Katronic recognise that it is no longer enough to simply provide customers with reliable flow data — they also need to focus on how this information is presented and used in the most productive way possible. It is still the case that the majority of KATflow meters include a standard 4–20 mA or totalising pulse output. There is, however, a growing requirement for more advanced communication options capable of more than the conventional analogue solutions that have been the go-to output of choice for decades.
The need for better information is driving the advance of smart metering instruments. Over time, there has been a steady increase in customers requesting communication able to provide simultaneous multiple variables, including diagnostic data. During this process, it has become apparent that trying to take a “one language fits all” approach will not work — each industrial sector uses systems with their own preferred communication methods, so standardisation isn’t an option from a manufacturer’s perspective. To meet the needs of engineers, it’s important for Katronic to provide a solution to suit the individual application or system to which its meters are connected.
Communications Evolution
The most recent evolution of communications on the KATflow meters took place in response to a series of customer requests. Initially, a customer approached Katronic to provide instruments with a connection to a PC network, and Katronic therefore developed an Ethernet output for all of the fixed-installation instruments. This was taken to the next stage by making all of the measurement and diagnostic values available wirelessly over 3G.
Once the data is available on the internet, Katronic provides the customer with a software interface tailored to suit their needs. The platform can support all of the measurement variables available on the flowmeter, including volumetric, mass, and heat quantity values.
Remote Monitoring
In response to the move towards smarter metering, the customer is also able to access the flowmeter’s diagnostic data, such as signal strength, gain, noise, and liquid speed of sound. Engineers can use this information to evaluate meter performance, add credibility to measurements, and make predictions on possible service requirements of the flowmeter and sensors — effectively turning a flowmeter from a device that just reports a number into one that reports its own confidence in that number.
Addition of LonWorks, BACnet & Profibus Protocols
As well as the wired and wireless Ethernet options, Katronic have developed several other new platforms on which the flowmeters are able to operate. LonWorks, which is widely used in control systems for buildings, power, HVAC, and air-conditioning systems, is now available alongside the rival BACnet output.
The LonWorks and BACnet options are available on the KATflow 150 and 170 fixed flowmeters and the KATflow 210 portable meter. The Profibus solution is currently only available on the KATflow 150 model, but is planned for the 170 as well.
Why Protocol Choice Matters More Than It Looks
Picking a flowmeter is often treated as purely a measurement-accuracy decision, but communication protocol compatibility is just as likely to determine whether an installation actually integrates cleanly into a site’s existing systems. A meter with the right accuracy but the wrong protocol for a building’s existing BMS or a plant’s existing SCADA infrastructure either needs an additional protocol converter — extra cost, extra point of failure — or simply doesn’t talk to the rest of the system at all. Checking which protocol your existing control infrastructure actually uses, before specifying a meter, avoids finding this out during commissioning.
Daly Middle East have a full range of ultrasonic metering solutions for a variety of applications. For enquiries or more information, phone us on +971 (0) 4 887 8185 or email us at sales@daly-me.com.