FTA Monitor 670 CTN: The Operator Panel Series for the Remote Control and Data Logging of PrevEx FTA Flammability Analyzers

The FTA Monitor 670 CTN is a separate operator panel with touch screen for the PrevEx FTA analyzers of the 670 series. It allows the convenient remote operation of up to 16 analyzers from a distance and the logging of relevant analyzer data. The setup parameters, current status information and diagnostic information can be easily viewed and changed on the 7“ color display. The operator can reset alarms and initiate calibrations via the panel. In addition, trend displays of analyzer readings and historic event lists can be inspected.

The use of the FTA Monitor 670 CTN is very advantageous for a multitude of analyzers or when direct access to the analyzer(s) is not convenient, e.g. when the analyzers are installed in remote, inaccessible locations, outdoors or in a hazardous zone. In addition, a fault diagnosis can be much simplified by an inspection of the event list (showing past fault messages, service needed requests, alarms, calibration, …) which also contains important diagnostic parameters at the time of the event.

  • Remote control and SCADA functionality for up to 16 analyzers with a single operator panel
  • Easy access to the analyzer parameters and diagnostic information
  • Password protection
  • Convenient display of reading trends and event lists with long-term archive records on a USB stick
  • Remote diagnostics
  • LAN interface with Modbus/TCP server providing analyzer parameters
  • Display languages German and English
  • Up to 1000 meters cable length to the analyzers

Various Models for Different Numbers of Analyzers

The FTA Monitor 670 CTN is available in various models, each suitable for the connection of up to 1, 4, 8 or 16 analyzers.
Each model is ready for the connection of a maximum number of analyzers. The number of actually connected analyzers can be less. The exact number of analyzers is configured at startup time, but can be adjusted at any later time.

Operating the FTA Monitor 670 CTN is very easy due to the self-explaining touch buttons, the text messages, the color coding of data and the fast access to frequently used information and functions.
Analyzers can be designated with names so that the sampling location for a particular analyzer connected to the FTA Monitor can be easily identified.

The LAN interface offers various services: A Modbus/TCP server acts a a gateway and provides read access to the configuration and operating parameters of all connected analyzers. This can be used for data recording, visualization or analysis by higher-level systems. The Modbus/TCP server can also be used to initiate commands on the analyzers so that alarms can be reset or calibrations can be initiated by a higher-level system.
An FTP server allows the download of archive files with readings and events lists
A VNC service allows the remote display or control of the FTA monitor from any PC, tablet or mobile phone, even via the Internet.

The FTA Monitor records the readings of the connected analyzer and can visualize the reading in a trend display for the most recent 24 hours.
Both the x-axis (time) and the y-axis (reading scale) can be adjusted to zoom into the relevant data.
Long-term archives of the analyzer readings are stored on a USB stick. These archive files can be analyzed using suitable software on external computers.

Every relay action and fault, alarm or service message of the connected analyzer is recorded with a time stamp. In addition, specific diagnostic parameters are recorded with events and can be extremely useful for any trouble shooting. The messages can be viewed on screen and filtered according to user specified criteria.
Long-term archives of the event lists are stored on a USB stick. These archive files can be analyzed with spread sheet software on external computers.

The FTA Monitor 670 CTN communicates with the analyzers via the RS-485 interface and continuously polls the setup and operating parameters of the connected analyzers.
The FTA Monitor itself does not store any analyzer parameters, you can continue to operate the analyzers directly at the analyzer panel.
The purpose of the FTA Monitor is to inform the operating personnel about the status of the analyzer(s) and for the remote setup and control of the analyzer(s). Any automated signals required for the safe operation of the process (e.g. for safety shutdowns) must still be obtained from the alarm relays at the analyzer itself .
Thus the FTA Monitor 670 CTN offers a convenient way to control and diagnose multiple analyzers, without being a critical, central device relevant to process safety.

Calibration of the analyzers and modifications of the configuration parameters of the connected analyzers are protected by passwords to prevent operation by unauthorized persons.

The FTA Monitor 670 CTN is installed in a cutout in a cabinet or panel. The FTA analyzers are connected via a common RS-485 bus cable (three-wire, twisted pair, shielded). The maximal cable length is 1000 Meters.

Older FTA Monitor versions (e.g. MON670-TOUCH or MON670-CT) can easily be replaced by the current model in the same cutout.

Data sheet for the FTA Monitor 670 CTN

Model designations
  • MON670-CTN-1: 1 analyzer
  • MON670-CTN-4: up to 4 analyzers
  • MON670-CTN-8: up to 8 analyzers
  • MON670-CTN-16: up to 16 analyzers
Display Touch-sensitive color screen with 7 inch (17,8 cm) diagonal, 800×480 pixels
Power requirements 24 VDC ± 10%, 20 Watts
Ambient Temperature range during operation -10°C to +60°C
Storage Temperature -20°C to +70°C
Interface to analyzers RS-485 with Modbus RTU protocol. Cable length up to 1000 meters (cable not supplied)
Addditional Interfaces:
  • Ethernet 10/100 MBit (DHCP, FTP, VNC, Modbus/TCP, NTP, …)
  • USB plug Typ A for USB stick 2.0, FAT 32, max. 32 GB
Display languages German, English

Documents:

Data sheet FTA Monitor 670 CTN

See also:

PrevEx FTA Analyzers for the LEL Monitoring of Flammable Gases in Industrial Processes