阅读说明：本技术 现场设备的附加模块 (Add-on module for field device ) 是由 马克·安德烈亚斯·施拉赫特尔 沃尔夫冈·特伦泽 于 2020-03-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于现场设备(3)的附加模块(1),该现场设备(3)用于测量和/或监控至少一个测量变量(L),其中该现场设备(3)能够借助于在使用现场的过程端口(7)而被安装,以使得该现场设备(3)的面向过程的区域被暴露于在使用现场处普遍存在的过程条件(PB),并且该现场设备(3)的背向过程的区域被暴露于在使用现场普遍存在的环境条件(UB)。该附加模块(1)使得能够以其能够被灵活地适于使用现场处的条件的方式捕获由环境条件施加在现场设备(3)上的应力。为此,该附加模块(1)能够被安装在现场设备(3)的背向过程的区域上,并且该附加模块(1)包括至少一个接收设备,该一个测量模块(33)能够被或被插入到该至少一个接收设备中,该一个测量模块(33)能够从包括各种测量模块(33)的模块工具箱中被选择,其中每个测量模块(33)在每种情况下都通过测量来捕获至少一个环境参数和/或环境条件(UB)对所讨论的测量模块(33)的至少一种影响,并且其中该附加模块(1)包括评估单元(35),基于借助于连接到该评估单元(35)的测量模块(33)捕获的环境参数和/或影响,该评估单元(35)确定作用在配备有所述附加模块(1)的现场设备(3)上的瞬时应力和/或配备有附加模块(1)的现场设备(3)在其使用期间到目前为止整体已经被暴露于的总应力。(The invention relates to an add-on module (1) for a field device (3), which field device (3) is used for measuring and/or monitoring at least one measurement variable (L), wherein the field device (3) can be installed by means of a process port (7) in a field of use such that a process-facing region of the field device (3) is exposed to process conditions (PB) prevailing at the field of use and a process-facing region of the field device (3) is exposed to environmental conditions (UB) prevailing at the field of use. The add-on module (1) makes it possible to capture the stresses exerted by environmental conditions on the field device (3) in such a way that it can be flexibly adapted to the conditions at the use site. To this end, the add-on module (1) can be mounted on a region of the field device (3) facing away from the process, and the add-on module (1) comprises at least one receiving device into which the one measuring module (33) can be or is inserted, the one measuring module (33) being selectable from a module kit comprising various measuring modules (33), wherein each measuring module (33) captures in each case by measurement at least one influence of at least one environmental parameter and/or environmental condition (UB) on the measuring module (33) in question, and wherein the add-on module (1) comprises an evaluation unit (35), the evaluation unit (35) determining the instantaneous stress and/or influence acting on the field device (3) equipped with the add-on module (1), on the basis of the environmental parameter and/or influence captured by means of the measuring module (33) connected to the evaluation unit (35) The field device (3) equipped with the add-on module (1) has up to now been exposed to the total stresses to which it has been exposed during its use.)

1. An add-on module (1) of a field device (3), the field device (3) being used for measuring and/or monitoring at least one measured variable (L),

wherein the field device (3) comprises a measurement device (5) and a process port (7), the measurement device (5) being configured to capture the measurement variable (L) by measurement,

wherein the process port (7) is designed to fasten the field device (3) in a use position such that an area of the field device (3) facing the process, which area comprises at least a part of the measuring device (5), is exposed to process conditions (PB) prevailing at the use position and an area of the field device (3) facing away from the process is exposed to environmental conditions (UB) prevailing at the use position,

wherein the add-on module (1) comprises a fastening device (29), by means of which fastening device (29) the add-on module (1) can be mounted on the region of the field device (3) facing away from the process,

wherein the add-on module (1) comprises at least one receiving device into which a measuring module (33) that can be selected from a modular toolbox comprising different measuring modules (33) can be inserted,

wherein each measuring module (33) is designed to capture at least one environmental parameter and/or at least one influence of the environmental condition on the respective measuring module (33) by means of a measurement, an

Wherein the add-on module (1) comprises an evaluation unit (35), the evaluation unit (35) being designed to determine a momentary stress or a total stress acting on the field device (3) equipped with the add-on module (1) which field device (3) equipped with the add-on module (1) has been previously exposed to the stress over its service life, on the basis of the environmental parameters and/or influences captured by means of the selected measurement module (33) inserted into the receiving device and connected to the evaluation unit (35).

2. The add-on module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the modular toolbox and/or the add-on module (1) comprises:

a measuring module (33) designed as a temperature measuring module (T) for capturing the ambient temperature by measurement,

a measuring module (33) designed as a humidity measuring module (F1) for capturing ambient humidity, relative humidity or absolute humidity by measurement,

a measuring module (33) designed as a vibration measuring module (V) for capturing vibrations of the add-on module (1) by measurement,

a measuring module (33) designed as a concentration measuring module (K) for capturing by measurement the concentration, aggressive and/or corrosive media, salt content and/or chlorine content of substances contained in the environment,

a measuring module (33) designed as a radiation measuring module (gamma) for capturing by measurement radiation acting on the radiation measuring module (gamma), solar radiation acting on the radiation measuring module (gamma) or radioactive radiation acting on the radiation measuring module (gamma),

a measuring module (33) designed as a humidity measuring module (F2) for capturing humidity permeating into a housing around the humidity measuring module (F2) by measurement,

a corrosion measurement module (R) comprising a sacrificial element exposed to the environmental conditions and having at least one measurable property which changes as a result of corrosion of the sacrificial element, and/or

A dummy module (B) which can be inserted into the receiving device and which closes the respective receiving device in the inserted state.

3. Additional module according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the evaluation unit (35) is designed such that it,

assigning respective environmental stress values by means of instantaneous values of the environmental parameters and/or influences captured by the measurement module (33) attached to the evaluation unit (35) on the basis of characteristic data or characteristic curves stored in a memory (37) and determining the instantaneous stress as a function, sum or weighted sum of the environmental stress values,

the total stress is determined as an integral of the continuously determined stresses over the previous service life,

as soon as the current stress and/or the previous total stress exceed the limit values specified for this purpose, an alarm is output, and/or

Determining a remaining useful life based on the total stress.

4. Additional module (1) according to claims 1 to 3, comprising an output (39) connected to the evaluation unit (35), via which the evaluation unit (35) displays and/or provides the current stress, the total stress, the remaining service life and/or the alarm in a readable form.

5. The add-on module (1) according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the add-on module (1) is designed as a housing cover which can be mounted on a housing (21) of the field device (3) facing away from the process.

6. The add-on module (1) according to claims 1 to 5,

the receiving device is designed as a slot into which the measuring modules (33) are all inserted such that at least one exterior of the respective measuring module (33) is exposed to the environmental condition (UB), and/or

The measuring module (33) and the receiving device have connecting elements (43) which are complementary to one another, and by means of the connecting elements (43) the measuring module (33) can be fastened or fastened in the receiving device, and/or by means of the connecting elements (43) the measuring module (33) can be electrically connected or electrically connected to the evaluation unit (35).

7. The add-on module (1) according to claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one or each measuring module (33) of the modular toolbox and/or the add-on device (1) respectively has a module identifier which can be read out by means of the evaluation unit (35) connected thereto.

8. Supplementary module (1) according to claims 1 to 7, comprising an electrical connection device (41), via which electrical connection device (41) the supplementary module (1) can be electrically connected or is electrically connected to an electronic component (23) of the field device (3) which is arranged in the region of the field device (3) facing away from the process.

9. Supplementary module (1) according to claim 8, wherein the supplementary module (1) is designed such that the supplementary module (1) can be supplied with electrical power by the field device (3) via the electrical connection means (41).

10. The add-on module (1) according to claims 8 to 9,

the evaluation unit (35) is designed to determine the instantaneous stress and/or the total stress taking into account at least one process variable (PG) which can be transmitted or transmitted to the evaluation unit (35) via the connection means (41) and which can be captured or captured by measurement of the field device (3), and

the process variable (PG) comprises the measured variable (L) and/or at least one auxiliary variable (H), which can be or is captured by means of the measurement device (5) or by means of a sensor (43) arranged in the region of the field device (3) facing the process.

11. Additional module (1) according to claims 3 and 10, wherein the evaluation unit (35) is designed such that it assigns a process stress value to an instantaneous value of each process variable (PG) on the basis of the characteristic data or characteristic curve stored in the memory (37) and determines the instantaneous stress as a function, sum or weighted sum of the process stress value and the environmental stress value.

12. A field device with an add-on module (1) according to claims 1 to 11,

the field device comprises the measuring device (5), an area facing the process comprising at least a part of the measuring device (5), an area facing away from the process and the process port (7), the measuring device (5) being used to capture the measured variable (L) by measurement

Wherein the process port (7) is designed to fasten the field device (3) in a position of use such that the region facing the process is exposed to process conditions (PB) prevailing at the position of use and the region facing away from the process is exposed to environmental conditions (UB) prevailing at the position of use, and

wherein the add-on module (1) is mounted on the region of the field device (3) facing away from the process by means of the fastening device (29).

13. The field device according to claim 12, with an add-on module (1) according to claims 10 to 11,

the field device comprises an electronic element (23), the electronic element (23) being arranged in a region of the field device (3) facing away from the process and being connected to the measuring device (5), and

the field device is designed to capture at least one process variable (PG) by measurement and to provide the at least one process variable (PG) via an interface (25) connected to the electronic element (23) or an interface (25) provided for connecting an operating unit and/or a display and connected to the electronic element (23),

wherein the process variable (PG) comprises the measured variable (L) and/or at least one auxiliary variable (H), which can be captured by means of the measurement device (5) or by means of a measurement of a sensor (43) arranged in the region of the field device (3) facing the process, and

wherein the add-on device (1) is connected to the electronic element (23) via the interface (25).

14. The field device of claim 12 or 13,

the field device comprises an electronic component (23) arranged in the region facing away from the process, and

the add-on device (1) is connected to the electronic component (23) by means of the field device and is supplied with energy via the electronic component (23).

15. The field device of claims 12-14,

the region of the field device (3) facing away from the process comprises a housing (21), and

the attachment (1) forms a housing cover mounted on the housing (21).

Technical Field

The invention relates to an add-on module for a field device for measuring and/or monitoring at least one measured variable,

wherein the field device comprises a measurement device for capturing a measurement variable by measurement and a process port,

wherein the process port is designed to secure the field device to the use position such that an area of the field device facing the process at the use position, including at least a portion of the measurement device, is exposed to environmental conditions prevailing at the use position, and an area of the field device facing away from the process is exposed to environmental conditions prevailing at the use position.

Background

Field devices of the above-mentioned type are used in various fields of application for measuring and/or monitoring different types of measured variables.

Examples of such field devices are strain gauge devices, fill level gauge devices, temperature gauge devices, flow gauge devices, etc., as they are sold, for example, by the Endress + Hauser group.

These field devices usually comprise a process port, by means of which the field devices can be installed in the respective use position such that their measuring devices are exposed to the measuring variable to be measured and/or monitored on the process side. In addition, field devices usually comprise electronic components connected to the measuring device, which are arranged in the region of the field device facing away from the process in order to protect against process conditions present on the process side. These electronic components are generally used to determine measurement results and/or monitoring results on the basis of the magnitude of a measurement variable, which can be captured by means of a measurement by a measuring device and is dependent on the measurement variable, and to provide an output and/or a display via an interface connected to the electronic components.

The measurement results and/or monitoring results determined with the field devices are used, in particular, for monitoring, controlling and/or regulating processes, such as industrial production and/or processing processes, for measurement and control technology and process automation. Thus, malfunctions of field devices and, of course, faulty measurement and/or monitoring results can have serious consequences for humans and the environment, processes which are operated at the location of use and/or products which are produced by these processes.

It is known that in certain situations, measurement devices can be exposed to very adverse process conditions, such as high temperatures and/or pressures, from process-side field devices, which stress the measurement device, having a detrimental effect on the operability of the field device over time. In order to ensure reliable, error-free operation, these measuring devices must be replaced before the functional impairment caused by the process conditions exceeds a tolerable level. In this respect, DE102004063469a1 describes a method according to which a process parameter, which stresses the measuring device, is measured by means of the measuring device of the field device exposed to the process conditions, and the instantaneous stress of the measuring device is determined from this process parameter. In addition, a total stress to which the measuring device has been exposed beforehand in total during the service life is determined on the basis of the stresses determined continuously during the service life. If the total stress exceeds a predetermined limit value, the measuring device is replaced. If the total stress is below the limit value, the remaining service life is predicted on the basis of the total stress and the measuring device is replaced before the end of the remaining service life.

However, field devices are in some cases not only exposed to very adverse process conditions, but must also withstand the environmental conditions prevailing at the site of use. For example, if the field device is exposed to intense solar radiation at the location of use, there is a risk that the seal contained in the field device ages faster. If the field device is exposed to a saline ambient atmosphere at the point of use, the risk of corrosion there is increased. In addition to the environmental parameters mentioned above by way of example only, there are of course many other environmental parameters, depending on the location of use, which alone or in combination with one another can in some cases lead to a significant impairment of the operability of the field device.

In contrast to process parameters that stress the measurement devices of a field device, which result from measurement variables to be measured and/or monitored by the field device, and which are therefore known and consistent for a particular type of field device, the environment in which the field device is later used is often unpredictable in the production of the field device. Thus, in the production of field devices, it is unknown which environmental parameters at a later point of use can cause significant stress to be placed on the field device.

This is generally taken into account today, since field devices are recalibrated, repaired and/or replaced by the manufacturer before the maximum service life that is predetermined for the respective device. In this case, a correspondingly shortened service life can be provided for certain classes of use locations, such as in offshore systems where particularly severe environmental conditions are usually expected. For safety reasons, it must be dimensioned so simply that it also meets the most severe environmental conditions that may occur at the respective category of use location. This results in the field devices which, due to the environmental conditions, are subjected to only significantly lower stresses in the respective class of service position being recalibrated, repaired and/or replaced after the shortened service life has ended. This leads to an unnecessary increase in running cost.

Instead, the field device can be exposed to such environmental parameters at the use location: the environmental parameter exceeds, at least temporarily, an upper limit assumed during the evaluation of the maximum service life. There is therefore a risk that: the operability of the field device has been compromised by environmental conditions before the maximum useful life has expired. For example, due to its particular location, field devices used in wastewater treatment can be exposed to increased concentrations of corrosive media contained in the ambient atmosphere, such as increased chlorine content, which significantly exceeds the concentrations typically found in the industry.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to propose a device for capturing the stress exerted by environmental conditions on a field device, which device makes it possible to take into account the stress-related influencing variables present there in a manner that is flexibly adapted to the conditions of the location of use.

For this purpose, the invention comprises an add-on module for a field device for measuring and/or monitoring at least one measured variable,

wherein the field device comprises a measurement device for capturing a measurement variable by measurement and a process port,

wherein the process port is designed to secure the field device in the use position such that an area of the field device facing the process in the use position, which area comprises at least a part of the measurement device, is exposed to environmental conditions prevailing at the use position, and an area of the field device facing away from the process is exposed to environmental conditions prevailing at the use position,

wherein the add-on module comprises a fastening device by means of which the add-on module can be mounted on a region of the field device facing away from the process,

wherein the add-on module comprises at least one receiving device into which a measurement module that can be selected from a module toolkit comprising different measurement modules can be or is inserted,

wherein each measuring module is designed to capture at least one influence of at least one environmental parameter and/or environmental condition on the respective measuring module by measurement, an

Wherein the add-on module comprises an evaluation unit which is designed to determine the instantaneous or total stress acting on the field device equipped with the add-on module, which has been previously exposed to such stress during its entire service life, on the basis of the environmental parameters and/or influences captured by means of a selected measuring module inserted into the receiving device and connected to the evaluation unit.

The additional modules according to the invention provide the advantage that they can be flexibly adapted to the conditions present at the location of use of the field device by targeted selection of the measurement modules. Thus, at each use position, those environmental parameters and/or influences occurring at the respective use position to such an extent that significant stresses on the field device may occur can be captured in a cost-effective manner by measurement. It is particularly advantageous in this respect that for this purpose it is neither necessary to know the location-specific environmental parameters and/or influences already present in the production of the field device nor to equip each field device in each case at the factory with a plurality of devices for capturing the various variables which do not occur at all in the later use position of the field device to the extent to which they are stress-dependent.

A first refinement comprises an additional module, by means of which the modular system and/or the additional module:

a measurement module comprising a temperature measurement module designed for capturing the ambient temperature by measurement,

a measurement module designed as a humidity measurement module for capturing ambient humidity, relative humidity or absolute humidity by measurement,

a measuring module designed as a vibration measuring module for capturing the measuring vibrations of the add-on module by measurement,

a measuring module designed as a concentration measuring module for capturing by measurement the concentration, aggressive and/or corrosive media, salt content and/or chlorine content of substances contained in an environment,

a measuring module of the radiation measuring module designed for capturing by measurement radiation acting on the radiation measuring module, solar radiation acting on the radiation measuring module or radioactive radiation acting on the radiation measuring module,

a measurement module of the humidity measurement module designed for capturing by measurement the humidity permeating into a housing surrounding the humidity measurement module,

a corrosion measurement module comprising a sacrificial element exposed to an environmental condition and having at least one measurable characteristic that changes as a result of corrosion of the sacrificial element, and/or

A dummy module which can be inserted into the receiving device and which closes the respective receiving device in the inserted state.

The first embodiment comprises an additional module with which the evaluation unit is designed such that it,

assigning respective environmental stress values by means of instantaneous values of the environmental parameters and/or influences captured by a measurement module attached to the evaluation unit on the basis of the characteristic data or characteristic curves stored in the memory, and determining the instantaneous stress as a function, sum or weighted sum of the environmental stress values,

the total stress is determined as an integral of the stress determined continuously over the previous service life,

as soon as the current stress and/or the preceding total stress exceed the limit values specified for this purpose, an alarm is output, and/or

The remaining useful life is determined based on the total stress.

A second embodiment comprises an additional module comprising an output connected to the evaluation unit via which the evaluation unit displays and/or provides the current stress, the total stress, the remaining service life and/or an alarm in a readable form.

According to a second refinement, the add-on module is designed as a housing cover which can be mounted on the region of the field device facing away from the process.

A third development comprises an additional module, with which,

the receiving device is designed as a slot into which the measuring modules can be inserted or inserted such that at least one exterior of the respective measuring module is exposed to environmental conditions, and/or

The measuring module and the receiving device have connecting elements which are complementary to one another and by means of which the measuring module can be fastened or fastened in the receiving device and/or by means of which the measuring module can be connected or electrically connected to the evaluation unit.

A fourth development comprises an add-on module, wherein at least one or each measuring module of the modular kit and/or the add-on device has a module identifier, respectively, which can be read out by means of an evaluation unit connected thereto.

A fifth refinement comprises an add-on module which comprises an electrical connection device via which the add-on module can be or is electrically connected to an electronic component of the field device which is arranged in the region of the field device facing away from the process.

According to a development of the fifth development, the supplementary module is designed such that it can be supplied with electrical power by the field device via the electrical connection means.

According to a fifth modification or a modification thereof,

the evaluation unit is designed to determine the instantaneous and/or total stress by additionally taking into account at least one process variable which can be captured by or captured by the field device, which can be transmitted or transmitted to the evaluation unit via the connection means, and

the process variable comprises a measured variable and/or at least one auxiliary variable, which can be measured or captured by means of a measuring device or by means of a sensor arranged in a process-oriented field device.

According to a development of the add-on module of the first embodiment and a subsequent development, the evaluation unit is designed such that, in each case, it assigns a process stress value to the instantaneous value of each process variable on the basis of the characteristic data or characteristic curves stored in the memory and determines the current stress as a function, sum or weighted sum of the process stress value and the ambient stress value.

The invention also comprises a field device with an add-on module according to the invention,

the field device comprises a measurement device for capturing a measurement variable by measurement, an area facing at least a part of the measurement device, an area facing away from the process, and a process port,

wherein the process port is designed to secure the field device at the use position such that the process-facing area is exposed to process conditions prevailing at the use position and the process-facing area is exposed to environmental conditions prevailing at the use position, and

in this case, the add-on module is mounted on the field device in the region facing away from the process by means of fastening means.

A further development of the field device with the additional module according to the fifth development or a further development thereof is characterized in that:

the field device comprises an electronic component connected to the measuring device, which electronic component is arranged in the region of the field device facing away from the process, and

the field device is designed to capture at least one process variable by measurement, and the field device is designed to supply the at least one process variable via an interface connected to the electronic component or via an interface provided for connecting an operating unit and/or a display and connected to the electronic component,

wherein the process variable comprises a measured variable and/or at least one auxiliary variable which can be captured by means of a measurement device or by means of a sensor arranged in the region of a field device facing the process, and

wherein the add-on device is connected to the electronic component via the interface.

The invention also comprises a field device according to the invention,

the field device comprises an electronic component arranged in a region facing away from the process, and

wherein the add-on device is connected to the electronic component and is supplied with energy via the electronic component.

The invention also comprises a field device according to the invention, wherein

The process-oriented region of the field device comprises a housing, an

The attachment forms a housing cover mounted on the housing.

Drawings

The invention and its advantages will now be explained in detail using the figures in the drawing, which show three embodiments. Like elements are indicated in the figures by like reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows: a field device having an add-on module installed at a use location; and

fig. 2 shows: the additional modules of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The invention comprises an add-on module 1 for a field device 3 and a field device 3 equipped with such an add-on module 1, which field device 3 is used to measure and/or monitor at least one measured variable L. An example of a field device 3 equipped with an add-on module 1 according to the invention is shown in fig. 1.

The add-on module 1 according to the invention can be used in conjunction with a field device 3, the field device 3 comprising a measuring device 5 and a process port 7, the measuring device 5 being used to capture a measured variable L by measurement. In this case, the process port 7 is designed to fasten the field device 3 in the use position such that a region of the field device 3 facing the process, which region comprises at least a part of the measuring device 5, is exposed to a process condition PB prevailing at the use position and a region of the field device 3 facing away from the process is exposed to an environmental condition UB prevailing at the use position.

Fig. 1 shows, as an example, a field device 3, which field device 3 is designed as a fill level measuring device for measuring and/or monitoring a fill level L of a filling material 11 located in a container 9, the process connection 7 of the field device 3 being designed here as a flange which is mounted on a process port 13, which is arranged in the position of use and is complementary for this purpose, such as the mating flange shown here. Alternatively, other process port variations known in the art can of course be used.

The measuring device 5 shown here by way of example comprises a rod-or cable-like probe extending into the container 9, which probe is here exposed to the process conditions PB prevailing in the container 9, by means of which probe variables dependent on the filling level L can be captured by measurement. A suitable filling level dependent variable is, for example, the hydrostatic stress depending on the filling level L, or the capacity depending on the filling level of the capacitor C, which in this case is formed by the probe serving as electrode and the container wall of the container 9 surrounding the probe, which hydrostatic stress can be captured by measurement by means of a pressure sensor 17 arranged on the end region 15 of the probe located in the container 9. Alternatively or additionally, the filling level measuring device can be designed to transmit an electromagnetic signal S into the container 9 along a probe, which in that case acts as a waveguide, and to receive its echo signal R reflected back at the filling material surface 19 after a running time which depends on the filling level L. In this case, the runtime that can be captured by measurement forms a variable that depends on the fill level L, on the basis of which the field device 3 measures and/or monitors the fill level L.

As is customary in field devices known from the prior art, the regions of the process which face away from the field device 3 which can be or is equipped with an add-on module 1 according to the invention can optionally each comprise a housing 21 shown in fig. 1 as an option, in which housing 21 an electronic component 23, which is also shown in fig. 1 as an option, is arranged. These electronic components 23 are preferably designed such that they

a) Energy is supplied to the measuring devices 5 connected to them,

b) detecting a measurement result and/or a monitoring result corresponding to the measured variable L, and/or by means of a variable captured by measurement by a measuring device 5 connected thereto

c) The measurement results and/or monitoring results determined by the field device 3 are provided via an interface 25 connected to the electronic component 23.

Optionally, the field device 3 can comprise an output 27 connected to the interface 25, such as a relay output, a current output, a signal output and/or a data bus for connecting the field device 3 to a data bus, for example a field bus, via which the measurement results and/or monitoring results determined by the field device 3 can be output and/or queried. Alternatively or in addition, the electronic component 23 and the interface 25 can optionally be designed to transmit and/or supply the measurement results and/or monitoring results to a unit, such as an operating interface and/or a display, which is not shown here and which can be connected to the interface 25. Even if a plurality of field devices known from the prior art have the above-described outputs, electronic components and/or interfaces, it is also indicated here as a precautionary measure that the add-on module 1 according to the invention can also be used in combination with field devices 3 which do not have corresponding electronic components, interfaces and/or outputs.

The supplementary module 1 comprises a fastening device 29, by means of which the supplementary module 1 can be mounted or is mounted on a region of the field device 3 facing away from the process. Fastening means known from the prior art, such as tension bands, clamping devices, plug and socket devices, flanges and/or threads, are suitable as fastening means 29. In this case, this depends on whether a fastening device 31 complementary to the fastening device 29 is required on the field device side in the region of the field device 3 facing away from the process. Fig. 1 shows an example in which the fastening means 29 of the supplementary module 1 and the complementary fastening means 31 arranged on the region of the field device 3 facing away from the process are designed as threads which can be screwed together.

Furthermore, the add-on module 1 comprises at least one receiving device, preferably a plurality of receiving devices, which are not shown in detail in the figures, into each of which a measuring module 33 can be inserted, which measuring module 33 can be selected from a module kit comprising different measuring modules 33. In this case, each measuring module 33 of the modular kit is respectively designed to capture, by measurement, at least one influence of at least one environmental parameter and/or environmental condition on the respective measuring module 33.

In particular, the measuring modules 33 listed below as examples are suitable for this purpose. In this way, the modular toolbox and/or add-on module 1 can, for example, comprise

A measurement module 33 designed as a temperature measurement module T for capturing the ambient temperature by measurement,

a measuring module 33 designed as a humidity measuring module F1 for capturing ambient humidity, relative humidity or absolute humidity by measurement,

a measuring module 33 designed as a vibration measuring module V for capturing the vibrations of the supplementary module 1 by measurement,

a measuring module 33 designed as a concentration measuring module K for capturing by measurement the concentration, aggressive and/or corrosive media, salt content and/or chlorine content of substances contained in the environment

A measuring module 33 designed as a radiation measuring module γ for capturing by measurement radiation acting on the radiation measuring module γ, solar radiation acting on the radiation measuring module γ or radioactive radiation acting on the radiation measuring module γ.

For example, sensors known from the prior art for capturing the respective variables by measurement can be used in these measurement modules 33.

Alternatively or in addition, the modular toolbox and/or the add-on module 1 can of course comprise at least one further measuring module 33 for capturing at least one further influence of at least one further environmental parameter and/or environmental condition by measurement. One example of this is the measuring module 33, which is designed as a moisture measuring module F2 for capturing by measuring moisture penetrating into a housing around the moisture measuring module F2. Another example is a corrosion measurement module R, which comprises a sacrificial element, which is exposed to environmental conditions and has a property that can be measured by means of the corrosion measurement module R and that is changed by corrosion of the sacrificial element. For example, a sacrificial anode connected to the measuring circuit, the electrical resistance of which due to corrosion can be captured by means of a measurement by the measuring circuit, is suitable as a sacrificial element.

Optionally, the modular toolbox and/or the additional module 1 can comprise at least one dummy module B in addition to the measurement module 33. These dummy modules B can each be inserted into a receiving device such that they enclose the respective receiving device. The dummy modules B offer the advantage that they can enclose superfluous receiving devices of the additional module 1 that do not need to receive one of the measurement modules 33.

A measuring module 33, which is respectively adapted to be captured by measurement of environmental parameters and/or influences related to stresses on the use position of the respective add-on module 1, is selected from the modular toolbox and the measuring module 33 is inserted into the add-on module 1. If only a number of measuring modules 33 which is less than the number of receiving devices of the add-on module 1 is required for this purpose, in each case one of the dummy modules B is preferably inserted into the remaining receiving devices. The add-on module 1 for a field device 3 used in a swimming pool can thus be equipped with a temperature measuring module T, a humidity measuring module F1 for measuring the atmospheric humidity, a concentration measuring module K for measuring the chlorine content contained in the environment, and a dummy module B. This example is shown in fig. 1. Similarly, the add-on module 1 for a field device 3 used on a drilling rig can be equipped with a vibration measuring module V, a corrosion measuring module R, a radiation measuring module γ for capturing solar radiation by measurement and a concentration measuring module K for capturing the salt content contained in the environment by measurement. An example of this is shown in figure 2.

The supplementary modules 1 according to the invention each comprise an evaluation unit 35, which evaluation unit 35 is designed to determine the instantaneous or total stress acting on the field device 3 equipped with the supplementary module 1 on the basis of the environmental parameters and/or influences captured by means of the selected measuring module 33 inserted into the receiving device and connected to the evaluation unit 35, which evaluation unit 35 the field device equipped with the supplementary module 1 has been previously exposed to during its entire service life.

The invention has the advantages. Some alternative preferred embodiments of the various features of the invention are described in detail below, which can be used alone and/or in combination with one another.

The evaluation unit 35 can optionally be designed such that it assigns corresponding ambient stress values to instantaneous values of the environmental parameters and/or influences captured by means of the measuring module 33 connected thereto on the basis of the characteristic data or characteristic curves stored in the memory 37, and the evaluation unit 35 determines the instantaneous stress as a function, sum or weighted sum of the ambient stress values. . Alternatively or in addition, the evaluation unit 35 is optionally preferably designed such that it determines the total stress as an integral of the instantaneous stress determined continuously over the service life.

Alternatively or in addition, the evaluation unit 35 is preferably designed such that the evaluation unit 35 outputs an alarm as soon as the instantaneous stress and/or the preceding total stress exceed the limit values specified for this purpose.

Alternatively or in addition, the evaluation unit 35 is preferably designed such that it determines the remaining service life on the basis of the total stress. This provides the following advantages: maintenance and/or calibration of the field device 3 to be performed before the expiration of the remaining service life, or replacement of the field device 3 or the measuring device 5 of the field device 3 to be performed before the expiration of the remaining service life, can be arranged accordingly.

Optionally, the add-on module 1 comprises an output 39, which output 39 is connected to the evaluation unit 35, and the evaluation unit 35 outputs, displays and/or provides the instantaneous stress, the total stress and/or the remaining service life in a readable form via this output 39, and the evaluation unit 35 optionally also issues an alarm.

Alternatively or in addition, the supplementary module 1 preferably comprises an electrical connection device 41, via which electrical connection device 41 the supplementary module 1 can be or is electrically connected to an electronic component 23 arranged in the region of the field device 3 facing away from the process.

In this case, the add-on module 1 is optionally preferably designed such that it can be supplied with electrical power by the field device 3 via the electrical connection means 41. Alternatively, the auxiliary device 1 can comprise its own power supply or be powered via a separate power supply unit.

Alternatively or in addition, the evaluation unit 35 is preferably designed such that it determines the instantaneous and/or total stress, taking into account in addition at least one process variable PG, which can be transmitted or transmitted to the evaluation unit 35 via the connection means 41 and is captured by measurement of the field device 3. This provides the following advantages: process conditions which act on the process side on the field device 3 and which can lead to impairment of the function of the field device 3 can also be taken into account in this respect. The process variable PG preferably comprises a measured variable L and/or at least one auxiliary variable H, which can be or are each captured by measurement by means of the measuring device 5 or by means of a sensor 43 arranged in the process-oriented field device 3. Process parameters of the process condition PB acting on the process-oriented region of the field device 3, such as, for example, a process temperature measured by means of a temperature sensor and/or a process stress measured by means of a pressure sensor, are suitable as auxiliary variables H, for example.

In this embodiment variant, the evaluation unit 35 can, for example, optionally be designed such that it assigns a process stress value to each process variable PG in each case on the basis of characteristic data or characteristic curves stored in the memory 37 and determines the instantaneous stress as a function, sum or weighted sum of the environmental stress value and the process stress value.

Independently of the preceding exemplary embodiment, the electrical connection of the connection means 41 of the supplementary module 1 to the electronic components 23 of the field device 3 preferably takes place via an interface 25 which is present anyway in the field device 3 and is suitable for the transmission of energy and/or for the transmission of the process variable PG. In particular, the field devices described above, which are provided in field devices known in the art, are suitable for connection units, such as control interfaces and/or displays.

The embodiment which is currently considered particularly advantageous with regard to the possible desired electrical connection of the supplementary module 1 to the electronic components 23 of the field device 3 and/or with regard to the simplest possible installation of the supplementary module 1 on the area of the field device 3 facing away from the process comprises designing the supplementary module 1 as a housing cover which can be mounted on the housing 21 of the field device 3 which comprises the electronic components 23. This embodiment is shown in fig. 1 and 2 and offers the advantage that already existing field devices 3 or even field devices 3 already in use, which comprise a customary housing cover, can be equipped with add-on modules 1 at any time as required, since the add-on modules 1 are mounted on the housing 21 instead of on the customary housing cover. The field device 3, whose usual housing cover comprises one of the units described above, offers the advantage that, instead of the usual housing cover, the add-on module 1 can be connected or connected anyway to the electronic component 23 via an interface 25 intended for connecting the unit.

Independently of the above-described embodiment of the supplementary module 1, the receiving device of the supplementary module 1 is preferably designed as a slot into which the measuring modules 33 can be inserted, so that each measuring module 33 for one of the receiving devices has at least one exterior which is exposed to the environmental conditions. Fig. 1 and 2 show embodiments in which the measuring module 33 and the receiving device are complementary to one another, such as the connecting element 45 shown in fig. 2, by means of which connecting element 45 the measuring module 33 can be fastened or fastened in the receiving device and/or can be electrically connected or connected to the evaluation unit 35.

Alternatively, the measuring modules 33 of the modular kit or the measuring modules 33 inserted into the add-on device 1 can both have a module identifier which can be read out by means of the evaluation unit 35 connected thereto. This provides the advantage that the evaluation unit 35 automatically detects the measurement modules 33 connected thereto and can thus adapt their operation immediately after they have been equipped with the measurement module(s) 33.

List of reference numerals

1 add-on module 25 interface

3 field device 27 output

5 measuring device 29 fastening means

7 process connection 31 fastening device

9 Container 33 measurement Module

11 filler material 35 evaluation unit

13 Process Port 37 memory

15 end region 39 outlet end

17 pressure sensor 41 connecting device

19 fill material surface 43 sensor

21 housing 45 connecting element

23 electronic component