Abstract: Electronic steam trap monitoring is disclosed. An electronic steam trap monitor is operably coupled to an outlet of a steam trap and is configured to measure at least one process variable of fluid (liquid or gas) flowing through the trap, when the trap is known to be working normally. The steam trap monitor stores the process variable information obtained during the known operating condition for later comparison. The steam trap monitor obtains a later process variable measurement and compares it to the stored measurement to selectively generate a leakage indication. The steam trap monitor preferably uses a local power source and communicates wirelessly.

Abstract: A distributed control and/or monitoring system and method includes a local application and a remote application separated from the local application. The local application includes a host computer. The remote application includes a plurality of field devices and a communication bus connected to the plurality of field devices. Packet messages are wirelessly communicated between the local application and the remote application such that the host computer and field devices can communicate with each other as if they were directly connected to the same communication bus.

Abstract: A probe for deployment in a fluid measures produces an output representative of a parameter associated with the fluid. The probe includes a density control system to control a density of the probe and a locating system to track a location of probe in the fluid.

Abstract: Infrared radiation from a plurality of locations associated with a process is measured by a field device, which includes a plurality of input channels, a plurality of IR sensors, and a data processor. The infrared radiation from the locations associated with the process is received by the input channels and the intensity of the infrared radiation is measured by the IR sensors to produce representative sensor signals. The data processor produces an output as a function of selected sensor signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for allowing a field device to select a data communication provider among a plurality of available data communication providers. Preferably, the method includes periodically, or selectively, assessing the strengths and efficacy of data communication on one or more alternate data communication providers. The data communication provider with the strongest signal and/or most effective data communication is selected for use by the field device. Preferably, the field device logs events where it switches among data communication providers.