5 April 2007 -- MTL have launched the 9331-TI fieldbus multiplexer, a field-mounted temperature input block for 2 and 3 wire RTDs, thermocouple, voltage and resistance inputs with each unit supporting eight independently configurable temperature inputs. The 9331-TI offers the lowest cost solution for temperature monitoring measurements, e.g distillation columns, tanks, reactors, boilers, and can reduce installed costs by as much as 70% per point when compared to traditional single temperature inputs. The 9331-TI is bus-powered, operating between 9 and 32Vdc, requiring a maximum current of only 22mA.
Traditional temperature monitoring methods (control system temperature input cards, low cost single input transmitters and remote I/O) are eliminated with the introduction of this intrinsically safe, eight input multiplexer that mounts beside the process, and the use of Foundation fieldbus enables easy integration with today's process control systems.
As a Foundation fieldbus device, measurement status is available (good, bad or uncertain) as well as sensor failure indication.
The 9331-TI fieldbus function block support includes 8 Analogue Input (AI) blocks, an 8 channel Multiple Analogue Input (MAI) block and Input Selector (IS) block providing basic logic such as minimum, maximum, mid-point or average temperature.
Designed for the harshest environments, the hazardous area certification provides intrinsically safe inputs when connected to an IS fieldbus spur or non-incendive Ex nL inputs when connected to a non arcing Ex nA or non-incendive Ex nL fieldbus spur.
It may be installed in a Zone 0 (gas) Class 1 Division 1 hazardous area or when mounted in specific process junction boxes, in a Zone 20 (dust) hazardous area.
This flexibility, when combined with an operating temperature range of -40C to +85C and input-to-input isolation of 500 VAC rms, means that the multiplexer can be mounted close to the process.
The multiplexer may be housed in a variety of field enclosures, to suit end-user requirements with a range of standard, single/dual-unit glass reinforced polyester and single-unit stainless steel enclosures available.
A custom systems capability will satisfy projects which require more than one TI multiplexer per enclosure or combinations of Fieldbus barriers, TI multiplexers and ancillary components.
