Flow verification & monitoring with Heartbeat Technology

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Heartbeat Technology provides a continuous healthcheck of the flowmeter, ensuring key parameters are performing within specification at all times. Deviation from the factory reference values will trigger warnings as per NAMUR NE 107. This diagnostic function is available as standard with our Heartbeat-enabled flowmeters and has a total test coverage of up to 98%.

As additional features, verification and monitoring can be added to the Heartbeat diagnostics to provide on-demand reporting, trend analysis and live quantitative performance data. Verification offers documented proof that the flowmeter is functional and performing within specification.

The monitoring functionality is ideally suited to demanding applications, alerting the user to flowmeter damage such as corrosion or abrasion, thereby reducing the risk of unexpected failure. This can be automated by assigning one of the Heartbeat defined variables to a condition monitoring system. The continuous monitoring even allows identification of faults that cannot be detected by calibration or verification.

The verification procedure is typically performed within a few minutes and can be initiated through the display, FieldCare or web server (if incorporated). The report can be downloaded via FieldCare or the web server in PDF format for printing or archiving. The eight most recent verifications are stored in the flowmeter's secure, non-volatile memory module to allow trend monitoring of critical parameters for predictive maintenance.

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The internal verification is performed with no process interruption, avoiding unnecessary downtime for non-safety critical applications. A successful verification report can also be used as a quality document in accordance with ISO 9001 to extend the calibration interval. The pass/fail report segregates the areas of testing so any errors can be identified quickly and easily.

Internal references, embedded during manufacture, provide a comparison for the test parameters of the flowmeter covering the entire signal chain. For the most critical parameters dual references are used to deliver a highly stable, redundant and traceable signal to ensure absolute confidence in the flowmeter’s behaviour and performance.

Heartbeat verification allows operators to create documented proof that diagnostic checks have been performed and thereby supports the documentation of proof testing in accordance with IEC 61511-1 for safety instrumented systems. The SIL-certified Heartbeat-enabled flowmeters have also been designed in accordance with IEC 61508, ensuring safety and confidence.

The software package is available retrospectively and can be activated by simply purchasing the release code and entering it in the menu or via FieldCare. Our Service Department can also perform and compile the verifications during a site visit, regardless of whether the Heartbeat package has been purchased or not, offering the chance to evaluate the benefits Heartbeat Technology will bring.