What is special about 'Pro-line 00/500'?

Weltin: It combines the 'Proline' measuring technologies for Coriolis and magnetic-inductive flow measurement, which have been tried and tested for over 25 years, with a new transmitter concept. The flowmeters 'Proline 300' as a compact version or 'Proline 500' as a separate version feature technical innovations such as integrated WLAN and a web server. Concepts such as 'Industry 4.0 ready' or 'Integrated Industry Safety' make systems fit for the future or ensure product and process safety.

To what extent does the device line fit into your Industry 4.0 concept?

Weltin: The system architecture of the devices enables easy integration of future interfaces and communication technologies. WLAN, Profinet, Ethernet IP and an integrated web server already provide the option of direct cloud communication. Further developments can also be easily integrated with the specially developed 'Industry 4. ready' concept. In addition to the device and process data from the device, the Endress+Hauser cloud provides all relevant manufacturer and specification data relating to the devices in order to enable efficiency increases in all production, work and business processes via cloud-based networking of processes.

One of the most frequently discussed use cases is the possibility of predictive maintenance in order to avoid unplanned system downtimes and coordinate the necessary maintenance work on the device at an early stage. The relevant diagnostic data from the device is transferred directly to the customer cloud and processed in parallel to the classic process transmission path, for example via the additional built-in WLAN interface. In combination with new diagnostic parameters such as the HBSI - or 'Heartbeat Sensor Integrity' - simple trend statements can then be derived regarding the next necessary cleaning date or the need to replace the measuring device. And without misinterpretation or time-consuming trend analysis. The maintenance technician receives a message directly on his cell phone about the device's remaining worklist and therefore the next maintenance measures to be carried out.

What fundamental challenges does Endress+Hauser see with regard to I4.0 in process technology?

Weltin : As the 'sensory organ of process automation', measurement technology is of particular importance in the context of Industry 4.0: As a bridge between the physical and digital world, it must be able to provide services and functions to the network and, conversely, use information from it. NAMUR has specified the properties of smart sensors in the 'Process Sensors 4.0' technology roadmap. These include, for example, communication via Ethernet with a web server integrated into the device for integration into the operational environment via the Internet of Things. Or the ability to recognize trends and patterns in historical data via data mining in order to make statements about product quality or the maintenance requirements of the measuring device. Other important points are self-monitoring and self-diagnosis with the output of standardized diagnostic data and warnings for predictive maintenance. And last but not least, the ability to access device documentation quickly and clearly is required, for example by storing it directly in the device or by linking to documentation via a device ID on an RFID chip. The 'Proline 300' already meets all these criteria today!