Abstract: A combustion analyzer configured to simultaneously detect the concentrations of oxygen, carbon monoxide and methane in a combustion process is provided. The combustion analyzer includes an oxygen sensor configured to detect the oxygen in the combustion process and generate a sensor signal indicative of the concentration of oxygen in the combustion process. The combustion analyzer further includes a dual carbon monoxide-methane sensor configured to operate at approximately 400° C. and provide a second sensor signal indicative of methane concentration and at approximately 300° C. to selectively provide a third sensor signal indicative of carbon monoxide concentration. The combustion analyzer finally includes a controller configured to receive the sensor signals, determine the concentration of oxygen, and generate a carbon monoxide concentration output and methane concentration output based on the dual carbon monoxide-methane sensor signals and the concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: An improved oxygen analyzer includes a controller configured to receive an oxygen sensor signal and provide an oxygen concentration output. A probe is configured to extend into a source of combustion process gas. An oxygen sensor is disposed within the probe and has a sensing electrode mounted to one side of a solid electrolyte and a reference electrode mounted to an opposite side of the solid electrolyte. The oxygen sensor has catalytic beads that are configured to be disposed between the process gas and the sensing electrode. Measurement circuitry is operably coupled to the oxygen sensor and the controller and is configured to provide the controller with the oxygen sensor signal based on an electrical response of the oxygen sensor. The controller is configured to detect a behavior of the oxygen sensor concentration output over time to provide at least one ancillary output.

Abstract: A combustion analyzer configured to simultaneously detect the concentrations of oxygen, carbon monoxide and methane in a combustion process is provided. The combustion analyzer includes an oxygen sensor configured to detect the oxygen in the combustion process and generate a sensor signal indicative of the concentration of oxygen in the combustion process. The combustion analyzer further includes a dual carbon monoxide-methane sensor configured to operate at approximately 400° C. and provide a second sensor signal indicative of methane concentration and at approximately 300° C. to selectively provide a third sensor signal indicative of carbon monoxide concentration. The combustion analyzer finally includes a controller configured to receive the sensor signals, determine the concentration of oxygen, and generate a carbon monoxide concentration output and methane concentration output based on the dual carbon monoxide-methane sensor signals and the concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: A wireless power and communication unit for field devices is configured to connect to a field device and provide operating power and wired digital communication between the unit and the field device. RF circuitry in the unit is configured for radio frequency communication. In one embodiment, power supply circuitry in the unit includes one or more solar power cells that convert solar energy into electricity to power both the unit and the field device. The unit interacts with the field device in accordance with a standard industry communication protocol. The unit communicates wirelessly with an external device, such as a control room, based upon the interaction with the field device.

Abstract: An interface module for use in a process monitoring and control system has an Ethernet port, a controller, and at least one segment I/O module. The Ethernet port is adapted to send and receive signals in an Ethernet protocol over a cable comprising a plurality of wires and to receive a voltage potential from at least one pair of the plurality of wires. The controller is coupled to the Ethernet port and powered from the received voltage potential. The at least one segment I/O module is coupled to the controller and is adapted to couple to an associated field device segment with at least one attached field device. The at least one segment I/O module is adapted to interact with the at least one attached field device on the associated field device segment.

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.

Abstract: A wireless process device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system comprising includes a power source configured to power the process device. Diagnostic circuitry is configured to diagnose operation of process device and provides a diagnostic output. Wireless communication circuitry transmits information over a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A wireless power and communication unit for field devices is configured to connect to a field device and provide operating power and wired digital communication between the unit and the field device. RF circuitry in the unit is configured for radio frequency communication. In one embodiment, power supply circuitry in the unit includes one or more solar power cells that convert solar energy into electricity to power both the unit and the field device. The unit interacts with the field device in accordance with a standard industry communication protocol. The unit communicates wirelessly with an external device, such as a control room, based upon the interaction with the field device.