Hi there,

Ok let's do some loop checks without a HART communicator.

You can use a mA source to do the following.

1) Test the loop for continuity from the transmitter to the DCS. This means disconnecting the two wires from the transmitter and connect the mA source directly to these two wires and simulate 4 to 20 mA to the DCS. You then contact the CCR and ask them if they receive what you simulate. If it is pressure they should receive whatever the calibration of the transmitter is on the pressure faceplate in the CCR. You have two settings on the mA source,"Sink and Source". I can also sometimes forget on what the setting should be so try "sink" first then switch over to "source" if CCR said they cannot see any change. Your mA source should have a display on it but you can also connect a multimeter in series to confirm what the mA is that you are sending to the CCR.

2) The next step after step "1" should be: To re-connect the two wires to the transmitter and use a pressure pump to pump the transmitter up to its full calibrated pressure. In this case connect a multimeter in series on the negative output wire to see what the mA is that you send to the CCR. Again contact the CCR to confirm they see what ever pressure you have pumped to on the CCR faceplate. The mA source is not used in this test. Once this test is successful the loop check on the transmitter is complete.

3) The next thing you can do with a mA source: You can simulate the 4 to 20mA to a control valve. You can do this at the control valve itself by again disconnecting the two wire to the positioner and connect the mA source where the two wires was connected. Again you can connect a multimeter in series as well to confirm the mA you send to the positioner. Stroke check and calibrate the valve and the postioner in this manner in the field.

4) If you have a feedback positioner on the valve you can again disconnect the two wires to the feedback positioner and connect the mA source directly to the two wires and simulate the loop by sending the 4 to 20 mA to the CCR and ask them to confirm the values. Again the next step is to reconnect the wires and ask the CCR to do a stroke check from the CCR on the control valve and to see if they receive the correct feedback. If they manually send a command of 30% valve opening they must receive a 30% valve position feedback. If not reconnect you mA source and re-calibrate the positioner or feedback positioner and test again from the CCR. Once the test from the CCR is successful the loop check on the valve is complete.

This basic method of loop checking applies to pressure,level, temp, flow and density and all control valves. Loop checking a on/off valve is as simple as asking the CCR to open and close it from the CCR. If it does not work check the solenoid valves. Obviously working with the HART is much easier but like you said you don't have a HART so doing it this way is fine and the way we use to do it before HART and SMART.

If you have two or four wire instruments you might have to switch between sink or source to get it working, can't remember which but either one of the two setting will work.

NB!! Don't forget to switch over the red lead of the multimeter when you measure mA.