Description
- Emerson FloBoss S600 | Panel Mount Flow Computer, Modbus TCP & Multi-Serial Communication Interfaces
Product Core Brief
- Model: FloBoss S600
- Brand: Emerson
- Series: FloBoss Fiscal Flow Computer Platform
- Core Function: Execute high-precision flow calculation for custody transfer, batch loading and meter proving
- Type: Multi-stream Flow Computer
- Key Specs: Supports AGA / API / ISO standards; Modbus TCP + multi RS485/232 ports; Battery-backed SRAM for total retention Condition: New Surplus, not refurbished ⚠️ Legacy stable production unit; distinguish from upgraded FloBoss S600+ variant.
Product Introduction
Fiscal measurement errors on pipeline custody transfer can trigger costly commercial disputes between operators. The Emerson FloBoss S600 serves as a dedicated flow computer built for oil & gas metering stations.
Unlike general RTU hardware, it embeds standardized gas and liquid calculation algorithms required for fiscal trade measurement. It processes pulse, analog and HART inputs from orifice, turbine, ultrasonic and Coriolis meters. Tri-reg total storage protects volume/mass data against power interruptions. Field verified runtime data shows stable metering performance over 45,000 hours under standard control room operating environments.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | FloBoss S600 |
| Operating System | VxWorks Real-Time OS |
| Processor | 50 MHz i80486DX2 CPU |
| Memory | 16 MB DRAM, 2 MB Battery-backed SRAM, 4 MB Flash |
| Supported Calculation Standards | Gas: AGA3/7/8, ISO5167, GERG, GPA2172Liquid: API 2540, API 11.2.1, ASTM standards |
| Communication Ports | RJ45 Ethernet (Modbus TCP), RS232, RS422/485 serial ports |
| Input Signal Types | 4–20 mA analog, pulse input, digital discrete, HART compatible |
| Supply Voltage | 20 ~ 32 V DC, nominal 24 W power consumption |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C ~ +60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C ~ +70 °C |
| Mounting Form | Panel mount enclosure |
| Optional Accessory | Local LCD display & 29-key operation keypad |
| Main Application | Natural gas pipeline, refined oil custody transfer, prover control, batch loading |

Emerson FloBoss S600
Installation & Configuration Guide
Phase 1: Pre-Installation (Estimated 15 min)
⚠️ Safety Reminders
- Coordinate shutdown with operation team. Metering data will be interrupted during replacement.
- Cut off power supply and wait minimum 5 minutes for internal circuit discharge.
Tools required
- Anti-static wrist strap and anti-static mat
- 2.5 mm Allen key, PH1 screwdriver
- Digital multimeter
- Mobile phone for photo recording of wiring and jumper settings
Backup work
- Export full flow configuration, stream parameters and meter calculation setup.
- Capture photos: rear I/O wiring, CPU board jumper positions, network IP settings.
- Record all accumulated flow totals before power disconnection.
Phase 2: Old Unit Removal (Estimated 18 min)
- Confirm power remains disconnected throughout removal. Static discharge can damage metering logic circuits.
- Disconnect all field wiring, Ethernet and serial communication cables. Mark each terminal clearly.
- Remove front panel locking screw, detach display ribbon cable carefully. Do not pull the cable forcibly.
- Unscrew cabinet mounting fasteners and extract the whole unit from control panel cutout.
- Inspect internal circuit boards for dust; blow clean with dry compressed air if necessary.
⚠️ Write down cold-start jumper position. Wrong jumper settings lead to total data loss after power-on.
Phase 3: New Unit Installation (Estimated 18 min)
- Wear anti-static protection before opening ESD packaging.
- Verify model: FloBoss S600, confirm it is not + upgraded version.
- Place unit into panel cutout, secure mounting hardware evenly. Avoid uneven mechanical stress on enclosure.
- Restore front panel ribbon cable, align connector keyway properly before locking front panel screw.
- Reconnect field analog, pulse and communication wiring following recorded labels and photos.
Self-check list [ ] Front panel ribbon cable fully seated [ ] All signal cables correctly terminated [ ] No loose wiring inside cabinet [ ] Jumper settings match original configuration

Phase 4: Power-On & Commissioning (Estimated 40 min)
Pre-power inspection
- Measure DC supply voltage to confirm 24 V DC within operating range.
- Check for short circuits between power terminals.
Power-on steps
- Energize the flow computer only; keep metering station offline during commissioning.
- Observe front panel indicators. Normal boot completes without persistent alarm status.
- Connect PC with Emerson configuration software, establish communication via Ethernet or serial port.
- Load backup configuration file, download all stream calculation parameters.
- Verify input signal reading: pressure, temperature and pulse signals match field transmitter values.
- Perform static calculation test to confirm flow algorithm output matches expected metering results.
- Maintain continuous monitoring for minimum 60 minutes. Confirm no unexpected communication dropout or calculation alarms.
- Record serial number, replacement date and configuration version in maintenance log.
Troubleshooting tips
- Communication failure: Verify IP subnet matching and serial baud rate settings.
- Flow total cleared unexpectedly: Check cold-start jumper status on CPU board.
- Incorrect calculated volume: Confirm meter type and AGA/API calculation mode parameters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can FloBoss be directly replaced by FloBoss +? Physical panel mounting dimensions are similar, but CPU hardware and internal firmware differ. Original configuration files need conversion. Direct plug-and-play without parameter migration will trigger calculation errors. Full commissioning test is mandatory after replacement.
- Does FloBoss support hot-swap operation? The unit cannot support live hot replacement. All custody transfer measurement stops once power is removed. Always arrange maintenance window for replacement.
- Can one FloBoss process gas and liquid streams simultaneously? Yes. Multiple independent streams can be configured, mixing gas and liquid measurement within one unit. Each stream runs its dedicated calculation standard.
- Will power failure erase accumulated flow totals? No. Critical totals are stored inside battery-backed SRAM with triple tri-reg storage. Replace internal backup battery periodically to avoid data risk.
- What warranty coverage is provided for Emerson FloBoss ? All units complete full bench signal simulation and calculation testing before shipment. We provide a 12-month warranty. Test records and inspection photos can be provided upon request.
- Which configuration software is required for programming FloBoss ? Official Emerson FlowBoss configuration tool. Newer software versions may require compatibility adjustment for legacy hardware.
- Can this unit connect directly to plant SCADA or DCS systems? It supports Modbus TCP over Ethernet and Modbus RTU via serial ports. Map flow totals, alarms and stream parameters inside configuration software before linking to upper control systems.



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