The Context
Spectrophotometers are analytical instruments that quantitatively measure the reflection and transmission properties of a material as a function of its wavelength. They detect trace elements in gases and are instrumental in the fields of pollutant analysis, chemical process control, environmental monitoring, emission measurement and risk assessment. A leader in industrial gas analysis was developing a spectrophotometer to continually monitor industrial processes. Having extensively worked with spectrometry and gas analyzers in the past, Tismo was tasked with the development of the Web app control for the spectrophotometer
The Problem
The spectrophotometer was designed to be used in the proximity of industrial processes or mounted on exhaust pipes. The control software had to work around the memory constraints of the instrument and the need for low energy usage. Moreover, the client wanted to control the instrument remotely, using a PC. Additionally, the software had to be flexible enough to integrate with a factory process and to accommodate future capability upgrades in the instrument.
The Solution
Tismo implemented a web app control for the spectrophotometer, so as to accommodate all client requirements at minimal cost. This ensured a modern user interface, accessible on a PC and available across other mobile devices. The web app control also guaranteed future-readiness with minimal hardware changes. Open web standards and licensing, along with large community support meant that the cost of development would also be minimized. Additionally, the software could be easily integrated into the factory environment using readily available Web APIs.
Architecture diagram of Web app control for a Spectrophotometer
The team developed a Web app control for the spectrophotometer using HTML 5, CSS and JavaScript on the AngularJS framework. It supported communication options such as relay contacts, analog outputs, RS485 supporting MODBUS RTU protocol, RS232 and Fast Ethernet (IEEE802.3). Users could access the Web app over HTTPS, using Ethernet.
The web app control enabled the spectrophotometer to provide high quality process gas analysis using nondispersive infrared (NDIR) and Ultra Violet (UV) optical benches. The software enabled users to continually monitor the measurement and diagnostic information from the instrument. It also displayed the gas spectra, provided configuration and calibration capabilities and displayed alarms, maintenance and troubleshooting information.
Features
The web app control developed by Tismo supported the following features:
- Real-time monitoring of up to 8 wavelengths
- Automatic data capture and logging
- Remote PC, Web enabled interface
- Remote User Interface updates
- Ethernet and MODBUS communications
- History for Alarms, Calibration and trends
Summary
The Tismo team leveraged its experience to deliver a remotely accessible Web app control for a Spectrophotometer. It was developed using HTML 5, CSS and JavaScript on the AngularJS framework. It provided configuration and calibration capabilities and continuously displayed the gas spectra, alarms, maintenance and troubleshooting information.