Description
MERLIN XT is a compact, durable field unit that monitors the operation of a rectifier and transmits data using satellite communication. It is designed for use in areas where no cellular service is available.
MERLIN XT monitors carry out the functional checks of rectifier output (voltage and current) required in order to ensure a continuous CP supply to the pipeline and to comply with regulatory guidelines. Because they are usually deployed in remote locations, they will very quickly repay their capital cost when compared to monthly manual checks.
MERLIN XT checks that the rectifier remains powered by its external electrical supply (including from a solar station or wind turbine). If the power fails, an alarm is transmitted immediately and its internal batteries take over monitoring for up to 2 years.
MERLIN XT controls an external relay, allowing synchronized interruption cycles to be started and stopped directly from iCPSM web software. It can also monitor ON and OFF potentials at the pipeline.
Installation is quick and fully automatic. Data is transmitted to the system HQ, where it is accessed online using Abriox’s iCPSM web interface. Users can configure and control MERLIN monitors, take on-demand readings, view rectifier CP data in graphical and numerical formats or export data for further analysis and archiving.
MERLIN XT can be seamlessly integrated with cellular MERLIN monitors for a total rectifier monitoring solution.
Benefits
Features
User Alerts |
Synchronized Interruption |
User-settable high and low alarm thresholds for all measurement channels. |
Control output to drive (optional) external relay for OFF potential measurement, interruption or to switch off the CP output. |
Electrical Supply Monitoring |
Health and Safety |
Alarm generated if power supply fails – so that protection can quickly be restored to the pipeline (MERLIN backup batteries last for 2 years). |
No risk assessments or lone worker issues at hazardous sites. Protects technicians from exposure to voltages and currents. |
On Demand Readings |
Custom Reports |
Real-time readings can be requested via software and/or from a cellphone in the field. | Data automatically archived and presented in custom report formats or exported to other standard applications. |
Environmental |
Cost Reduction |
Eliminates the impact of emissions from survey vehicles, saves thousands of driving miles per month, zero carbon footprint. | Achieves rapid financial payback on the huge cost of taking frequent manual measurements |
Satellite Communications |
Health and Safety |
Global satellite coverage ensures reliable communications anywhere in the world. |
No risk assessments or lone worker issues at hazardous sites. Protects technicians from exposure to voltages and currents. |
Diagnostic Mode |
Battery backup |
Diagnostic (hourly readings) mode for problem- solving for short periods. |
2 year operation in the event of a power failure. |
GPS Synchronization |
Weight |
An on-board GPS module enables precise time synchronization of all MERLIN monitors on a pipeline. It also provides a link to mapping software for accurate positioning. |
3.9Kg (8.5lb) |
Operational Temperatures |
IP Rating |
-35°C to +70°C (-31°F to +158°F). 100% condensing humidity. |
The MERLIN XT is IP65 rated. Offering protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing and hose-directed water. |
Lightning Protection |
Daily or Weekly Reports |
Surge protection on all external inputs and outputs. 2,500A at 3,000V (8/20us). Additional protection using recommended surge arrestors. | Custom reporting periods allow daily or weekly reporting. |
Testing performed on the new MERLIN design showed that:
Technical Specification
Physical Dimensions |
12.4” x 8.5” x 6.8” |
Weight |
8.5lb |
IP Rating |
IP65 |
Operating Temperature |
-31°F to +158°F 100% condensing humidity |
Lightning Protection |
Surge protection on all external inputs and outputs 2,500A at 3,000V (8/20us) Additional protection using recommended arrestors |
Backup Battery |
2-year life, replaceable batteries |
Communications |
Satellite via meshed constellation |
Software Management |
iCPSM (web based) or CPSM (PC based) |
Inputs |
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Outputs |
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As well as monitoring voltage/current output and checking the external electrical supply to the rectifier, MERLIN XT takes CP measurements (ON and OFF potentials) and can be remotely synchronized with other MERLIN (cellular or satellite) units on a pipeline for CIS (Close Interval Surveys) or DCVG (Direct Current Voltage Gradient) surveys.
Measurements
The MERLIN XT Excel model additionally controls a solid state Interrupter to provide a signal for tracing the pipeline route.
Select from 2 models:
Model |
Electrical Supply |
Rectifier Voltage |
Rectifier Current |
Rectifier 2nd Current |
ON/OFF Potential |
Remote Synch |
Pipeline Locate |
XT Super |
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XT Excel |
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For areas of the world where there is no GSM coverage, the MERLIN XT Transformer Rectifier Monitor offers 100% global satellite communication.
Abriox selected the Iridium system for its high performance and high integrity. Among its many advantages over other satellite systems are:
The last point here is very important - some satellite systems can take up to an hour to send/receive a message if the system is busy, Iridium is 20 sec to 2 minutes (maximum). This is because the Iridium meshed constellation relays data from satellite to satellite without touching ground until it is downlinked at an Iridium gateway.
This means the MERLIN XT can be very quickly installed with negligible waiting time – a huge advantage to our customers.