Hoffer Flow Controls' Novaflow computer allows maximum flexibility in selecting hardware options.Click here to enlarge imageAs a mass flow computer, the system also can be used with gases and cryogenic liquids requiring temperature, pressure and compressibility compensation. For more advanced applications and options, Nova-flow has eight expansion slots to accommodate electronic modules which provide I/O and communications options.
Windows-based software included with the unit is used to implement configuration of the basic unit and the available optional modules. The unit may be configured to support mass flow and will accommodate inputs form RTDs, temperature transmitters, pressure transducers and densitometers. The basic unit includes eight additional lines of digital I/O that are configured via software.
The construction allows for full flexibility in selecting flow computer functions. The base Nova-Flow unit provides one flowmeter input and eight digital I/O lines. Each I/O line can be configured as Input or Output. The unit has eight expansion slots for optional I/O modules. Selectable flowmeter input includes: Magnetic coil, MCP coil, TTL, Open Collector and Dry Contact. Frequency ranges from 0.2 to 5,000 Hz with an amplitude from 10mV rms to 50V rms.
The modular construction or "Plug-n-Flow" allows maximum flexibility in selecting hardware options. Several hundred combinations of optional modules are available. Easy service and upgrade in the field eliminates down time. Hardware can be added when requirements expand, allowing the ability to purchase only what is needed, when it is needed.
The flash memory means software code can be updated in the field. The advanced MMI (Man Machine Interface) can display up to four independent process parameters in any engineering unit. The graphical display features a back-lit LED with adjustable contrast. A scroll function advances through selected parameters for easy operation. The audit trail security feature provides time/date/ID stamping for each change of configuration parameter. The unit has double storage for process variables.
Communications options include up to three serial ports, RS232 or RS485. The system can be simultaneously connected to a printer, PC computer, serial network and one industrial network, i.e. ModBus, DeviceNet, or ProfiBus. The system's optical isolation allows for three groups of I/O lines to be isolated from each other. The complete isolation of CPU from I/O lines eliminates ground loop problems, increases immunity to EMI/ESD, and reduces emission level. An optical interface allows for remote operation via an IR link and easy communication with hand-held computers.
Multiple visual and audio alarms include HI/LO, HI/HI and LO/LO. Operations include single/dual stage batch operations, count UP/DOWN, BTU functions (cooling, heating, heat/cool autoswitch), and blending operations (PID).
Optional built-in data logging accessible through the serial port eliminates the need for an external data logging device. The system supports up to four flowmeter inputs simultaneously and works with all Hoffer flow sensor outputs including MAG, MCP, dry contact, open collector, square wave and 4-20 mA inputs. The unit offers 20 point flow linearization, and four flowmeter calibration tables.
