Rosemount TankRadar REX FCU 2160 Field Communication Unit

Rosemount TankRadar REX FCU 2160 Field Communication Unit

The Rosemount TankRadar REX FCU 2160 is a data concentrator engineered specifically for custody transfer, bulk liquid storage, and marine tank inventory gauging networks. Positioned as an intermediary gateway between field instrument networks and supervisory monitoring systems, the FCU 2160 offloads heavy polling overhead from distributed control systems (DCS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platforms, and Rosemount TankMaster workstations.

Comes with 6 field/host-configurable communication ports, internal cyclical buffer caching, and multi-drop TRL2 (Transmitter Receiver Line 2) and RS-485 transceiver support, the FCU 2160 polls real-time level, average temperature, and pressure data across up to 32 field radar gauge loops without loading the central control system.

Technical Specifications

Features

1. High-Throughput 6-Port Architecture: Flexible port routing allows up to 6 communication channels configurable as either master fieldbus loops or upstream host slave links.
2. Zero-Latency Memory Buffering: Continuously updates tag registers in localized cache to return host queries instantly without initiating ad-hoc field scans.
3. Long-Distance TRL2 Multi-Drop Support: Drives robust FSK-modulated current loop signals over 2-wire twisted-pair cables spanning up to 4,000 meters (13,000 ft).
4. Hardware Redundancy & Buddy Mode: Supports automated primary/secondary hot-standby pairs for mission-critical marine operations and refinery loading racks.
5. Ruggedized Enclosure: Cast aluminum alloy housing with IP65 environmental ingress protection and integrated write-protect hardware lock switch.

Compatibility

• Radar Level Gauges: Rosemount TankRadar REX (RTG 3900 series), TankRadar Pro, Saab TankRadar L/2 marine series, and modern Rosemount 5900S / 5900C radar level gauges.
• Tank Hubs & Transmitters: Rosemount 2410 Tank Hub, 2180 Field Bus Modem (FBM), 2240S Multi-input Temperature Transmitters, and 765 Multiple Spot Temperature sensors.
• Host Systems: Rosemount TankMaster PC-based inventory packages, Emerson DeltaV, Yokogawa CENTUM VP, ABB 800xA, Honeywell Experion PKS, and standard PLC marine consoles via standard Modbus RTU.

Applications

• Marine Tankers & Gas Carriers: Centralizing cargo tank radar telemetry on crude oil tankers, chemical carriers, and LNG/LPG ships for integration into central cargo control consoles (CCR).
• Bulk Liquid Storage Terminals: Custody-transfer and inventory tracking across massive atmospheric storage tanks, floating-roof tanks, and fuel storage facilities.
• Refinery Tank Farms: Real-time data bridging between intrinsically safe tank farms and control rooms running DeltaV or custom DCS networks.
• Bunkering & Offshore FPSOs: Reliable level and temperature tracking under extreme mechanical vibration, wave motion, and electrical noise profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum distance supported by the FCU 2160 on fieldbus lines?

When utilizing standard TRL2 FSK modulation over shielded twisted-pair cable (0.75 mm² / 18 AWG minimum), the FCU 2160 reliably communicates over distances up to 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) without line repeaters.

Can the Rosemount FCU 2160 communicate directly with third-party DCS systems?

Yes. The FCU 2160 features integrated Modbus RTU communication capabilities on its group bus ports. It directly registers data points into standard holding registers readable by any third-party PLC, DCS, or SCADA interface without requiring intermediate protocol converters.

How does the FCU 2160 redundancy mechanism work in practice?

Two FCU 2160 units are mounted alongside each other and interconnected via a synchronization link. The primary unit continuously handles fieldbus polling. If the primary unit suffers a logic failure, board error, or power interruption, the backup unit detects watchdog drop-out and assumes bus mastery in under two seconds.

Is the FCU 2160 intrinsically safe for installation in Zone 0 or Zone 1 areas?

No. The FCU 2160 has an IP65 cast housing but is not an explosion-proof or intrinsically safe enclosure. It must be installed in a safe area, such as a ship’s Cargo Control Room (CCR), a marine equipment room, or an onshore safe-zone control room. Connections to hazardous tank areas run through certified intrinsic safety barriers or via intrinsically safe TRL2 field devices like the Rosemount 2410 Tank Hub.

What is the difference between the FCU 2160 and the FCU 2165/2175?

The FCU 2160 is a dedicated, compact data concentrator designed for up to 32 Rosemount/Saab gauges. The FCU 2165 and 2175 are larger, protocol-converting gateway units designed for legacy multi-vendor tank farms (supporting Enraf, Whessoe, and Tokyo Keiki protocols) handling up to 256 tanks.