The alarm choices available with today's process instruments provide users with the capability to create an alarm strategy that can achieve process goals. Industrial processes are increasing in complexity while being tended by fewer operators. At the same time, companies are demanding improved quality, increased efficiency and higher process yields. To meet these de-mands, engineers are relying on their control instrumentation to help manage the process. Some of the most important functions contributing to process management are the independent alarms that are built or programmed into the control instrumentation.
Alarms maintain high quality and minimize machine downtime.
Significant labor and material savings can be provided by a good alarm system. Independent monitoring of alarms from a digital controller or process alarm unit preserves alarm operation even when the process computer has failed. Independent alarms are distinct from those generated within the software of a computer supervisory system because they are built into the hardware or firmware of the instrument. They may operate as a secondary task within a continuous control device such as a discrete temperature controller. They also may operate as a primary task within an independent process alarm instrument that acts as a policeman by continuously monitoring one or more process parameters.