iTools configuration software enables you to store and clone controller configurations, as well as commission your process control system. This facility significantly reduces installation and commissioning time while improving the security of the process. Eurotherm’s advanced customer sensor linearization tool also provides for the download of special sensor response characteristics to the controller.

From a simple ramp and dwell to a 16 segment program with event outputs, the 2000 Series provides a powerful platform for setpoint profiling. Programs can be edited from the instrument HMI and for the 2400 instruments, using iTools Setpoint Program Editor.

The 2000 Series uses industry standard protocols such as Modbus RTU, DeviceNet, Profibus DP or Eurotherm’s proprietary PDS to communicate with supervisory systems and PLCs over EIA232, EIA485 (2 wire) or EIA422(4 wire). This carries the information and overall control into the supervisory system while maintaining local access to the local equipment ensuring overall plant integrity in all situations.

The 2000 Series has password protected levels of access - customizable to provide access to only the parameters the operator requires to ensure secure operation. With each parameter selectable as hidden, read only, or read/write, this provides the ultimate in customizable interfaces for extremely user friendly operation.

Using Eurotherm’s setpoint retransmission over PDS communications it is possible to use two 2400 controllers as a cascade control system with the output of the first (or master controller) forming the setpoint of the second (or slave controller). Eurotherm’s advanced algorithms enable the use of either setpoint or PV feedforward to limit the slave setpoint - for example ±10% of the master setpoint or PV.

Sometimes it is desirable to control depending on two inputs, with either the highest, lowest, a function of the two, or switching between the two at some point, resulting in the PV for the control loop. For example, an application could consist of a thermocouple for up to 800°C and a Radiomatic head for 700°C to 1400°C. When below 740°C the thermocouple provides the PV. When between 740°C and 780°C the controller switches gently from the thermocouple to the Radiomatic head. Then above 780°C the Radiomatic head provides the PV.

Feedforward is a control technique used to compensate for future disturbances or process changes. It provides an offset on the controller PID calculation to ensure that corrective action is taken to prevent the measured PV being disturbed. A typical application is additive dosing. By measuring the flow rate upstream from the dosing pump it is possible to use the feedforward feature of the 2400 to achieve an output proportional to the fluid flow rate. This means that the dosing rate immediately tracks any changes in flow rate and so prevents any possibility of dangerous over dosing.

Many applications need to vary temperature, or other process values, with time. The setpoint is varied by using a setpoint program. The program is stored as a series of segments which can be ramps, dwells etc. All 2400 controllers have an 8 segment program as standard. They have optionally up to 20 off 16 segment programs each with 8 digital events. The 2400 is ideal for furnace, environmental chamber and autoclave applications that require greater flexibility.

In 2000 Series controllers it is possible to use the PDS communication link to send a setpoint from one controller to a network of slave devices - providing the economical creation of multi-zone temperature control solutions.

The 5 mode timer in the 2100 may be used to control batch operations, e.g. food, ovens, sterilizers, fryers. An ideal application would be single dwell at the end of either a controlled ramp rate or natural approach to setpoint without the need for an additional timing device.