Abstract: An industrial communication module includes a controller and a common interface coupled to the controller. The common interface is configured to couple to a plurality of different types of sensor modules. The industrial communication module includes protocol/output circuitry coupled to the controller and configured to provide an output to a remote device. A sensor module includes a controller and a common interface coupled to the controller. The common interface is configured to couple to a plurality of different types of industrial communication modules. The sensor module includes measurement processing circuitry coupled to the controller and configured to measure an analog electrical characteristic of a sensor and provide a digital indication of the measured analog electrical characteristic to the controller.

Abstract: A modular industrial transmitter includes a communication module and a sensor module. The communication module is configured to communicate with a remote device and has a common interface configured to couple to a plurality of different types of sensor modules. The sensor module is coupled to the common interface of the communication module. Physical coupling of the communication module to the sensor module is performed tool-lessly.

Abstract: A process temperature estimation system includes a mounting assembly configured to mount the process fluid temperature estimation system to an external surface of a process fluid conduit. A hot end thermocouple is thermally coupled to the external surface of the process fluid conduit. A resistance temperature device (RTD) is spaced from the hot end thermocouple. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the hot end thermocouple and is configured to detect an emf of the hot end thermocouple and a resistance of the RTD that varies with temperature and provide sensor temperature information. A controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and is configured to measure a reference temperature based on the resistance of the RTD and employ a heat transfer calculation with the reference temperature, the emf of the hot end thermocouple, and known thermal conductivity of the process fluid conduit to generate an estimated process temperature output.

Abstract: A process fluid temperature measurement system is provided. The process fluid temperature measurement system includes a thermowell configured to couple to a process fluid conduit and extend through a wall of the process fluid conduit. The process fluid temperature measurement system also includes a temperature sensor assembly disposed within the thermowell, the temperature sensor assembly including a sensor capsule having at least one temperature sensitive element disposed therein. The temperature sensor assembly also includes a vibration sensor coupled to the sensor capsule, the vibration sensor being configured to produce a vibration signal in response to detected vibration. The process fluid temperature measurement system further includes transmitter circuitry coupled to the vibration sensor and configured to receive the vibration signal and produce an output based on the received vibration signal.

Abstract: A process fluid temperature calculation system includes a first temperature sensor disposed to measure an external temperature of a process fluid conduit. The process fluid temperature calculation system has a stem portion having a known thermal impedance. A second temperature sensor is spaced from the first temperature sensor by the stem portion. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the first and second temperature sensors. A microprocessor is coupled to the measurement circuitry to receive temperature information from the measurement circuitry and to provide an estimate of temperature of process fluid within the process fluid conduit using a heat flux calculation.

Abstract: A polymeric fluid sensor includes an inlet configured to receive fluid and an outlet. A polymeric tube is fluidically interposed between the inlet and the outlet and has a first sensing location with a first sidewall thickness and a second sensing location, spaced from the first sensing location, with a second sidewall thickness. A sleeve is disposed about the polymeric tube. The first sidewall thickness is less than the second sidewall thickness and a first sensing element is disposed at the first location and a second sensing element is disposed at the second location. In another example, the first and second sidewall thicknesses are the same and a fluid restriction is disposed within the polymeric tube between the first and second sensing locations.

Abstract: A process fluid temperature estimation system includes a mounting assembly, a sensor capsule, measurement circuitry, and a controller. The mounting assembly is configured to mount the process fluid temperature estimation system to an external surface of a process fluid conduit. The sensor capsule has an end that is configured to contact the external surface of the process fluid conduit to form an interface having a contact region and an air gap. The sensor capsule also has at least one temperature sensitive element disposed therein. The measurement circuitry is coupled to the sensor capsule and configured to detect an electrical characteristic of the at least one temperature sensitive element that varies with temperature and provide at least process fluid conduit skin temperature information. The controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and is configured to obtain the process fluid conduit skin temperature information from the measurement circuitry and to obtain reference temperature information.

Abstract: A polymeric fluid sensor includes an inlet configured to receive fluid and an outlet. A polymeric tube is fluidically interposed between the inlet and the outlet and has a first sensing location with a first sidewall thickness and a second sensing location, spaced from the first sensing location, with a second sidewall thickness. A sleeve is disposed about the polymeric tube. The first sidewall thickness is less than the second sidewall thickness and a first sensing element is disposed at the first location and a second sensing element is disposed at the second location. In another example, the first and second sidewall thicknesses are the same and a fluid restriction is disposed within the polymeric tube between the first and second sensing locations.

Abstract: A process fluid flow system includes a first pipe skin sensor and a second pipe skin sensor. The first pipe skin sensor is disposed to measure an external temperature of a process fluid conduit at a first location on the process fluid conduit. The second pipe skin sensor is disposed to measure an external temperature of a process fluid conduit at a second location on the process fluid conduit. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the first and second pipe skin sensors. A controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and is configured to identify a process fluid flow condition based on signals from the first and second pipe skin sensors and to output an indication of the process fluid flow condition.

Abstract: A process fluid temperature transmitter includes a plurality of terminals, an excitation source, a measurement device, and a controller. The plurality of terminals is couplable to an RTD. The excitation source is operably coupled to the plurality of terminals and is configured to apply an excitation signal to the RTD. The measurement device is coupled to the plurality of terminals and is configured to measure a response of the RTD to the applied excitation signal. The controller is coupled to the excitation source and the measurement device. The controller is configured to perform an RTD resistance measurement by causing the excitation source to apply the excitation signal to the RTD and to cause the measurement device to measure the response of the RTD while the excitation signal is applied to the RTD.

Abstract: A process fluid temperature measurement system is provided. The process fluid temperature measurement system includes a thermowell configured to couple to a process fluid conduit and extend through a wall of the process fluid conduit. The process fluid temperature measurement system also includes a temperature sensor assembly disposed within the thermowell, the temperature sensor assembly including a sensor capsule having at least one temperature sensitive element disposed therein. The temperature sensor assembly also includes a vibration sensor coupled to the sensor capsule, the vibration sensor being configured to produce a vibration signal in response to detected vibration. The process fluid temperature measurement system further includes transmitter circuitry coupled to the vibration sensor and configured to receive the vibration signal and produce an output based on the received vibration signal.

Abstract: A pipe diagnostic system includes a sensor capsule, measurement circuitry and a controller. The sensor capsule is configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of a pipe and has at least one temperature sensitive element disposed therein. The measurement circuitry is coupled to the sensor capsule and is configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the at least one temperature sensitive element and provide an indication of the measurement. The controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and is configured to obtain a transmitter reference measurement and employ a heat transfer calculation with the transmitter reference measurement and the indication to generate an estimated process fluid temperature. The controller is further configured to obtain an indication of process fluid temperature and provide a pipe diagnostic indication based on a comparison of the estimated process fluid temperature and the obtained indication of process fluid temperature.

Abstract: A process fluid temperature estimation system includes a mounting assembly that is configured to mount the process fluid temperature estimation system to an external surface of a process fluid conduit. A sensor capsule has at least one temperature sensitive element disposed therein. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the sensor capsule and is configured to detect a characteristic of the at least one temperature sensitive element that varies with temperature and provide sensor capsule temperature information. A high temperature spacer has a known thermal conductivity and is configured to be interposed between the external surface of the process fluid conduit and the at least one temperature sensitive element.

Abstract: A process fluid temperature measurement system includes a thermowell configured to couple to a process fluid conduit and extend through a wall of the process fluid conduit. A temperature sensor assembly is disposed within the thermowell and includes a first temperature sensitive element and a second temperature sensitive element. The first temperature sensitive element is disposed within the thermowell adjacent a distal end of the thermowell. The second temperature sensitive element is spaced apart from the first temperature sensitive element along a spacer having a known thermal conductivity. Transmitter circuitry is coupled to the first and second temperature sensitive elements and is configured to perform a heat flux calculation to provide a process fluid temperature output.

Abstract: A process fluid flow system includes a first pipe skin sensor and a second pipe skin sensor. The first pipe skin sensor is disposed to measure an external temperature of a process fluid conduit at a first location on the process fluid conduit. The second pipe skin sensor is disposed to measure an external temperature of a process fluid conduit at a second location on the process fluid conduit. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the first and second pipe skin sensors. A controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and is configured to identify a process fluid flow condition based on signals from the first and second pipe skin sensors and to output an indication of the process fluid flow condition.

Abstract: An explosion-proof thermal imaging system is provided. The system include an explosion-proof housing having a window that is configured to allow thermal radiation therethrough. An infrared camera is positioned within the explosion-proof housing and is disposed to receive and image thermal radiation that passes through the window. An emissivity target is disposed within a field of view of the infrared camera, but on an opposite side of the window from the infrared camera. A temperature sensor is operably coupled to the infrared camera and is configured to provide an indication of temperature proximate the emissivity target.

Abstract: A sensor capsule for a heat flux sensor includes a hot end and a cold end. The sensor capsule includes a thermal conductor extending from the hot end toward the cold end, and a plurality of temperature sensors coupled to the thermal conductor at different distances from the hot end.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system is provided. The thermal imaging system includes an explosion-proof housing with an optical window configured to contain an explosive pressure. The optical window allows electromagnetic thermal energy to pass. A thermal imaging sensor is disposed within the explosion-proof housing. Thermal imaging electronics are coupled to the thermal imaging sensor and configured to provide at least one thermal image based on a signal from the thermal imaging sensor. A lens assembly is disposed at least in front of the optical window external to the explosion-proof housing. A composite optical window for thermal imaging is also provided. In another embodiment, a thermal imaging system includes an explosion-proof housing having an optical window configured to contain an explosive pressure. An infrared (IR) camera is disposed within the explosion-proof housing. A reflector reflects electromagnetic thermal energy to the IR camera, but prevent an object from impacting the optical window.

Abstract: A pipe diagnostic system includes a sensor capsule, measurement circuitry and a controller. The sensor capsule is configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of a pipe and has at least one temperature sensitive element disposed therein. The measurement circuitry is coupled to the sensor capsule and is configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the at least one temperature sensitive element and provide an indication of the measurement. The controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and is configured to obtain a transmitter reference measurement and employ a heat transfer calculation with the transmitter reference measurement and the indication to generate an estimated process fluid temperature. The controller is further configured to obtain an indication of process fluid temperature and provide a pipe diagnostic indication based on a comparison of the estimated process fluid temperature and the obtained indication of process fluid temperature.

Abstract: A pipe diagnostic system includes a sensor capsule, measurement circuitry and a controller. The sensor capsule is configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of a pipe and has at least one temperature sensitive element disposed therein. The measurement circuitry is coupled to the sensor capsule and is configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the at least one temperature sensitive element and provide an indication of the measurement. The controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and is configured to obtain a transmitter reference measurement and employ a heat transfer calculation with the transmitter reference measurement and the indication to generate an estimated process fluid temperature. The controller is further configured to obtain an indication of process fluid temperature and provide a pipe diagnostic indication based on a comparison of the estimated process fluid temperature and the obtained indication of process fluid temperature.