New fieldbus temperature multiplexer can save up to 70%

2007 02 01

MTL have launched the 9331-TI fieldbus multiplexer, a field-mounted temperature input block for 2- and 3- wire RTDs, thermocouple, voltage and resistance inputs with each unit supporting eight independently configurable temperature inputs. The 9331-TI offers the lowest cost solution for temperature monitoring measurements, e.g. distillation columns, tanks, reactors, boilers, etc. and can reduce installed costs by as much as 70% per point when compared to traditional single temperature inputs. The 9331-TI is bus-powered, operating between 9 and 32Vdc, requiring a maximum current of only 22mA. Traditional temperature monitoring methods (control system temperature input cards, low cost single input transmitters and remote I/O) are eliminated with the introduction of this intrinsically safe, eight input multiplexer that mounts beside the process, and the use of Foundation fieldbus™ enables easy integration with today’s process control systems. As a Foundation fieldbus™ device, measurement status is available (good, bad or uncertain) as well as sensor failure indication. The 9331-TI fieldbus function block support includes 8 Analog Input (AI) blocks, an 8-channel Multiple Analog Input (MAI) block and Input Selector (IS) block providing basic logic such as minimum, maximum, mid-point or average temperature. Designed for the harshest environments, the hazardous area certification provides intrinsically safe inputs when connected to an IS fieldbus spur or non-incendive Ex nL inputs when connected to a non arcing Ex nA or non-incendive Ex nL fieldbus spur. It may be installed in a Zone 0 (gas) Class 1 Division 1 hazardous area or when mounted in specific Process Junction Boxes, in a Zone 20 (dust) hazardous area. This flexibility, when combined with an operating temperature range of -40ºC to +85ºC and input-to-input isolation of 500 VAC rms, means that the multiplexer can be mounted close to the process The multiplexer may be housed in a variety of field enclosures, to suit end-user requirements with a range of standard, single/dual-unit Glass Reinforced Polyester and single-unit Stainless Steel enclosures available. A custom systems capability will satisfy projects which require more than one TI multiplexer per enclosure or combinations of Fieldbus Barriers, TI multiplexers and ancillary

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