Eurotherm Chessell 6180A Paperless Graphic Recorder

Eurotherm Chessell 6180A Paperless Graphic Recorder

The Eurotherm Chessell 6180A is a paperless graphic recorder engineered for critical process data acquisition, visualization, and tamper-resistant archiving. Equipped with a 12.1-inch XGA color touchscreen display and an architecture scalable up to 48 direct universal analog inputs across modular sub-assemblies, the 6180A replaces obsolete mechanical paper chart systems with modern digital security.

Utilizing parallel delta-sigma analog-to-digital converters, the unit achieves an aggregate 125 ms sample rate across all fitted channels without sequential scanning lag. Data is recorded into internal non-volatile Flash memory (up to 96 MB) using encrypted binary checksums compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 and AMS2750 aerospace/marine heat treatment standards. Its IP66-sealed front bezel protects against high-pressure washdown, oil mist, and maritime moisture conditions, making it an established solution for engine rooms, exhaust gas monitoring, and offshore plant monitoring.

Model Details

• Model Series: 6180A Paperless Graphic Recorder
• Manufacturer: Eurotherm (Invensys / Schneider Electric / Watlow)
• Base MPN: 6180A-XXXXX (Configured-to-order base model)
• Typical Part Number Configurations:
  • 6180A/06U/VH/XX/NONE/XX (6-channel universal input, high voltage 85–265 VAC)
  • 6180A/18U/VH/ET/MED/XX (18-channel universal input, Ethernet, CompactFlash)
  • 6180A/48U/VH/ET/R16/XX (48-channel high density, Ethernet, 16 relay outputs)
  • 6180A-AERODAQ (Aerospace/AMS2750 heat-treatment certified configuration)
• Direct Part Cross-References: Chessell 6180, Chessell 4180G, Eurotherm 6100A (compact 5.5″ variant), Eurotherm 6180E (Ethernet basic series), Yokogawa DX2048, Honeywell eZtrend GR.

Technical Details

Features

1. Deterministic 125 ms Parallel Sampling: Employs independent delta-sigma ADCs per card to scan and record up to 48 channels simultaneously without input multiplexing degradation.
2. High-Clarity 12.1″ XGA Resistive Touch Interface: Offers 1024 x 768 pixel resolution supporting horizontal/vertical trending, circular charts, split bar graphs, and dynamic annunciator alarm panes.
3. Robust Regulatory Security & Tamper Resistance: Built-in cryptographic binary file structures prevent raw data modification, fulfilling FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic records and NADCAP AMS2750 pyrometry standards.
4. Channel-to-Channel Galvanic Isolation: Provides 300 V RMS/DC double insulation between channels and 2,500 VAC dielectric strength, preventing ground loop distortion in noisy electrical switchboards.
5. Network & Industrial Bus Architecture: Standard 10/100Base-T Ethernet RJ45 with Modbus TCP/RTU Master/Slave, EtherNet/IP Server, FTP auto-archiving, and dynamic web server streaming.

Compatibility

• PLCs & PACs: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix (native EtherNet/IP Server), Siemens S7-300/400/1200/1500 via Modbus TCP, Schneider Modicon Quantum/M340.
• Marine Bridge & Propulsion Engines: Wärtsilä, MAN B&W, Caterpillar, and Bergen propulsion control units for main bearing and exhaust gas temperature monitoring.
• SCADA & Software Suites: Eurotherm Review / QuickChart, Eurotherm Wonderware InBatch, OSIsoft PI System, Ignition SCADA, and Kepware KepServerEX via standard Modbus driver drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I directly connect 4–20 mA transmitters without ordering dedicated mA input cards?

Yes. The 6180A utilizes universal analog input cards. Standard 4–20 mA and 0–20 mA process loops are read by landing the loop across the terminal block and fitting an external precision shunt resistor (typically 2.49 Ω or 100 Ω, dependent on range scaling configuration).

How do I extract archived process logs if the recorder is running on an isolated, air-gapped machine network?

The unit features front-accessible media slots under a sealed door. You can insert a standard FAT-formatted CompactFlash card or industrial USB flash drive and execute an on-demand archive transfer. Alternatively, configure the unit to execute scheduled push dumps over its 10/100Base-T Ethernet port via FTP.

What is the required panel cutout size for retrofitting older Chessell chart recorders?

The Eurotherm 6180A requires a square panel cutout of 281 mm x 281 mm (-0/+1 mm) with a clearance depth behind the mounting bezel of at least 261 mm. Retrofit adaptor plates are available if replacing larger classic 250 mm strip chart units.

Does the recorder display real-time alarms on loss of sensor signal?

Yes. Each channel features open-circuit sensor break detection within 500 ms. You can set individual channels to drive upscale or downscale, trigger internal horn alarms, illuminate flashing on-screen annunciator indicators, or energize physical output relays.