Description
Product Introduction
The Autronica AL-100-AI8EX is an intrinsically safe (Ex) 8-channel analog input module engineered specifically for marine cargo monitoring, tank gauging, and hazardous area process control systems. Installed in local field enclosures or central monitoring cabinets, the AL-100-AI8EX serves as an isolated node card that conditions analog signals from hazardous zone 0/1 sensors before digitizing and transmitting the telemetry back to the central AL-100 monitoring workstation.
Designed for harsh marine environments, the AL-100-AI8EX supports multi-wire Pt100/Pt1000 RTD temperature sensors as well as GT-250 pressure transducers. Built-in galvanic isolation barriers protect central system buses from field voltage transients while adhering to strict ATEX/IECEx explosion-proof standards. Swapping a damaged or drifted AL-100-AI8EX board clears telemetry communication dropouts, resolves erratic cargo tank pressure/temperature readings, and restores full monitoring integrity across hazardous spaces.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value / Description |
| Manufacturer | Autronica Fire and Security / Marine |
| Model Code | AL-100-AI8EX |
| System Compatibility | Autronica AL-100 Cargo & Tank Monitoring Systems |
| Input Channels | 8 Intrinsically Safe (Ex) Analog Channels (X1 – X8) |
| Sensor Types | 2/4-Wire Pt100 / Pt1000 RTDs, GT-250 Pressure Transducers |
| Ex Protection | Intrinsically Safe (Ex ia / Ex ib) for Zone 0 / Zone 1 |
| Communication / Power | Integrated Fieldbus & 24 V DC Supply Terminals (X9) |
| Node Configuration | Hardware Address / Node Selection (e.g., Node 1/4, 2/4) |
| Marine Approvals | DNV, ABS, Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas |
| Operating Temperature | -15°C to +70°C (5°F to 158°F) |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
It is 2:00 AM during bulk cargo discharge or tank cleaning operations at an offshore terminal. The cargo control room operator notices that an entire bank of 8 cargo tank temperature and vapor pressure channels has dropped off the screen, reporting “Node Communication Fault.” Troubleshooting reveals that a ground fault surge in a deck junction box damaged the fieldbus transceiver IC on the local AL-100-AI8EX module.
- Marine Tankers & Gas Carriers – Cargo Tank Gauging – Conditions temperature and pressure telemetry from Ex-rated sensors inside hazardous cargo tanks.
- FPSO & Offshore Platforms – Hazardous Area Monitoring – Provides intrinsically safe signal acquisition for process pressure and thermal loops.
- Retrofits & System Repairs – Fieldbus Node Swap – Replaces failing or moisture-damaged field nodes in AL-100 architectures without modifying system software logic.
Field Case Study
A chemical tanker undergoing class survey experienced persistent signal drift on four cargo tank pressure channels. Diagnostics traced the issue to degraded IS isolation barriers on an aging AL-100- module after 14 years of exposure to marine humidity. Installing a fully bench-tested replacement AL-100- card instantly stabilized the pressure feedback, enabling the vessel to complete its cargo inspection without delay.
AL-100-AI8EX
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We do not just ship boxes; we test them on actual equipment-compatible test benches before they ship to your job site. Our 5-step bench verification process includes:
- Inbound Visual & Optical Inspection: Thorough inspection of all screw terminal blocks (X1–X9), PCB trace insulation, ground grounding shields, and components for thermal stress or corrosion.
- Conformal Coating Audit: Verification that protective PCB coatings remain intact to guard against humid and oily marine air inside deck enclosures.
- Static Isolation Barrier Check: Resistance and barrier integrity testing between hazardous field terminals and non-hazardous bus/power terminals.
- Live Bench Calibration Test: Board energization inside an AL-100 simulator using precision resistance decade boxes and 4–20 mA calibrators to verify A/D conversion accuracy and fieldbus node handshaking across all 8 channels.
- ESD-Safe Sealed Packaging: Deep cleaned, labeled with part and revision numbers, and vacuum-sealed inside anti-static ESD shielding bags with custom foam protective boxing.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
- ⚠️ Set Node Address Jumpers / Switches Prior to Power-Up: The AL-100- operates as a networked fieldbus node (e.g., Node 1/4, 2/4). Note the exact node selection jumper/DIP settings on the old card and configure the replacement board identically before applying power.
- ❗ Verify Sensor Wiring Topology (2-Wire vs. 4-Wire): Terminals X1 through X8 support different wiring configurations for Pt100/Pt1000 and GT-250 pressure transducers. Confirm field wiring jumpers match the system manual diagram silkscreened on the module faceplate.
- ⚠️ De-Energize Field Power Before Replacing: Always isolate power to the node box before removing terminal connectors. Swapping modules with active power can damage sensitive communication drivers on the fieldbus line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: Is the Autronica AL-100- intrinsically safe for Zone 0 installations?
A: Yes. The module features integrated IS barriers designed to interface directly with Ex-certified field sensors located in Zone 0 or Zone 1 hazardous areas.
Q: How do I confirm AL-100- is the exact replacement part for my panel?
A: Check the blue silkscreened faceplate or white barcode label on the module chassis. It must explicitly state AL-100- or Type: AL-100/.
Q: Does this card require software calibration after installation?
A: Hardware configuration (node selection and sensor jumpering) is done on the board itself. Once installed with matching settings, perform a sensor zero/span check on the main AL-100 workstation to verify telemetry alignment.
Q: What warranty coverage comes with this replacement module?
A: All marine automation replacement modules are backed by a comprehensive 12-month full replacement warranty. If the AL-100- board exhibits any operational defect within one year, we replace it or issue a full refund.
Start Chat
