Of Operation 2

Benefits of HART Communication

The HART protocol is a powerful communication technology used to exploit the full potential of digital field devices. Preserving the traditional 4–20 mA signal, the HART protocol extends system capabilities for
two-way digital communication with smart field instruments.
The HART protocol offers the best solution for smart field device communications and has the widest base of support of any field device protocol worldwide. More instruments are available with the HART protocol than any other digital communications technology. Almost any process application can be addressed by one of the products offered by HART instrument suppliers.
Unlike other digital communication technologies, the HART protocol provides a unique communication solution that is backward compatible with the installed base of instrumentation in use today. This backward compatibility ensures that investments in existing cabling and current control strategies will remain secure well into the future.
Benefits outlined in this section include:

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  Improved plant operations
  
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  Operational flexibility
  
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  Instrumentation investment protection
  
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  Digital communication
  

COST SAVINGS IN

COMMISSIONING

COST SAVINGS IN

INSTALLATION
The HART protocol improves plant performance and provide savings in:

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  Commissioning and installation
  
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  Plant operations and improved quality
  
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  Maintenance
  

HART-based field devices can be installed and commissioned in a fraction of the time required for a traditional analog-only system. Operators who use HART digital communications can easily identify a field device by its tag and verify that operational parameters are correct. Configurations of similar devices can be copied to streamline the commissioning process. A loop integrity check is readily accomplished by commanding the field transmitter to set the analog output to a preset value.

The HART protocol supports the networking of several devices on a single twisted wire pair. This configuration can provide significant savings in wiring, especially for applications such as tank monitoring.

Multivariable devices reduce the number of instruments, wiring, spare parts, and terminations required. Some HART field instruments embed PID control, which eliminates the need for a separate controller, and results in significant wiring and equipment cost savings.