Flowmeter has 2-way PROFIBUS-DP protocol option.

Press Release Summary:



Thermal mass FlexMASSter ST98 Series provides process flow information, remote instrument diagnostics, and automated update capability. Sensing element is temperature compensated, and unit features accuracy of ±1% reading plus ±0.5% FS. With repeatability of ±0.5% of reading, flowmeter detects flows as low as 0.25 sfps and is available in integral and remote configurations with weather-resistant or weather-resistant and explosion-proof enclosure.



Original Press Release:



FlexMASSter® ST98 Flowmeter Series With 2-Way PROFIBUS Communications



Simplify Process Updates, Diagnostics, Calibration Changes and More

San Marcos, CA--The highly accurate and repeatable thermal mass FlexMASSter ST98 Series Flowmeter from FCI is now offered with the high-speed communication and cost saving advantages of the two-way PROFIBUS-DP protocol option.

Ideal for the chemical, electric power, food/beverage, oil/gas, pulp/paper, water treatment and many other industries, the ST98 Flowmeter with two-way PROFIBUS provides enhanced process flow information, advanced remote instrument diagnostics and automated update capability. PROFIBUS is a digital communication protocol with years of proven experience and over 400,000 successful applications, with an estimated installed base of about 4,500,000 devices.

The ST98 Flowmeter's advanced thermal mass sensing element is fully temperature compensated and delivers precision measurements over a wide flow range. It features an accuracy of ±1% of reading plus ±0.5% of full scale. Highly consistent, the ST98 has a repeatability of ±0.5% of reading. Flowmeters from FCI detect flows ranging from as low as 0.25 SFPS for insertion unit configurations. In-line instruments measure even lower flow rates.

FCI's advanced packaging design allows easy access to termination points and communication ports; the flowmeter comes in integral and remote configurations. The ST98 is available in two classes of enclosure. One is weather-resistant; the second is weather resistant and explosion-proof, meeting standards for hazardous location use. Both enclosures are designed to resist corrosion. Standard signal output is 4-20mA.

The ST98's flow sensing element is comprised of two all-welded 316 stainless steel thermowells that protect resistance temperature detectors (RTDs). One RTD is heated relative to the other, and the temperature difference is proportional to the process flow rate. The standard flow elements have adjustable insertion lengths and are available in sizes 2.6 to 120 inches. The process connection is a ¾ inch NPT or flange compression fitting with a Teflon or stainless steel ferrule. Packing gland assemblies are available for easy installation and removal during normal operation.

Two-way PROFIBUS offers the benefit of high-speed communication, with transmission rates of up to 12Mbaud, in a deterministic network that is easy to expand. It also offers open integration through the OPC interface. A study conducted by NAMUR AK 3.5 (standardization committee of the instrumentation and control industry) indicates that PROFIBUS installations can achieve a cost savings of about 40% in planning, wiring, start-up and maintenance over conventional 4-20 mA installations.

FCI's other flowmeter and flow switch product lines are available with a wide variety of advanced communications options to support virtually any process flow measurement requirement. Available communication options include: HART, Ethernet, MODBUS and ASI.

Fluid Components Intl is a global company committed to meeting the needs of its customers through innovative solutions to the most challenging requirements for sensing, measuring and controlling air, gas, liquid, flow, level and temperature.

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