Compod Simplifies Flow-Control Installations

Sierra Instruments has released the Compod, its new programmable control module. The Compod, when coupled with Sierra's Smart-Trak mass flow meters (MFMs) and controllers (MFCs), simplifies basic flow-control installations and permits networking of multiple instruments using open-source Modbus RTU protocol. Adding the Compod module to a new or existing Smart-Trak MFM or MFC allows end users to take complete control.

Two digital outputs and one analogue input can be configured by the end user for a variety of process controls, including: gas mixing and blending; gas-ratio control; simple batch processes; triggering alarms; starting or stopping gas-flows automatically under user-defined conditions; and gas-flow totalisation.

Compod also monitors the functionality of the mass flow meter or controller and includes diagnostics, notifying users of faults or system updates. The Compod mounts to any Sierra Smart-Trak 100 Series, converting the instruments' internal RS-232 communications into multi-drop RS-485/Modbus RTU.

Modbus allows multiple instruments to be daisy-chained over a single network. When used with a PLC or master computer, each instrument equipped with Compod becomes a node on the Modbus network, capable of sending and receiving data and commands. Even complex process-control systems can be automated with the power of Compod and Sierra's Smart-Trak 100 Series.

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