TRICONEX AI6700

Description

Product Description

The TRICONEX AI6700 is a specialized 16-Channel Analog Input Module designed for the Triconex Tricon safety instrumented system (SIS). This module, the TRICONEX AI6700, is engineered to acquire critical process analog signals—such as 4-20 mA, 0-5 VDC, or 0-10 VDC—in a high-integrity, fault-tolerant architecture. Its primary function is to convert these field sensor signals into digital data for the Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) safety controller, enabling continuous monitoring of process variables like pressure, level, flow, and temperature for safety-related functions. The design of the TRICONEX AI6700 emphasizes high accuracy, comprehensive diagnostics, and robust isolation to meet the stringent requirements of Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 applications.

Product Parameters

The technical specifications for the TRICONEX AI6700 analog input module are defined for safety-critical measurement:

• Module Type: 16-Channel Isolated Analog Input Module (TMR).

• Input Channels: 16 independent analog input channels.

• Input Signals: Configurable per channel for current input (4-20 mA) or voltage input (0-5 VDC, 0-10 VDC, 1-5 VDC).

• Architecture: Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) design. Each channel’s input is processed by three independent circuits, and the results are voted upon internally.

• Isolation: High-voltage isolation between field inputs, the internal TMR circuits, and the system backplane (typically 1500V AC).

• Accuracy: High accuracy (e.g., ±0.1% of full scale) suitable for precise safety monitoring.

• Diagnostics: Extensive onboard diagnostics including:

  • Open wire detection (for 4-20 mA inputs).

  • Over-range and under-range detection.

  • Module health checks (watchdog, memory).

  • Continuous fault detection on all three internal signal paths.

• Update Time: Fast update rate suitable for safety system response requirements.

• Power Supply: Requires both +5V logic power from the backplane and field-side power for the input circuits.

Advantages and Features

The TRICONEX AI6700 module provides unparalleled benefits for safety instrumented systems:

• Fault-Tolerant TMR Architecture: The TRICONEX AI6700 implements Triple Modular Redundancy at the point of measurement. A failure in one of the three internal circuits is masked by voting, allowing the module to continue providing a valid signal without interruption, which is critical for high availability safety systems.

• High Diagnostic Coverage (SIL 3 Capable): Its comprehensive diagnostic suite is designed to detect over 99% of dangerous failures, a key requirement for achieving SIL 3 certification in safety loops.

• Exceptional Signal Integrity and Noise Immunity: The combination of high isolation and advanced filtering ensures accurate and reliable measurement even in the electrically harsh environments of plants and refineries.

• Hot-Replaceable: In a properly configured Tricon system, the AI6700 module can be replaced online without shutting down the safety controller or the process, supporting maximum plant uptime.

• Certified Safety Performance: As an integral part of the Tricon system, it is designed and certified per IEC 61508 for use in SIL 3 safety instrumented functions.

Application Cases in Industry

This analog input module is used in the most critical safety shutdown systems across hazardous industries:

• Oil & Gas (Emergency Shutdown – ESD): Monitors wellhead pressure, pipeline pressure, and separator level to initiate emergency shutdowns on offshore platforms and onshore facilities.

• Chemical/Petrochemical Process Safety: Measures reactor temperature, distillation column pressure, and toxic gas concentrations to trigger safe shutdown sequences and mitigation actions.

• Fire & Gas Systems (F&G): Interfaces with analog gas detectors and flame detectors to provide concentration/ intensity data for alarm and plant evacuation decisions.

• Turbomachinery Control (Critical Overspeed Protection): Acquires speed signals from turbines as part of a redundant overspeed protection system.

• Boiler and Furnace Safety: Monitors critical parameters like furnace pressure and drum level to activate burner management system (BMS) shutdowns.

Comparisons with Competing Products

When compared to standard DCS/PLC analog input cards or even other safety system I/O, the TRICONEX AI6700 is in a specialized class:

• TMR vs. 1oo1D or 2oo3: The TRICONEX AI6700‘s internal TMR design provides hardware fault tolerance at the I/O point itself, offering higher availability and a different safety architecture than a single channel with diagnostics (1oo1D) or a triple-redundant system that votes only in the controller.

• Integrated Safety System vs. Certified Components: While other systems may use individually certified transmitters and logic solvers, the AI6700 is a component of a fully integrated, third-party certified safety system (Tricon), where the entire path is validated.

• Superior Diagnostic Philosophy: Its diagnostics are designed to meet the strict “safe failure fraction” requirements of IEC 61508. The diagnostic depth and coverage typically exceed those found in standard or even most other safety PLC analog cards.

• Proven in Extreme Demand: The Tricon platform and modules like the AI6700 have a decades-long, global track record in the world’s most demanding safety applications, which is a primary selection criterion for end-users in high-hazard industries.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Selection and handling require strict adherence to safety engineering practices:

1. SIL Verification and Loop Design: The TRICONEX AI6700 is a component within a Safety Instrumented Function (SIF). Its use, along with the sensor and final element, must be part of a full SIL verification calculation (PFDavg calculation) performed by a competent safety engineer.

2. Verify System Compatibility: Confirm the TRICONEX AI6700 is compatible with your specific Tricon chassis model (v9, v10, v11) and that the main processors and firmware support it.

3. Configure for the Correct Input Type: Each channel must be correctly configured via the TriStation 1131 software for the specific signal type (4-20 mA, voltage) and range. Incorrect configuration will lead to measurement errors.

4. Implement Proper Field Wiring and Isolation: Adhere to Triconex installation guidelines for cable type, shielding, and grounding. Respect the isolation boundaries to maintain the module’s high noise immunity.

5. Authorized Configuration and Testing Only: Configuration and any functional safety testing (e.g., proof tests) must be performed using the approved TriStation 1131 software by authorized personnel following a strict management of change (MOC) procedure.

HMS01.1-W0110-A-07-NNNN
SST-ESR2-CLX-RLL
PMEE-12CBB
IC697CMM742
NI PXI-7852R