ABB adds Ethernet-APL connectivity to electromagnetic flowmeters for hazardous areas

ABB adds Ethernet-APL connectivity to electromagnetic flowmeters for hazardous areas
ProcessMaster, ABB’s next-generation electromagnetic flowmeter, now enables high-speed field data transmission in hazardous environments.
Sensors with Ethernet-APL support combine precise measurement with fast, secure data access, bringing significant changes to the chemical, oil and gas, power, and water industries.
ABB’s continuously expanding portfolio of instruments with Ethernet-APL connectivity opens new possibilities for digital collection and analysis of process data.

ProcessMaster is ABB’s next-generation electromagnetic flowmeter and now offers Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) connectivity, enabling high-speed field data transmission. By expanding its range of APL-enabled instruments, ABB continues to bring the benefits of Ethernet communication into industrial operations.

The new ProcessMaster flowmeter enables simplified connectivity and high-speed collection and analysis of large volumes of process and diagnostic data in chemical plants, oil and gas operations, power generation facilities, and water utilities. With its ability to measure flow in any process application, ProcessMaster—now equipped with Ethernet-APL—supports production processes and opens new possibilities for process engineers and plant managers. The new capability supports real-time decision-making and predictive maintenance based on live data, significantly reducing errors and downtime.

Ethernet is the most common communication technology in industrial applications. However, in most process industries, its adoption has remained limited due to concerns about safety, cost, and cable length restrictions, making it difficult to establish communication networks across large industrial facilities. These issues have been addressed with the introduction of Ethernet-APL, developed through successful collaboration among 12 leading process automation suppliers—including ABB—and four international standards organizations.

Krishna Prashanth, Global Product Line Manager for Electromagnetic Flowmeters at ABB Measurement & Analytics, said: “Following the successful launch last year of our SwirlMaster and VortexMaster devices with Ethernet-APL support, we are now bringing more devices with Ethernet-APL connectivity to market. This is great news for our customers, who can now expect a leap in measurement performance from our electromagnetic flowmeters through high-speed field data transmission in hazardous areas.”

Ethernet-APL provides enhanced data rates of up to 10 Mbps and uses a shielded two-wire connection that safely transmits both power and data over the same cable, with distances of up to 1,000 meters. Intrinsic safety is fully integrated, including profiles that limit supply voltage and current to eliminate spark risks, enabling Ethernet-APL deployment in hazardous environments.

By providing a high-speed channel for process data as well as configuration and diagnostic information, Ethernet-APL offers an easily scalable solution for connecting field devices to control systems. It simplifies networking with all instruments in a plant and unlocks new opportunities for process optimization by leveraging valuable data that was previously inaccessible. These devices feature integrated web servers and support various protocols such as Profinet and Modbus TCP.

ABB’s cybersecurity expertise, combined with its internal Minimum Cyber Security Requirements (MCSR) standard applied to all Ethernet-APL devices, ensures built-in protection for data and systems, enabling secure, real-time operations.

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, committed to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By combining its engineering and digital expertise, ABB helps industries operate at high performance while improving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability—going beyond performance. At ABB, we call this “Engineering beyond performance.” With a history of over 140 years, ABB employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide. ABB shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies, and digitalizes industrial operations to meet essential needs—from supplying energy, water, and materials to producing goods and delivering them to market. With around 20,000 employees and leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid, and marine industries go beyond—leaner, cleaner. go.abb/process-automation.