status indicators.
Result: Successful measurements to the BPCS of inlet and outlet temperature, temperature differential, sensor diagnostics, transmitter diagnostics using HART to the BPCS.

Summary: The customer needed to measure inlet and outlet temperature of a process heater using existing three-wire RTDs and provide a 4-20mA process variable signal, representing the differential temperature across the heater, to the BPCS controller. The measurements are in a hazardous area and plant standards require a certified IS system. Utilizing the associated IS and dual RTD input capability of the THZ3 temperature transmitter, the heater’s differential temperature 4-20mA signal was wired in series to a local alarm trip and host BPCS.

The process side alarm trip provided visual and audible heater failure warning and indication while the host BPCS maintained primary control and master alarming capability. Additionally, the HART diagnostics from the THZ3 allowed the BPCS to constantly monitor key parameters such as RTD drift, broken sensors and critical transmitter diagnostics.

Providing a local process side alarm trip substantially saved wiring and operation costs since new signal wires (RTD and alarm) didn’t have to be pulled to support the newly desired local alarms, two IS barriers were not needed for the RTD wires back at the BPCS location, sensor diagnostics continuously monitored by the BPCS and local differential temperature calculation and indication can now be done in the field.

Many facilities typically use a lot of thermocouple extension wire. Thermocouple extension wires are not only expensive but are a primary culprit of measurement error over time. Corrosion and susceptibility to plant noise are common sources of measurement error due to long TC extension wire runs.

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You can reduce these expenses and measurement errors by taking a different approach to installing DIN rail temperature transmitters in the field, close to the process, and running shielded twisted pair back to the DCS.  The Class I Div 2/Zone 2 approved THZ3 Smart HART Dual Input Temperature Transmitter is a highly accurate and repeatable DIN rail temperature transmitter with advanced diagnostics.  If your control system’s input cards can read HART, you can further reduce your measurement cost per point by bringing two sensors to each THZ3 and reading the PV and SV dynamic HART variables, which represent Sensor 1 and Sensor 2 respectively.

Key Attributes:

• Class I Div 2/Zone 2 approved DIN version of THZ3
• Dual input capability may reduce cost per point
• High ambient operating temperature range of -40 to 85C (-40 to 185F)

Temperature is one of the highest volume measurements in most plants. Reducing the cost of these measurements, that are often in hazardous areas, is always a top priority. 

Download the PDF file

When you have several temperature points that are located in safe or hazardous areas, look to the TCS Temperature Concentrator System.  The TCS consists of one or two TCMs and an HMC. The TCM is a 16 channel universal temperature multiplexer that communicates to the HMC via HART. The HMC in turn converts the HART temperature data into MODBUS RTU protocol for the BPCS to read.  The TCM can be installed in Class I Div 1/Zone 0 areas and can multiplex up to 32 channels of temperature per HMC. This drastically reduces the temperature cost per point as opposed to running sensor extension wire all the way back to the DCS or control room.

Key attributes:

• 32 channels of multiplexed temperature reduces cost per point
• PC programmable TCM and HMC with free programming software
• Worldwide hazardous area approvals

Facilities have several signals that need to get back to a centralized control room. Often it is not cost effective or even possible to run many hundreds of twisted pair cables back to a central location.  

Download the PDF file

When such a requirement exists, consider the NCS Net Concentrator System Remote I/O system. Each NCS can have inputs and outputs tied to it and communicates over Ethernet, twisted pair, RS-485, fiber, or even wirelessly with the addition of a radio system. The NCS includes an embedded web server that can be used for viewing real-time process data and can be used for programming.  Unlike many other remote I/O systems, the NCS was designed with field installation in mind and therefore has an ambient operating temperature specification of -40 to 85C and has full channel-to-channel isolation. The NCS is rated for Class I Div 2/Zone 2 installations and includes input and output modules that handle current, voltage, temperature sensors, discretes and relays.

Key Attributes:

• Wide range of I/O types and number of points
• Class I Div 2/Zone 2 approval and -40 to 85C ambient operating temperature specification
• Expandable to handle thousands of I/O points

Many facilities have several signals that need to get back to a centralized control room or need to be shared with another part of the plant.  Ideally, there is always enough extra shielded twisted pair that can be used when signals or transmitters need to be added.  Unfortunately, there never seems to be enough spare wire for these situations. 

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When such a requirement exists consider the NCS Net Concentrator System as it allows you to utilize just one pair, or any other medium that is available, to multiplex and digitally transmit analog and discrete signals to any other part of the plant.  The NCS was designed for these exact peer-to-peer applications and has a programming interface that is extremely easy to setup with no complex programming involved.  Multiple NCS stations can be set up over the network to create a very flexible peer-to-peer communication network. The NCS is designed for Class I Div 2/Zone 2 environments and includes input and output modules thathandle current, voltage, temperature sensors, discretes and relays.

Key Attributes:

• Wide range of I/O types and number of points
• Suitable for installation in Class I Div 2/Zone 2 areas and -40 to 85C ambient operating
• Peer-to-peer addressing allows network flexibility

Accurate and repeatable temperature control batch processes for many industries is paramount.  Several batch processes cannot be validated for sale or distributed unless accurate temperature control is maintained and documented.

Download the PDF file

When the best accuracy is required, look to using the TDZ3 or THZ3 Smart HART Temperature Transmitters with sensor matching for optimum performance. The RTD and transmitter will be match and calibrated together in our NIST traceable calibration lab and are supplied with a full traceability calibration report.  The TDZ3 and THZ3 have a 20-bit front end A/D to allow the most precise trimming capabilities to ensure that the as found RTD curve is adjusted to the published RTD curve for most accurate measurements. 

Key Attributes:

• 20-bit front end A/D allows industry-best calibration and measurement
• NIST traceable calibration and report
• Worldwide hazardous area approvals

Process units in food and pharma facilities require a lot of high-profile temperature measurements. Due to the batch process nature of this industry, temperature ranges and settings change often. 

Download the PDF file

The SPT Site Programmable Temperature Transmitter is an ideal choice when measurement ranges change and high density is required.  A local indicator allows operators to view current process temperature and allows easy re-configuration for different batches, as opposed to having to find and use a hand-held programmer.  A security jumper is available on the unit that allows read/write access or read-only.  The SPT includes advanced sensor diagnostics with an optional alarm relay.

Key Attributes:

• Local display
• Allows local pushbutton programming with security
• Enhanced sensor diagnostics

Part of the Moore Industries FS FUNCTIONAL SAFETY SERIES, the exida® SIL 2 and SIL 3 certified STA Safety Trip Alarm performs as a logic solver and acts on potentially hazardous process conditions; warns of unwanted process conditions; provides emergency shutdown; or provides on/off control in Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and traditional alarm trip applications. 

The 4-wire (line/mains-powered) STA models accept a signal input from transmitters, temperature sensors and a wide array of other monitoring and control instruments including:

• Current and Voltage Signals
• Temperature (RTD and T/C) Sensor Inputs
• Resistance and Potentiometer Devices
• Direct Millivolt Sources

Do you want more information? Download the data sheet. Or visit the catalog.

Check out the STA Safety Trip Alarm

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The STZ is the latest in the line of Moore Industries' Associated Intrinsically-Safe (AIS) family of products. The SIL 2/3 capable STZ Functional Safety Dual Input Smart HART® DIN-style Temperature Transmitter with Associated IS sensor connections are certified by exida to IEC61508 for systematic integrity up to SIL 3 and for single use in Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) up to SIL 2. 

The intrinsically-safe -AIS option for the STZ-DIN allows direct connection of sensors located in hazardous locations by including an embedded intrinsically-safe barrier in the front end of the STZ-DIN. The STZ-DIN -AIS is an associated apparatus suitable for mounting in Non-Hazardous or Class I, Division 2/Zone 2 hazardous locations with sensor input terminals connected to sensors or equipment in Class I, II, III, Division 1/Zone 0/1 hazardous locations.

The STZ-DIN configures quickly and easily to accept a single or dual input from a wide array of sensors and analog devices including RTDs, thermocouples, resistance and potentiometer devices, and direct millivolt inputs. The STZ-DIN’s 2-wire (loop-powered) Associated IS transmitter provides an isolated and linear 4-20mA output proportional to the input. This signal is ready for direct interface with a HART or non-HART based Safety System, DCS, PLC, and other SCADA systems.  

The STZ is HART and DTM Programmable with user-oriented basic configuration for fast and accurate setup. The STZ-DIN provides HART exception-based reporting and dynamic variable mapping as well as HART Access Control, which allows users to set HART communication to Read Only or Off mode, to prevent unauthorized or accidental reconfiguration while it is performing its safety function. 

Check out Moore Industries other Associated Intrinsically Safe products including the newly released THZ3 -AIS Dual Input Smart HART® Temperature Transmitter with the -AIS option for the DIN Rail Mount housing and the reliable universal SPA2IS Programmable Limit Alarm Trip. All these feature the rugged reliability customers have come to rely on from Moore Industries. With these Associated Intrinsically-Safe products there is no need for the additional cost of the IS barrier, cabinet space, high integrity clean ground connection, separate power supply, or custom vendor backplanes. This drastically reduces the cost of purchasing, installation, and maintenance versus more traditional approaches requiring a separate Zener or isolating barrier. 

Learn more about the STZ with -AIS, THZ3 with -AIS, and the SPA2IS from our website.

Do you want more information? Download the data sheet. Or visit the catalog.

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Hydrocarbon Processing, October 2007 

For about 30 years, it has been a given within the oil and gas industry that intrinsic safety (IS) is the natural technique for explosion-proof protection of electronic instruments. Fieldbus users now want complex processing and digital communications to and from many devices in intrinsically safe applications. The key is delivering enough power to a large number of field devices.

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Control Supplement, September 2009

The HART protocol is simple, easy to understand and use, yet powerful and reliable. The HART protocol has become an industry-leading communications technology. Now that HART device use is commonplace and continues to grow, achieving interoperability is the goal of the HART device registration process. Moore Industries looks to lead the way in developing HART 7 technology. Scott Saunders, Vice President at Moore Industries, comments on the new features that will be implemented as part of the HART 7 standard.

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Control Engineering, December 2009

Technological advancements such as systems on a chip, multi-core processing and higher levels of integration have led to devices that are smaller, lighter, faster and smarter. These smart devices are bringing industrial applications into a realm of unprecedented product and system performance and efficiency. Building intelligence into devices has also driven diagnostics to the component level. Thus, information from such smart devices must be easily accessible and understood.
Moore Industries Director of Technology Charles Larson discusses the improvements in the software of smart devices that lends to component reliability; even allowing smart instruments to be used in safety applications. Intelligence at the Device features Moore Industries microprocessor-based THZ2 Temperature Transmitter as an example of a smart device with advanced sensing and diagnostic capabilities.

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Process Industry Informer, January/February/March/April 2008 

Don't get hung up on which fieldbus to choose. Fieldbus is a generic term for a variety of communications protocols using various media, but all are simply a means to an end. What you want at the end of the project is a satisfactory and functional control system. Although Fieldbus is a wonderful technology with many benefits, its installation requires considerations over and above typical 4-20 mA projects. In parts 1 and 2 of this article, MooreHawke fieldbus expert Mike O'Neill discusses how to specify fieldbus power supplies; make segment calculations; implement fieldbus segment termination; select fieldbus cable and wiring and more.

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IPP&T Magazine, October 2006

Process plants often have certain locations where explosive or flammable gases and vapors may exist through accidental or unavoidable release. One of our fieldbus experts, Harry Wilson, addresses the various techniques-including Entity vs. FISCO-used in hazardous area installation of fieldbus devices.

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Industrial Networking Magazine, April 2005

Mesh networks restore broken links, enhance reliability and show potential for success in control applications. In this comprehensive article, industry experts, including Moore Industries' Scott Saunders, discuss how this emerging network strategy can be implemented.

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Control Supplement, September 2011

Moore Industries Director of Engineering Tina Lockhart was quoted in the Control Global 2011 HART Supplement. In the article, she discusses the advantages of utilizing information stored within HART field devices, including the ability to quickly get diagnostic information and the reduction in maintenance costs and disruptions.

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HART LINE Newsletter, September 2000

Estimates indicate that as much as 40 to 50 percent of loop operational problems can be blamed on final control elements. In this technical article, our Director of Professional Development Bud Adler tells how HART communicating valve positioners used in conjunction with HART loop monitors provide an efficient and cost-effective way to test online emergency shutdown valves and increase system integrity.

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HART Communication News, July 2005

The HART Protocol's bi-directional, digital communication capability has given the technology a vital role in testing of safety instrumented systems that protect people, the plants they work in and the environment. Read this article to learn more.

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HART Communication Foundation, October 2004

The HART Communication Foundation (HCF) announced at ISA Expo 2004 that the BP Cooper River Plant in Wando, South Carolina has been selected as one of two recipients of its 2004 HART Plant of the Year Award. The award is given annually to recognize success in the innovative use of HART communications in real-time process applications. A major component of BP Cooper River Plant's winning application includes the use of the Smart HART Loop Interface and Monitor (Model HIM) from Moore Industries.

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Applied Automation, May 2008

A simple and cost-effective solution for gathering HART information is to use a HART interface device. Fortunately, HART interface devices make acquiring HART data a fairly simple proposition. Moore Industries Greg Feliks tells how.

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HART Communication Foundation, November 2004

Featured in this issue of the HARTLINE newsletter, our HIM HART Loop Monitor now has the ability to confirm that the Fisher® FIELDVUE® DVC6000 Series Digital Valve Controller is performing a partial valve stroke test and, if the test has failed, to alert the user that the ESD valve is stuck.

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IAN Magazine, September 2005

Our new HCS HART Concentrator System earned EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMATION distinction in IAN magazine. The HCS is the simple answer when you need to link smart HART instruments and transmitters with MODBUS-based monitoring and control systems.

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ISA Sensors Technology, September 2001

Even though precise temperature management is crucial to a myriad of applications, "Hundreds of interviews with plant personnel have made it clear to me that most users believe they are making a better temperature measurement than they actually are," said Bud Adler, our Director of Professional Development. In this article, Bud discusses important strategies to improve your overall temperature measurements.

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Industrial Networking Magazine, July 2004

What is your definition of a robust industrial network? How about a network that is reliable, immune to industrial noise and environmental issues, secure, and keeps working no matter what? In this article written by Senior Technical Editor Rich Merritt, industry experts, including Moore Industries' Scott Saunders, discuss the practical issues of creating a reliable industrial I/O network.

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Control Solutions Magazine, September 2001

Manufacturers will certainly consider widely applying digital fieldbus transmitters and control devices in new plants and for major retrofits. However, given today's money-tight, manpower-short conditions, it is unreasonable to expect users to spend the dollars required to implement a wholesale, field-level instrument retrofit to accommodate new digitally communicating instruments. In this article, our Vice President of Engineering Joe Hage discusses ways to use HART Loop Monitors to "unlock the hidden secrets" of in-place legacy instruments and achieve similar process improvements and diagnostic capabilities as would be available with all-digital strategies.

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Control Engineering Europe, April 2011

Charles Larson of Moore Industries was quoted in the HARTline Newsletter in a story discussing the benefits of HART 7. Larson mentioned that the introduction of HART 7 has "improved the ability of additional data and diagnostic information from devices" along with increasing "the awareness of users to the wealth of information in HART devices that can be used in plant efficiency."
To learn more about our link of Smart HART® loop monitors and interfaces, please visit our selection index.

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Compliance Engineering Magazine, May 2003 

With IEC 61508, manufacturers can ensure the functional safety of all aspects of a product's life cycle. In this technical article, Moolifecycleies' Kristina L. Balobeck discusses emerging safety standard IEC 61508. Entitled Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Safety-Related Systems, the new standard encompasses all aspects of a products conceptualization, development, manufacturing, and testing of its components.

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IAN Magazine, October 2002 

We were honored in the special 50th Anniversary issue of IAN magazine with an article chronicling some highlights of our company's history. The article takes a look at innovations introduced during our tenure in process control by comparing industry, and company, progressions with whimsical and interesting happenings of the time. It's a fun read. 

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Canadian Process Equipment and Control News, August 2002 

"A major challenge that faces natural gas extraction and transport applications is that they are often located in extremely remote locations. Natural gas gathering stations, compressor stations, pipeline feed applications and booster stations all involve the operation of pneumatic control valve actuators that require a pneumatic supply for operation", states Gus H. Elias, our Senior Certifications Engineer. In this article, Gus discusses the use of natural gas as a pneumatic supply in applications where it is impractical or impossible to supply instrument air for valve actuation. 

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Control Engineering-Europe Magazine, June 2006

Until now, the only ways to protect plant-critical segments were expensive duplication of an entire segment's hardware, complex software voting schemes, and restricting the number of devices per segment. Our new TRUNKSAFE Fault Tolerant Fieldbus System provides a cost-effective and simple strategy to eliminate this shortfall.

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WNIPT, February 2015

According to the FieldComm Group (formerly the HART Communications Foundation), there are more than 30 million HART-enabled instruments installed in chemical and process plants worldwide, and most process transmitters made today are HART compatible. The HART digital signal often contains valuable process measurements and other variables including instrument status, diagnostic data, alarms, calibration values and alert messages.
However, many systems fail to utilize the critical information available from HART-enabled transmitters, valve positioners, flowmeters and other "smart" devices. This article shows how a HART interface device can serve as a simple and cost-effective solution for gathering HART information.           

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Control Solutions Magazine, July 2003 

Our NCS NET Concentrator® System was featured on the cover and in a special Product Feature in this issue of Control Solutions magazine. Drawing on our 35 years experience in precision transmitter technology, the NCS provides exceptional 20-bit measurement resolution (in contrast to 12-, 14- or 16-bit for comparable I/O systems) and signal conditioning capabilities equivalent to the highest-quality transmitters on the market.

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Control Engineering, March 2009

While extending Ethernet to a PLC or DCS I/O block is very common, the idea of using it to connect to individual process or discrete sensing devices is relatively rare. But is that assessment changing? In this article, Control Engineering magazine's Peter Welander discusses the role of Ethernet based instrumentation in device-level networks.

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Engineering and Technology, February 2009

Rob Stockham, our Moore Industries-Europe General Manager and safety expert, look at the latest method being employed by the UK nuclear industry to access control systems in safety-related and safety-critical applications in power stations.

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Fieldbus Report, October 2008 

Modern DCS systems are major distributed networks with multiple data paths, which, in the interests of security and the highest plant availability, are almost always duplicated and made redundant. This article describes how FOUNDATION fieldbus systems can now incorporate redundancy and fault-tolerance right down to the H1 field layer. The major impact is on project ROI and plant revenues, and only FOUNDATION technology can offer this level of security and benefit to the plant operator.

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Canadian Process Equipment and Control News, December 2000

Our universal temperature transmitters have made front-page news in Canada once again. This time it's the brand-new dual-compartment version of our THZ Smart HART Temperature Transmitter. In addition to amazing accuracy and stability specifications, the THZ comes standard with a process display that shows the real-time temperature reading and the 4-20mA output value. To save you time and money, the THZ transmitter can be ordered as a fully tested, ready-to-install assembly that includes sensor, thermowell. All you have to do is install it into your process, connect a couple of loop wires, and you're in business.

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IAN Magazine, October 2006 

Our TG200 TRUNKGUARD® Series Device Coupler earned an Excellence in Automation award for its patented Automatic Segment Termination and unique spur short circuit protection.

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Process Industry News, June/July 2008

One of the new minefields for a product manager is the mandatory European Community (IEC) Harmonised Safety Compliance Directives and Standards, with the most current ATEX directive 94/9/EC. ATEX standard for "Atmosphere Explosives", and it is the law in the EU since July 2003. In this informative technical article, Moore Industries Senior Certifications Engineer Gus Elias helps you negotiate the maze of national and international rules and regulations associated with ATEX.

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HART LINE Newsletter, February 2001

Despite the reliability delivered by today's process transmitters and valve controllers, devices do fail. The more risk associated with a failure, the more important it is to ensure the operational integrity of the device. Our Director of Professional Development, Bud Adler, describes how to use HART Loop Monitors to provide continuous fault loop monitoring and increase plant safety.

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Control Supplement, September 2009

Approximately 80 percent of the Smart HART device population is underutilized, as plants rely on the smart technology only once or twice a year for setup and calibration. Automation professionals can no longer afford to do this. This article explains the simple and easy ways to get the valuable HART device information out into the plant and into the hands of end users to improve plant operations.
"Connecting the HART to the Rest of the Plant," features Moore Industries HIM Smart HART Loop Interface and Monitor that "breaks out" HART data.

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Process Heating Magazine, September 2005

While there are many practical and economic advantages to using temperature transmitters, the most basic are to ensure measurement integrity and to convert a temperature sensor's low-level signal to a standard 4-20mA current signal that can be easily accepted by a monitoring and control system. This article discusses the important considerations that should be taken into account when choosing a temperature transmitter.

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Control Engineering Magazine, December 2008

Measuring each of the "big four" process variables has its specific peculiarities, but temperature seems particularly controversial. In fact, this apparently simple task often gets complicated. This tutorial explains why.

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Control Global, October 2009

In Control Global's examination of the maturation process for fieldbus technology, new fieldbus challenges and tasks such as safety instrumented systems and wireless networking are explored.
MooreHawke's TRUNKGUARD system—the first FOUNDATION and PROFIBUS physical layer solution providing fully automatic fieldbus segment termination—is the article's featured solution for the Abengoa Bioenergy Corporation's greenfield production plant in Ravenna, NE.

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Control Engineering Magazine, January 2009

In this day and age, why use serial communications, such as RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485? Control Engineering Editor-In-Chief and industry-experts discuss the continued prevalent use of serial communications because of low cost, simplicity, and familiarity.

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Control Engineering Magazine, September 2002 

Managers are increasingly anxious to pull more diagnostic data from their manufacturing processes and link networks to asset management and resource planning systems that can deliver a competitive edge. Jim Montague, News Editor of Control Engineering magazine, discusses how to get more from in-place equipment using products like Moore Industries' HIM Hart Loop Interface and Monitor. 

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INTECH Magazine, April 2003 

While it may seem primitive and a far cry from today's technologically advanced equipment, the first true temperature measurement came when man decided to put his hand to fire, felt the heat, and decided it would be a better thing to keep his hand out of the middle of the inferno blazing in front of him. In this technical article, one of our temperature experts J.R. Madden describes ways to get tighter and more accurate temperature readings.

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Process Industry Informer, January/February 2007 

This article, written by our Director of International Sales, Mike O'Neill, for MooreHawke fieldbus products, details some of the awkward issues that fieldbus users might have to face including hazardous area choices; integrating devices into systems from different manufacturers; redundancy and fieldbus segment fault-tolerance.

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Applied Automation, August 2007

It seems like a simple request. The plant manager calls you into his office and says, "Process Engineering wants to connect six more field instruments to the distributed control system. They've already ordered another analog input board for the DCS, so all you have to do is run six twisted pairs from Unit A to the control Room. Moore Industries expert Gary Prentice explains how a peer-to-peer distributed I/O system is a simple answer to complex problems, such as adding instruments when no spare wiring exists.

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Oil & Gas Product News, July/August 2015

For many temperature applications, getting a high level of accuracy is vital. “A Practical Guide to Improving Temperature Measurement Accuracy” highlights how plant and site engineers can ensure the most accurate temperature measurement for critical applications. Written by National Sales Manager Gary Prentice, the article details steps that can also help end users improve the stability of their measurements and reduce calibration costs.

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October 2007 

Despite being used inside thermowells for a number of years, rigid temperature sensors are a nightmare for maintenance departments, says Robert Pool, sales engineer at Process Measurements & Monitors, a systems integrator based in Baton Rouge, LA. A solution, however, can be found through the use of flexible sensors from Moore Industries which go where rigid sensors cannot.

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Control Engineering Magazine, November 2008

With instrumentation, panel space equals money. In this news exclusive, Control Engineering magazine reviews our new miniMOORE Multi-Channel Signal Isolators and Converters. Reliable and very economical, the miniMOORE family includes 2-wire (loop) and 4-wire (line/mains), powered models.

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Process Heating Magazine, August 2002

While there are many practical and economic advantages to using temperature transmitters, the most basic is to ensure measurement integrity and to convert a temperature sensor's low-level signal to a standard 4-20mA signal that can be readily accepted by a monitoring and control system. Authored by one of our temperature experts Scott Saunders, this article lists aspects to consider when choosing a transmitter.

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Learn how distributed I/O products provide a universal and modular way to connect a wide range of signal input and control output possibilities with this informative video. Industry expert Peter Welander shows how the NCS NET Concentrator System® saves time and expenses associated with the installation and repair of wiring.

Watch the STA Safety Trip Alarm demo to see how it is an economical and easy-to-use way to monitor critical process signals and alert personnel to problems. Journalist and industry expert Peter Welander demonstrates the ability of the STA to monitor the temperature of water in a "hot pot" and trigger an alarm if it goes outside of a pre-programmed range.

Watch and learn how a flexible temperature sensor can ease installation and save costs! This Temperature Sensor technology demo featuring industry analyst Peter Welander highlights the advantages of flexible Thermocouple and RTD sensors. It focuses on the WORM Flexible Temperature Sensor from Moore Industries, which provides a universal sensor strategy that will save you time and money.

Wireless I/O systems are gaining in popularity as plant operators understand the benefits of costs, reliability and flexibility associated with switching from traditional wiring. In this video, journalist and industry expert Peter Welander shows how the WNM Wireless Network Module from Moore Industries provides a robust and versatile wireless I/O solution.

Natural gas and oil production involves the use of monitoring and control instrumentation with continuous gas needs. This is challenging for sites in remote locations with limited power resources. In this video, Moore Industries looks at one real-world example solved by our HCS HART® Concentrator System.

A short circuit or break in a FOUNDATION Fieldbus segment can lead to production shutdowns. But until recently, creating a fault-tolerant, redundant Fieldbus solution has been costly and time-consuming. The TRUNKSAFE Fault-Tolerant Fieldbus System from MooreHawke is an affordable and effective solution.