Flexible System Provides Remote Monitoring, Requires No Specialized Software

The new LinkBus Remote Instrument Monitoring System (LinkBus RIMS) from AMETEK Process Instruments (USA) provides users of AMETEK process analyzers and instruments with 24/7 access through their PC web browser or FieldBus™, ModBus™ protocol-based distributed control system (DCS).

“Remote instrument monitoring offers numerous operational and economical benefits, whether on or offsite,” notes Tom Marecic, Vice President and General Manager of AMETEk Process Instruments. “AMETEK’s LinkBus is among the most flexible and user friendly. A single LinkBus RIMS can be used for up to 16 AMETEK analyzers, including our full line of Thermox Series 2000 and IQ analyzers, Western Research 880/Series 4000 photometric analyzers and 5000 Series Moisture Analyzers.”

“More than one LinkBus RIMS may be preferred with each assigned a unique IP address,” adds Marecic. “For example, all the important analyzers in one processing unit or operation can be linked to a gateway using an RS-485 cable. Each process unit may have multiple analyzers with the resulting 4-20 milliamp signals from each analyzer typically routed to the DCS for control. The LinkBus RIMS can be connected to the plant LAN using a standard Ethernet connection and viewed from any PC on the system simply by using the generic web browser. No specialized software is required and the system is independent of the DCS. “