About HART Communicators
HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) Protocol is an open standard used globally to send and receive digital information using analogue wiring between smart devices and control systems. With over 30 million devices installed, it is the most popular protocol used in the field. HART was first available in the late 1980s and quickly gained in popularity mainly due to its ability to continue to support the older 4-20 mA analogue protocol while adding the significant benefits of digital smart instrumentation.
Efficiency of Hart Communicator Test Tools in Industrial Instrumentation
Industrial instrumentation and process control requires a HART Communicator test tool to help maintain and optimise field devices. The HART protocol has been a cornerstone in industrial automation, allowing seamless communication between field devices and control systems. To ensure the smooth functioning of these devices, the use of a dedicated HART communicator test tool has become imperative due to its versatility in configuring, diagnosing, and simulating field devices
The time and cost savings, coupled with enhanced safety measures, make HART communicators a valuable asset in any industrial setting.
Understanding HART Communicators: HART communication is a digital communication protocol that enables two-way communication between smart field devices and control systems. This protocol provides a means for monitoring and configuring devices such as sensors, transmitters, and valves in the field. The HART communicator test tool serves as a bridge, facilitating communication between the control room and field devices, ensuring that critical data is exchanged accurately and efficiently.
Key Features of HART Communicator Test Tools: Device Configuration: The primary function of a HART communicator test tool is to configure and calibrate field devices. With the ability to access and modify device parameters remotely, technicians can fine-tune instruments without the need for manual intervention. This feature significantly reduces down-time and enhances the overall efficiency of industrial processes.
Diagnostic Capabilities: HART communicators provide in-depth diagnostic capabilities, allowing technicians to identify and troubleshoot issues with field devices. The tool can retrieve diagnostic information from devices, aiding in the early detection of potential problems and preventing costly breakdowns. This proactive approach to maintenance contributes to increased reliability and longevity of industrial equipment.
Loop Check and Simulation: Another crucial aspect of HART communicators is their ability to perform loop checks and simulations. Technicians can simulate various scenarios to test the response of field devices under different conditions. This feature is invaluable during the commissioning phase and routine maintenance, ensuring that instruments function as intended in real-world conditions.
Data Logging and Documentation: HART communicator test tools often come equipped with data logging capabilities. This allows technicians to record and analyse historical data from field devices, aiding in performance analysis and predictive maintenance. The documentation feature ensures that a comprehensive record of configuration changes and diagnostics is maintained, facilitating compliance with industry regulations.
Benefits of Using HART Communicator Test Tools:
Time Efficiency: The ability to remotely configure and calibrate devices significantly reduces the time required for maintenance activities. Technicians can access field devices without physically being present, streamlining the calibration process and minimising downtime.
Cost Savings: By identifying potential issues before they escalate, HART communicators contribute to substantial cost savings. The preventive maintenance approach ensures that equipment operates at peak efficiency, reducing the need for emergency repairs and replacement of costly components.
Enhanced Safety: With the capability to perform diagnostics and configuration remotely, technicians can avoid exposure to potentially hazardous environments. This not only enhances safety but also contributes to a more efficient and risk-averse work environment.
Calibrating a HART smart pressure transmitter
Pressure transmitter manufacturers have improved the accuracy and technology designed into these smart pressure measurement devices. Many conventional calibration tools have become inadequate or simply unable to test and calibrate these high accuracy pressure transmitters. Better test solutions are required. Verifying and documenting the performance and adjusting a HART smart pressure transmitter can require a bucket full of tools. Performing this task with a HART enabled calibrator like the FLUKE 754 simplifies the task and reduces what you need to carry.
Before going to the field: install the pressure module adapter to the hand pump with thread seal. Once the adapter is properly installed on the pump, changing modules to different pressure ranges is a snap, no tools required.
To get the accuracy needed: to test these new high accuracy transmitters match the pressure measurement standard range closely to the device tested. For example, use a 100 psi pressure module to calibrate and test a transmitter ranged at 100 psi. Industry standards suggest the measurement standard should be 4-10 times more accurate than the device being tested so best-in-class accuracy is required. The FLUKE 754 utilises the 750P series pressure modules and has built-in HART functionality to enable smart trims on transmitters. It can also document transmitter performance before and after adjustment and calculate pass/fail errors.
How To Perform The Test: Calibrating a HART Smart Pressure Transmitter (Including TECH TIPS)
If you have any questions contact our friendly team today - experts are here to advise on the full range of HART communicators.
Model FLUKE 753 can be used for the same applications as model FLUKE 754 except for HART device calibration.
Model FLUKE 725 and 726 can be used for the same applications as model 753 except for documenting and live contact testing of switches.