ABB adds Ethernet-APL connectivity to electromagnetic flowmeters for hazardous areas

ProcessMaster, ABB’s next generation electromagnetic flowmeters, now allow for high-speed transmission of field data in hazardous environments.

ProcessMaster, ABB’s next generation electromagnetic flowmeters, are now available with Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) connectivity, allowing for high-speed transmission of field data. By expanding its portfolio of APL-enabled instrumentation, ABB continues to bring the benefits of Ethernet communication to industrial operations.

The new ProcessMaster flowmeters offer possibilities for simplified connectivity and high-speed collection and analysis of a wealth of process and diagnostic data in chemical factories, oil & gas operations, power plants, and the water industry. With the ability to measure flow in any process application, the ProcessMaster with Ethernet-APL supports the production process and opens new possibilities for process engineers and plant managers. The new capabilities support real-time decision-making and predictive maintenance based on real-time data, significantly reducing errors and downtime.

Ethernet is the most common communication technology in industrial applications. However, in most process industries its application has remained minimal due to concerns about safety, cost, and limitations on cable length, which has made it difficult to establish communication networks in large industrial facilities. These issues were addressed with the introduction of Ethernet-APL, which was created through the successful cooperation of 12 major industry suppliers of process automation, including ABB, and four international standard organizations.