Square-Root in DCS or

Flow Transmitter?
This is mostly known to everyone that a square root Function is required
for Orifice Flow Transmitter as the relationship of flow versus pressure is not
linear but has a square-root relationship.
But the next question is? where should you do this square-root function?

In Transmitter or DCS or both or none?

Note: we can do this square root function in two ways. one using the physical
device called square-root extractor and this is an old method. Second is using
the software configuration either in transmitter or in DCS. Here we are
discussing the second method.

Interface issue between System and field instrument

engineer.
The first point of caution is the proper interface between the requisition (field)
engineers and system engineers.

Sometimes the engineer purchasing transmitter assumes it will be done in

DCS.

While the system engineer assumes it will be done in Transmitter.

And NOBODY does it.

Similarly, the converse is also true.

The Square-root extraction is done at both places, which again is incorrect.

In short, NOBODY doing it

Or EVERYBODY (Field as well DCS) doing it

Should be avoided.

It should be done in one place ONLY.

Next Question where should you prefer doing the
extraction?
Well after having a discussion with a few dependable Vendors they suggest it
should be done at the system side.

Reason:-  Some Transmitter’s electronic computational capability is not

superior as compared to System (DCS/SIS) side.
 So it is advisable to give that task to the System side.

Please note this is just a recommendation as I have done projects where the
client preferred having it done in Transmitter while I have also worked on
projects where it was done on the System side.

 But if it is not enforced by client you could do it at the system side.

Read: Square-Root Extractor Device

Display a Square-rooted output at field But Square-
root extraction require in DCS?
The situation:- Suppose you want square-root extraction to be done in the
System side, But the Transmitter in the field has display, so in the field when
someone looks at the transmitter then he would not have a calculator to read
the transmitter’s output and do the extraction manually.

So “We would need the transmitter to display the square-rooted output in the

field as that is what is useful for someone looking at the display in field”
But we want the extraction to be done at the system end.

The solution:- This feature is available with various vendors but it should be
properly communicated.

 The following information must be passed on:-

 1. Transmitter (Tx) will be blind or have a display

2. What range Tx should display example:- 0 to 100 lb/hr

3. Clearly indicate: The Extraction is to be done in the Control system side.

 In order to display the “Square rooted output” the transmitter will do it locally
just for display but won’t send the Square-root extracted signal to DCS. That
task will be done by DCS.

 Thanks for reading !!

 I hope it’s been of value to you.

PS: This is as per the best of my current understanding.

Author: Asad Shaikh