New field instrument selection and sizing tool

PRODUCT EXCLUSIVE

With the continuing dearth of experienced automation professionals, selecting the right measuring points efficiently can be difficult. It often requires complex calculations and can become a time-consuming task. Applicator software from Endress+Hauser is designed to help with the selection and sizing of the instruments needed for a project.

Applicator is designed to help the person who knows the application, but is unsure of the best measuring system for the particular need. Applicator is composed of three modules, which are interlinked, but may be used independently, depending on the information needed.

The selection module prompts the user to enter specific measuring point parameters. From this information, Applicator generates a selection of suitable instruments, with pictures and properties, which can be viewed in the form of a comparison table. The comparison table provides a detailed overview of each suggestion, making it easy to choose the best product for the job. Printouts of specification sheets in PDF format support engineering requirements.

The Sizing module calculates all the data required to determine the optimum instrument including the nominal width, pressure drop, accuracy, process connections and more. Products chosen using the Selection module can be transferred easily into Results and can be displayed in a variety of ways, including graphs, and may be printed or transferred to Applicator’s third module.

The third module is the Administration or Project module, which functions like a database to save project information, making it easily accessible for future reference. All of the data and parameters relevant to the project are stored in this module and may be accessed throughout the life cycle of a project. This module structures projects in hierarchy levels and documents them from the company level to TAG numbers. A Product Configurator interface makes it easy to then build the complete order structure, and where an Online Shop account exists, the customer can quickly determine prices and availability.

Applicator provides safe, targeted and fast product selection along with simplified, application-specific sizing. Applicator is different from most proprietary selector software in that it is application- rather than product-based. It selects the best product based on the application data that the user inputs, instead of trying to fit a particular product to the application.

According to Jerry Spindler, product group manager for Endress+Hauser, Inc., “The development of Applicator is closely aligned to the needs of our customers. We maintain a permanent exchange of ideas with our customers, and their wishes are continually included in the improvement of this program. More and more of our customers are using this tool online, rather than using the CD version. The online version is always available worldwide.”