Sponsored by: Emerson Electric Co., Rosemount Inc.
Project Summary
Emerson transmitters are used in industrial control systems to measure manufacturing processes. Currently, when the control system indicates that a transmitter is reporting an out-of-range or error value, technicians must examine each transmitter on a panel to identify the source of the fault. The Smart Conduit Plug will be an add-on feature to Emerson temperature and pressure transmitters that allows technicians to visually identify in-range, out-of-range, and error states from a distance. This functionality decreases the time required for fault identification and the number of labor hours spent examining transmitters during routine maintenance.
Design Goal
The Smart Conduit Plug would offer a convenient way to upgrade device capabilities without complete replacement. The device will also offer insights for instrument health that will reduce maintenance and downtime caused by instrument failure.
Design Constraints
The product shall...- Cost less than $30 per unit at scale of 10,000 units
- Be within the size specifications 2 inch X 2 inch x 2 inch external to the conduit entry
- Operate in ambient temperature ranges from –40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F).
- Operate on power derived from the 4-20mA analog signal without disrupting the loop current.
- Not exceed a weight of 500 grams (1.1 pounds)
- Provide visual indication from 1.5-3 meters (5-10 feet) distance in daylight conditions
- Not inhibit the transmitter’s ability to withstand internal pressure up to 6895 kPa (1000 psi)
- Be able to be fully submersible in water to a depth of 2 meters (6.56 feet) for 1 hour.
- International Electrotechnical Commission - IEC 60079
- International Electromechanical Commission – IEC 60529
- Canadian Standards Associations - CSA C22.2
- Factory Mutual Approvals - FM3615
- National Pipe Thread - 1/2NPT
- Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) Protocol
Smart Conduit Plug assembly with transmitter
Members of the Project Team
Student Team:
- Ben Gilbert - Major: Electrical Engineering
- Alison Kratzke - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Alexander Bourdage - Major: Computer Engineering
- Treycen Eckman - Major: Mechanical Engineering
Industry Representative: Jacob Holm
Faculty Advisor: Jason Petaja
Pictured left to right: Ben Gilbert, Alison Kratzke, Alexander Bourdage, Treycen Eckman