Abstract: A multivariable fluid level detection system comprising a guided wave radar probe with sensor or sensors integral to the probe for producing sensor signal(s), a transmitter for transmitting guided microwave pulses down the probe, a receiver for receiving reflected microwave pulses, and a processor for producing a measurement of fluid level based upon a time difference between transmission of a pulse and receipt of a reflected pulse and the sensor signal(s).

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for sensing a process variable of process fluid in an industrial process includes a process gasket having a surface configured to form a seal with a process vessel face. The process gasket is exposed to the process fluid through an opening in the process vessel face. A process variable sensor is carried by the process gasket and configured to sense a process variable of the process fluid and provide a sensor output. Measurement circuitry coupled to the process variable sensor provides a process variable transmitter output related to the process variable output.

Abstract: A corrosion rate measurement system includes a first membrane of a first material configured to be exposed to a corrosive material and deflect in response to corrosion. A second membrane is configured to be exposed to a corrosive material and deflect in response to corrosion. A pressure sensor is operably coupled to at least one of the first and second membranes and configured to measure deflection of at least one of the first and second membranes as a function of a pressure and an amount of corrosion at least one of the first and second membranes.

Abstract: An isolation manifold includes a manifold body, a process connection at a first end of the manifold body, a pressure transmitter connection at a second end of the manifold body, a passageway through the manifold body, an isolation valve, and a pressure limiting device. The process connection is for fluidly connecting the isolation manifold to a process vessel or conduit containing a process fluid. The pressure transmitter connection is for fluidly connecting the isolation manifold to a pressure transmitter. The passageway fluidly connects the process connection to the pressure transmitter connection. The isolation valve is operable to selectively block the passageway to isolate the process connection from the pressure transmitter connection. The pressure limiting device fluidly connects to the passageway between the isolation valve and the pressure transmitter connection. The manifold may preferably include a pressure snubber within the passageway to increase the flow impedance of the passageway.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor module, a pressure inlet formed in the sensor module, an isolation diaphragm positioned in the pressure inlet, a pressure sensor and an isolation tube containing a fill fluid to convey a process fluid related pressure from the isolation diaphragm to the pressure sensor. A hydrogen getter material is positioned in contact with the fill fluid between the isolation diaphragm and the pressure sensor to remove hydrogen from the fill fluid.

Abstract: An isolator system for a pressure transmitter includes a port internal to the transmitter, a sensor tube, and a fill tube. The sensor tube is connected to the port to fluidly connect a passageway through a transmitter body to a pressure sensor. The sensor tube includes a first end disposed in the port. The first end has a first cross-sectional area. The fill tube is internal to the transmitter and connected to the port to fluidly connect to the passageway. The fill tube includes a second end disposed in the port. The second end of the fill tube has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area of the sensor tube.

Abstract: An isolation manifold includes a manifold body, a process connection at a first end of the manifold body, a pressure transmitter connection at a second end of the manifold body, a passageway through the manifold body, an isolation valve, and a pressure limiting device. The process connection is for fluidly connecting the isolation manifold to a process vessel or conduit containing a process fluid. The pressure transmitter connection is for fluidly connecting the isolation manifold to a pressure transmitter. The passageway fluidly connects the process connection to the pressure transmitter connection. The isolation valve is operable to selectively block the passageway to isolate the process connection from the pressure transmitter connection. The pressure limiting device fluidly connects to the passageway between the isolation valve and the pressure transmitter connection. The manifold may preferably include a pressure snubber within the passageway to increase the flow impedance of the passageway.

Abstract: A field device for monitoring a process variable of an industrial process includes an image capture device. A process component exhibits relative motion as a function of a process variable. The image captures device captures an image which changes due to the relative motion of the process component. An image processor coupled to the image capture device detects relative motion of the process component and measures the process variable based upon the detected relative motion. Output circuitry provides an output related to the measured process variable.

Abstract: A process fluid pressure measurement probe includes a pressure sensor formed of a single-crystal material and mounted to a first metallic process fluid barrier and disposed for direct contact with a process fluid. The pressure sensor has an electrical characteristic that varies with process fluid pressure. A feedthrough is formed of a single-crystal material and has a plurality of conductors extending from a first end to a second end. The feedthrough is mounted to a second metallic process fluid barrier and is spaced from, but electrically coupled to, the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor and the feedthrough are mounted such that the secondary metallic process fluid barrier is isolated from process fluid by the first metallic process fluid barrier.

Abstract: During manufacturing a unique encrypted authentication code is created for each product based upon device specific information relating to that product. The unique encrypted authentication code together with the device specific information is stored in a database, and a representation of the unique encrypted authentication code is stored on the product. To determine whether a product in question is authentic, the readable representation of the unique encrypted authentication code is read and sent to a server along with a request for product authentication. The server provides an indication of authenticity of the product in question based upon the unique encrypted authentication code received and the device specific information associated with that unique encrypted authentication code in the database.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes a transmitter housing and a process variable sensor having a sensor output related to a process variable. An accelerometer is coupled to the transmitter and provides an accelerometer output related to acceleration. Diagnostic circuitry provides a diagnostic output as a function of the sensor output and the accelerometer output.

Abstract: A coplanar process fluid pressure sensor module is provided. The module includes a coplanar base and a housing body. The coplanar base has a pair of process fluid pressure inlets, each having an isolator diaphragm. The housing body is coupled to the coplanar base at an interface between the coplanar base and the housing body. A differential pressure sensor is operably coupled to the pair of process fluid pressure inlets, and is disposed proximate the coplanar base within the housing body.

Abstract: A coplanar process fluid pressure sensor module is provided. The module includes a coplanar base and a housing body. The coplanar base has a pair of process fluid pressure inlets, each having an isolator diaphragm. The housing body is coupled to the coplanar base at an interface between the coplanar base and the housing body. A differential pressure sensor is operably coupled to the pair of process fluid pressure inlets, and is disposed proximate the coplanar base within the housing body.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a first inlet configured to couple to a first process pressure and a second inlet configured to couple to a second process pressure. A differential pressure sensor couples to the first and second inlets and provides an output related to a differential pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure. A first pressure sensor couples to the first inlet and provides an output related to the first pressure. Transmitter circuitry provides a transmitter output based upon the output from the differential pressure sensor and further provides enhanced functionality based upon the output from the first pressure sensor.

Abstract: A process transmitter for measuring a process variable comprises a process sensor, transmitter circuitry, a transmitter housing, a mounting component, and a non-contact proximity sensor. The process sensor senses a process variable of a process fluid. The transmitter circuitry processes a signal from the process sensor. The transmitter housing receives the process sensor and transmitter circuitry. The transmitter mounting component is connected to the housing to isolate the sensor, the transmitter circuitry or the transmitter housing from the process fluid or an external environment. The non-contact proximity sensor system detects a spatial relationship between the transmitter housing and the transmitter mounting component.

Abstract: A method of verifying a condition of a single-crystal pressure sensor is provided. The method includes providing a single-crystal pressure sensor that has at least one electrical characteristic that varies with applied pressure being coupled to a first output and a second output. The pressure sensor also has at least one resistive element therein. A current is applied through the resistive element to heat the pressure sensor. At least one output of the pressure sensor is monitored to determine a response of the pressure sensor to current-induced heat. A verification output is provided based on the response.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a first inlet configured to couple to a first process pressure and a second inlet configured to couple to a second process pressure. A differential pressure sensor couples to the first and second inlets and provides an output related to a differential pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure. A first pressure sensor couples to the first inlet and provides an output related to the first pressure. Transmitter circuitry provides a transmitter output based upon the output from the differential pressure sensor and further provides enhanced functionality based upon the output from the first pressure sensor.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor module, a pressure inlet formed in the sensor module, an isolation diaphragm positioned in the pressure inlet, a pressure sensor and an isolation tube containing a fill fluid to convey a process fluid related pressure from the isolation diaphragm to the pressure sensor. A hydrogen getter material is positioned in contact with the fill fluid between the isolation diaphragm and the pressure sensor to remove hydrogen from the fill fluid.

Abstract: A process fluid pressure transmitter has a remote pressure sensor. The transmitter includes an electronics housing and a loop communicator disposed in the electronics housing and being configured to communicate in accordance with a process communication protocol. A controller is disposed within the electronics housing and is coupled to the loop communicator. Sensor measurement circuitry is disposed within the electronics housing and is coupled to the controller. A remote pressure sensor housing is configured to couple directly to a process and is spaced from the electronics housing. A pressure sensor is disposed within the remote pressure sensor housing. The pressure sensor forms at least one electrical component having an electrical characteristic that varies with process fluid pressure. Portions of the electrical component are coupled directly to a multiconductor cable that operably connects the pressure sensor to the sensor measurement circuitry.

Abstract: A method (200) of controlling a liquid crystal display (LCD) (110) integrated within a sensing device for operation in cold temperature is provided. The method (200) includes providing electrical power to the LCD (110), providing an electrical signal to the LCD (110) to update displayed information, measuring (206) the ambient temperature proximate the LCD (110) and making adjustments to the power and update information supplied to the LCD (110) based on the ambient temperature. Another aspect of the invention includes a field device (10) including an LCD (110), an electronic control module (120) configured to provide power and communication signals to the LCD (110), and a temperature sensor (112) coupled to the electronic control module (120). The electronic control module (120) is configured to measure the temperature proximate the LCD (110) and control power and communication supplied to the LCD (110) based on the temperature at the LCD (110).