Methods for recycling a system unit of a field device and methods for determining a recycling parameter for a field device

Abstract

The invention relates to a system unit of a field device (1) for determining and / or monitoring a physical, chemical or biological process parameter and / or the material properties of a medium, comprising: - at least two demountable subunits (Ui1, Ui2, ...); and - a label (100), wherein the label (100) includes at least one disassembly information for the system unit or a link that is configured to lead to the at least one disassembly information when the label (100) is read. Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for assisting the operating personnel in deciding whether the replacement and / or recycling of a field device (1) used in an automation system (5) for determining and / or monitoring a physical, chemical or biological process parameter and / or the material properties of a medium is indicated, wherein the method comprises the following process steps: - during the intended operation of the field device (1) at a deployment site, events are recorded that affect the service life of the field device (1), - At predetermined time intervals, a current recycling indicator is determined based on the recorded events, - the current recycling indicator is compared with a predefined limit value for the recycling indicator, - A message is issued to the operating personnel that the field device (1) must be replaced and / or recycled as soon as the current recycling parameter reaches the limit value for the recycling parameter.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for determining a recycling parameter for a field device, a system unit of a field device and a method for recycling a system unit of a field device.

[0002] Various field devices are known from the prior art and are used in industrial automation systems – both in process automation and in manufacturing automation. For the purposes of this invention, field devices are defined as all devices used close to the process that provide and / or process process-relevant information. Depending on their application, field devices detect and / or influence physical, chemical, or biological process parameters of at least one medium.

[0003] Measuring devices, consisting of at least one sensor unit – also known as a transducer – and a transmitter unit, are used to record process variables of a medium. The measured values ​​supplied by the sensor unit are converted into the corresponding process variable by the transmitter unit. For example, if the measuring devices are for pressure and temperature measurement, conductivity measurement, flow measurement, pH value, or level measurement, they provide information about the determined process variables: pressure, temperature, conductivity, flow rate, pH value, or level of a medium contained in a container. A wide variety of such measuring devices are developed, manufactured, and distributed by the Endress+Hauser Group.

[0004] Actuators such as pumps or valves are used to influence process variables, for example to determine or monitor the flow rate of a fluid medium in a pipeline or the fill level of a medium in a container.

[0005] In the context of this invention, the term "field device" also refers to a gateway or edge device used in an automation system. While a gateway enables communication between the field devices of an automation network and a computing unit not integrated into the automation system, an edge device in IIoT environments acts as a node between a fieldbus network of the automation technology and an external server unit or—more generally speaking—the cloud. Depending on the requirements, an edge device provides various interfaces to wired and wireless transmission technologies and communication standards, such as Ethernet, WLAN, or mobile networks like LTE (4G), 5G, etc.

[0006] In the field of communications technology, it is known that an intelligent communication device (e.g., a smartphone) displays a notification when the support period has expired. In vehicles, a corresponding message appears on a display when a malfunction occurs. In the field of flow measurement, field devices are known that indicate how to assess the reliability of the measurement results provided by a flow meter.

[0007] A method for monitoring the function of a potentiometric sensor is known from DE 10 2004 063 469 B4. Based on the remaining load capacity, which results from the total load capacity and the total load, and a current load or an averaged current load at the sensor's installation location, a prediction of the remaining service life of the sensor is generated. The time scale for averaging the current load is preferably chosen such that, on the one hand, the service life prediction is not affected by short-term fluctuations, but, on the other hand, that fundamental changes in the loads are incorporated into the remaining service life prediction sufficiently quickly.The averaging of the current load can be performed over a period of no more than one hour, ten minutes, one minute, or ten seconds, depending on the process dynamics and the desired forecast range. An alarm can be triggered if the remaining service life falls below a predefined threshold.

[0008] Currently, field device users receive no indication of when any given field device in an automation system has reached a state where its functionality can no longer be guaranteed and it must be recycled – for example, because repair is no longer cost-effective or possible for any number of reasons. Field device users lack awareness of the right time to recycle a field device. This awareness disappears entirely when hundreds of different field devices, each performing a wide variety of functions, are used in an automation system.

[0009] Furthermore, no recycling concepts are yet known for the field equipment, which is often extremely complex and consists of multiple parts. Without the necessary knowledge, the operator of the field equipment is frequently unable to disassemble the aging device correctly in order to recycle the individual components properly. Therefore, recycling often either doesn't occur at all or is carried out incorrectly.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of remedying the problem.

[0011] The problem is solved by the system unit according to claim 1, the recycling method according to claim 4 and the method for supporting the operating personnel according to claim 11.

[0012] The system unit according to the invention of a field device for determining and / or monitoring a physical, chemical or biological process parameter and / or the material properties of a medium comprises: - at least two demountable sub-units; and - a label, wherein the label includes at least one disassembly information for the system unit or a link that is set up to lead to the at least one disassembly information when the label is read.

[0013] Providing a marking for the system unit not only simplifies the dismantling of the system unit by the operator, but also increases the final quality of the recycling and thus the quality of the recyclates obtained from it.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0015] One embodiment provides that the marking is optically detectable, or that the marking includes a transmitter suitable for transmitting the disassembly information or the link to a receiver.

[0016] One design provides that the link leads to a digital twin of the system unit, on which a disassembly, in particular a visual one, is shown and / or guided, especially with a disassembly guide.

[0017] The inventive method for recycling a system unit comprises: - Identification of the system unit by means of an electronic identification unit, wherein the identification leads to at least one disassembly information of the system unit; - Disassembling the system unit into individual parts depending on at least one disassembly piece of information; and - Recycling the individual parts.

[0018] One embodiment provides that, during recognition, an optical or digital identifier of the system unit is detected by means of the recognition unit, and / or where the recognition, in particular without marking, is based on a shape, contour and / or color of the system unit, and / or the detection unit includes a microphone, where the detection is acoustic and takes place during operation of the system unit, and / or where the optical or acoustic detection is AI-supported.

[0019] One embodiment provides that disassembly takes place in a disassembly facility, whereby the recognition unit is part of the disassembly facility or the disassembly facility is provided with at least one disassembly information.

[0020] One design provides that at least one disassembly instruction includes information on hazardous substances used in the system or on hazardous substances with which the system unit has come into contact, and / or where at least one piece of disassembly information includes an assessment of the individual parts with regard to recyclability.

[0021] One aspect of the procedure includes: - Optical output of at least one disassembly information, especially via a handheld device, a smartwatch and / or AR (Augmented Reality) glasses.

[0022] One aspect of the procedure includes: - Identifying and providing a service offer for a nearest recycling plant, and / or - Creating a decontamination statement for the system unit, and / or

[0023] One aspect of the procedure includes: - Verification of disassembly depending on at least one disassembly information to improve separation and recycling.

[0024] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. In particular, the inventive method for supporting operating personnel in deciding whether the replacement and / or recycling of a field device used in an automation system for determining and / or monitoring a physical, chemical, or biological process variable is appropriate comprises the following method steps: -During the intended operation of the field device at a deployment site, events are recorded that affect the service life of the field device, - At predetermined time intervals, a current recycling indicator is determined based on the recorded events, - the current recycling indicator is compared with a predefined limit value for the recycling indicator, - The field device sends a message to the operating personnel that the field device must be replaced and / or recycled as soon as the current recycling parameter reaches the limit value for the recycling parameter.

[0025] The recycling parameter is a monitoring parameter for the field device. It indicates when the field device no longer measures with sufficient accuracy and / or is no longer suitable for its intended task. The latter can no longer be guaranteed, for example, if spare parts required for repairs are no longer available or if certificates essential for the application have expired. This condition can also be reached through tampering with or improper opening of the field device.

[0026] According to the invention, the operating personnel are not only notified that the field device is no longer permanently suitable for its intended application, but are also informed that the field device must be recycled. The recycling indicator provides the operating personnel / field device user with a metric indicating when a field device should be recycled. In addition to the "correct" recycling time, the operating personnel also receive the instruction that the field device must be recycled – it should not be disposed of as electronic waste. The method according to the invention creates recycling awareness among the operating personnel / field device user.

[0027] A further development of the method according to the invention provides that a self-learning system assigned to the field device is used to determine the current recycling parameter and / or to determine the limit value for the recycling parameter. This self-learning system may be factory-trained, so that the field device already commences its intended operation at the designated location with a certain level of information. The recycling parameter is determined by training a computer program. Key terms in this context are, in particular, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The dependent claims list important examples that must be considered, or are considered, for training the, for example, AI-based computer program. The list is not exhaustive and can be extended by features that are known to a person experienced in the field of automation technology.

[0028] For example, the following events are used to train the field device: - the occurrence of error messages, - the frequency of error messages, - the replacement of components of the field device, - Information about temperature, pressure, humidity, medium properties, and vibrations at the field device location, - Duration of use of the field device outside the measuring range specified by the field device manufacturer, - Evidence of mechanical or electrical tampering with the field device, for example caused by water damage, by breaking a predetermined shear point or by improper opening of fasteners / screws - Condition monitoring of the field device.

[0029] An alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that an algorithm assigned to the field device is used to determine the current recycling parameter. This alternative may have the disadvantage compared to the previously mentioned embodiment that events not yet considered by the algorithm, which may affect the functionality of the field device, remain unaccounted for when generating the recycling parameter.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed that when determining the recycling parameter, the individual events should not only be listed, but each of the events that occurred should be assigned a weight that reflects the impact of each individual event on the service life of the field device.

[0031] Furthermore, it is planned that reaching the limit value for the recycling parameter of a field device will be indicated to the operating personnel visually, audibly, and / or haptically. The indication must be designed in such a way that it is registered and acknowledged by the operating personnel.

[0032] The following are examples that describe events that can be taken into account by the self-learning system or algorithm when determining the recycling parameter: - If the field device is equipped with a self-monitoring function, the type and / or frequency of error messages on the field device will be recorded and used to determine the current recycling parameter. To determine the current recycling parameters, the environmental conditions at the field device's operating location are considered. The temperature and pressure at the measurement point are of primary importance. It goes without saying that the properties of the measuring medium also play a significant role: high pressure and temperature values ​​have very different effects on the service life of a field device, depending on whether the device comes into contact with a critical medium – e.g., an acidic one – or with a non-critical medium, e.g., water. Furthermore, it is crucial whether the field device is exposed to vibrations at its location. An accelerometer may be attached to the field device to detect vibrations. - If the field device is equipped with a monitoring function to detect tampering with the field device or a component thereof, any detected tampering will be used to determine the current recycling parameter and / or the limit value for the recycling parameter. Tampering may consist of improper opening of the field device, water damage to the field device, or unauthorized manipulation of the parameters / electrical parameters. Repair or maintenance work performed on the field device is recorded and used to determine the current recycling parameter and / or to establish the limit value for the recycling parameter. For example, a repair performed on a field device or the installation of a critical spare part can raise the limit value for the recycling parameter, which is equivalent to extending the field device's service life at the deployment site. The field device is provided with information about the availability of spare parts. This crucial information is also used to determine the current recycling parameter and / or the limit value for the recycling parameter. For example, if a spare part required for the correct functioning of the field device is no longer available, this can – depending on the relevance of the field device to the operation of an automation system – lead to an immediate notification that the field device must be replaced and recycled.

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of an automation system and Fig. 2: a flowchart that visualizes one embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a field device according to the invention.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts an automation system 5, as used for the regulation and / or control of processes in automation technology. A multitude of field devices 1 are employed, which determine and / or monitor individual process variables. Each field device 1 has a sensor 6 suitable for determining environmental parameters at the field device 1's location. A control unit 7 contains an AI-capable computer program. A storage unit 8 serves to store information. The field devices 1 communicate with a higher-level control unit 2 via data lines 3. This communication takes place using one of the transmission protocols commonly used in automation technology.Increasingly, field devices 1 are also equipped with at least one radio interface 4, which enables wireless communication with the control unit 2 in the automation system 5 or with the cloud (not shown).

[0035] Each of the field devices 1 fulfills a defined function within the automation system 5. If one of these field devices 1 fails due to a defect, there is a risk that the entire automation system 5 will no longer function and will come to a standstill until the defective field device 1 is replaced or repaired. This is unacceptable for the operator of an automation system 5 due to the high costs of downtime.

[0036] Field device manufacturers have responded to this: Additional functions on field devices 1, such as predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, and / or the estimation of the remaining service life of a field device 1, enable a field device user to initiate timely measures that effectively counteract a total failure of the field device 1 and, if applicable, the automation system 5. Defective field devices 1 or defective replacement components of field devices 1 are usually disposed of as electronic waste after removal.

[0037] According to the invention, a method is proposed that determines a recycling parameter for each individual field device 1 that performs a defined function at a defined location within an automation system 5. This recycling parameter continuously or at defined intervals takes into account all relevant information that plays a role in the functionality of the field device 1. If the recycling parameter reaches a predetermined limit, the operator of the automation system 5 is signaled that the field device 1 must be replaced immediately. Simultaneously, the operator is signaled that the field device 1 must not only be replaced, but that the defective field device 1 must be sent to a suitable recycling process. This raises recycling awareness among field device users. Recycling field devices 1 is essential due to the limited availability of resources.

[0038] Preferably, a self-learning system is used to generate and monitor the recycling parameter and to determine the limit value for the recycling parameter. The self-learning system is preferably an AI or machine learning system. The self-learning system may be pre-trained by the field device manufacturer before it begins its measurement or monitoring work at the intended deployment location.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart that visualizes an embodiment of the inventive method for supporting the operating personnel in deciding whether the replacement and / or recycling of a field device 1 used in an automation system 5 for determining and / or monitoring a physical, chemical or biological process variable is indicated.

[0040] After the process is started under program item 10, the training of an artificial intelligence (AI) begins. In the case shown under program item 20, the following events are used for training: - Occurrence of error messages on the field device - Frequency of error messages on the field device - Replacement of field device components - Information about temperature, pressure, humidity - Occurrence of vibrations at the deployment site - Nature of the medium - Exceeding predefined limit values ​​of the measuring range of field device 1 at the deployment site - Evidence of a procedure carried out on field device 1 - Tampering with field device 1 such as: water damage, shear point loosened, mounting screws improperly opened - Condition Monitoring - Availability of spare parts.

[0041] Based on the available information, the AI ​​determines a recycling parameter under program point 30 and compares the determined current recycling parameter with a predefined limit value under program point 40. Under program point 50, it checks whether the recycling parameter has reached the predefined limit value. If so, a warning message is issued to the operating personnel under program point 60, indicating that field device 1 must be replaced immediately and sent for recycling. The replacement of field device 1 is signaled audibly and / or visually and / or haptically. The operating personnel must acknowledge receipt of this warning message. The procedure ends at program point 70.

[0042] As long as the check under program item 50 shows that the current recycling parameter has not yet reached the limit value, the process goes through process steps 20, 30, 40, 50 either continuously or at time intervals specified by the AI.

[0043] In conjunction with the inventive method described in claim 1, it is advantageous to issue an advance warning notification that the current recycling parameter is approaching the predetermined limit. The operating personnel can then initiate the necessary steps for replacing or repairing the affected field device 1 in a timely manner. Based on the information available to it, the AI ​​is also able to indicate the probable time of failure of a field device 1 at any given time.

[0044] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a field device 100 according to the invention. The field device 100 for determining and / or monitoring a physical, chemical, or biological process variable and / or the material properties of a medium comprises at least one system unit. Field devices 100 are known that have two or more system units. The at least one system unit can fundamentally be a transmitter unit 200 for outputting the physical, chemical, or biological process variable and / or the material properties of the medium, a transmitter 300 for determining and / or monitoring the physical, chemical, or biological process variable and / or the material properties as a function of a measured value of a measured quantity, a sensor 400 for determining the measured quantity, or a process fitting 500.The illustrated configuration shows a field device 100 with exactly four system units, the four system units being a transmitter unit 200, a transducer 300, a sensor 400 and a process fitting 500.

[0045] The at least one system unit comprises at least two detachable subunits Uij, Ukl, where i, j, k, l are each a natural consecutive number between 1 and 4, and for which, if i = k, then j ≠ l, and if j = l, then i ≠ k. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmitter unit 2 has the two subunits U11, U12, the transducer 300 has the two subunits U21, U22, the sensor 400 has the two subunits U31, U32, and the process valve 500 has the two subunits U41, U42. The at least two subunits Uij, Ukl are components that can be separated from each other, in particular without tools. However, the components may also be connected by fasteners, so that suitable tools may be necessary for disassembly.It may be required that the at least two subunits Uij and Ukl be disassembled prior to recycling to enable essentially single-material recycling. The transmitter 300 has measuring electronics ME that are electrically connected or connectable to the sensor 400. The process valve 500 has a process valve housing 600 for receiving a sensor 400. Furthermore, the process valve 500 has a sensor carrier that is movable within the process valve housing 600, in which the sensor 400 can be repositioned. The transmitter unit 200 has transmitter electronics TE, which are configured to establish a connection, in particular wirelessly, with a network and / or to output the physical, chemical, or biological process parameter and / or the material properties of the medium via a display unit.

[0046] Subunits U11 and U12 of transmitter unit 2 can each consist of a transmitter cover, a display unit, display electronics, a display mount, power supply electronics, transmission electronics (e.g., for Bluetooth, WLAN, LTE, etc.), a cable harness, or a transmitter housing. The transmitter electronics TE can also be considered a recyclable subunit of transmitter unit 2.

[0047] Subunits U21 and U22 of the transmitter 3 can each be a cable harness or a transmitter housing. The measuring electronics ME can also be considered a recyclable subunit.

[0048] The subunits U31 and U32 of the sensor 4 can each be, for example, a measuring tube, a magnetic coil, a magnetic coil body, a magnetizable field guide plate, a coil core, a measuring electrode, a cable harness, a microwave antenna, a radar antenna, a radioactive source, a tuning fork, a sleeve, a temperature sensor (e.g., PT100 or PT1000), a plastic or ceramic liner, a retaining plate, a paddle, a pressure transducer, a flange, a flow conditioner, a permanent magnet, an ultrasonic transducer, a piezoelectric element for generating ultrasonic waves, or a transmitter housing.

[0049] Subunits U421 and U42 of process valve 5 can consist of a seal, a movable sensor carrier, etc. The process valve housing 600 can also be considered a recyclable subunit.

[0050] The depicted system units each have a identifier 700, which includes at least one disassembly piece of information for the system unit or a link. A single identifier 700 can also be provided for the entire field device 100. The link is configured to lead to the at least one disassembly piece of information when read out, e.g., by a recognition unit 800. In the simplest case, the link can be a link to a database.

[0051] The marking 700 can be optically detectable or include a transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting disassembly information or a link to a receiver, e.g., via an antenna, to the detection unit 800. The transmitter can be, for example, an RFID or NFC transmitter. The transmitter, particularly the antenna and memory, can be operated passively or actively. The optically detectable marking 700 can include a QR code, a barcode, a Data Matrix, etc. The disassembly information can be directly encoded in the QR code or Data Matrix. Alternatively, a link to the disassembly information can be stored behind the QR code, barcode, or Data Matrix.

[0052] Furthermore, the system unit can be linked to a digital twin, which can be used to illustrate and / or guide disassembly, particularly visually, with disassembly instructions. The visual disassembly can be displayed on a handheld device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, AR (augmented reality) glasses, etc.). The operator simply needs to follow the displayed disassembly steps. Using a digital twin for recycling has the advantage that the system unit's history, linked to the digital twin, can be taken into account for recycling purposes. This allows, for example, the identification of the medium with which the system unit has come into contact. Especially with contaminated field devices, complete disassembly by a layperson is not permissible. Based on this information, disassembly instructions tailored to the operator can then be created and provided.

[0053] At the Fig. Section 3 also describes an embodiment of the inventive method for recycling the system unit.

[0054] In a first step, the system unit can be identified by means of a recognition unit 800. During recognition, an optical or digital identifier 700 of the system unit or field device is detected by the recognition unit 800. The recognition unit 800 can have a camera configured to capture the optically detectable identifier. Depending on the identifier 700 captured by the camera, the recognition unit 800 can be configured to retrieve at least one disassembly information for the system unit. However, the system unit can also be identified, particularly without an identifier, based on the shape, contour, and / or color of the system unit or field device. The recognition unit 800 can be configured to identify the system unit or field device based on its characteristic features.to determine this appropriately and, depending on the determination, to obtain disassembly information. For this purpose, the recognition unit 800 can have an image recognition algorithm or an artificial intelligence that is trained to identify or differentiate system units of field devices or field devices via image features and, depending on this, to determine the necessary and / or linked disassembly information.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the 800 detection unit can have a transmitter that can communicate with the field device, system unit, or 700 identification device via a communication standard. The necessary disassembly information or the required link can be transmitted in this way.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the detection unit 800 can include a microphone and be configured to identify the system unit based on acoustic characteristics. Detection occurs during operation of the system unit. This detection can also be performed using an acoustic algorithm or artificial intelligence, whereby the artificial intelligence is trained to identify and differentiate system units from field devices based on sound characteristics and, depending on this, to determine the necessary and / or related disassembly information.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, at least one disassembly instruction can contain information about hazardous substances used in the system or hazardous substances with which the system unit has come into contact. This information can be displayed visually or audibly. The disassembly instructions can be selected based on this information.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the disassembly information can include an assessment of the recyclability of the at least two subunits Uij and Ukl, or of the individual parts. This allows for the inclusion of operating information (e.g., information on process properties or medium) entered directly by the operator via the 800 identification unit or previously entered in a wizard when purchasing the system unit or field device. Furthermore, the disassembly information can identify subunits of the at least two subunits Uij and Ukl that the manufacturer intends to reuse.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the disassembly information can also include categorization. This allows the operator to choose, for example, between disassembly instructions for beginners and for advanced users. The disassembly instructions for beginners may differ, for example, in the number of explanatory steps, the tools required, and / or the disassembly depth (i.e., to what extent sub-units are disassembled).

[0060] In a subsequent step, the system unit can then be disassembled into its individual subunits, depending on the at least one disassembly information provided. These subunits are then ultimately recycled. Disassembly can be carried out in a disassembly facility, with the 800 recognition unit being part of that facility. Alternatively, the 800 recognition unit can be configured to transmit or provide the at least one disassembly information to the disassembly facility. Alternatively, disassembly can also be performed manually by the operator.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, at least one disassembly instruction can be displayed visually or audibly, particularly via a handheld device, smartwatch, and / or AR (augmented reality) glasses. This can also include a visual indication of the materials used in the at least two subunits Uij and Ukl. The information can be displayed, for example, as an exploded view of the system unit, in which the subunits are labeled and the disassembly steps to be performed are visually illustrated.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, during system unit recognition, a service offer for, for example, the nearest recycling facility can be determined and displayed. Once the operator has specified that the field device or system unit is to be recycled at a recycling facility, a decontamination declaration for the field device or system unit can be automatically generated. Information provided by the operator can be collected for this purpose. The service offer can be designed so that it can be accepted or rejected by the operator with a simple confirmation (e.g., hand movement, touching a surface, etc.). If the service offer is accepted, an order can be created directly at the recycling facility.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the disassembly process can be monitored by the disassembly system or the operator. The disassembly information gathered serves as a reference. The actual disassembly is then compared with the specifications. This is intended to improve the separation and recycling of the at least two subunits Uij and Ukl. Alternatively or additionally, during disassembly, the 800 detection unit can identify which materials are recycled and what CO2 emissions are saved through recycling. This information can be provided to the operator and / or the manufacturer of the system unit, particularly in the form of a certificate. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 field device 2 Control / regulation unit 3 data lines 4 radio interface 5 Automation system 6 Sensors 7 Control unit 8 storage units 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 Program Item 100 field devices 200 transmitter units 300 measuring transmitters 400 sensors 500 process valve 600 cases 700 Labeling 800 detection units ME Measurement Electronics TE Transmitter Electronics Ui1, Ui2 subunit QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2004 063 469 B4

[0007]

Claims

System unit of a field device (100) for determining and / or monitoring a physical, chemical or biological process variable and / or the material properties of a medium, comprising: - at least two demountable subunits (Uij, Ukl) and - a label (700), wherein the label (700) includes at least one disassembly information for the system unit or a link configured to lead to the at least one disassembly information when the label (700) is read. System unit according to claim 1, wherein the marking (700) is optically detectable, or wherein the marking (700) comprises a transmitter which is suitable for transmitting the disassembly information or the linking to a receiver. System unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the link leads to a digital twin of the system unit, on which a disassembly, in particular visual, is shown and / or guided, in particular with a disassembly guide. Method for recycling a system unit, comprising: - recognizing the system unit by means of a recognition unit (800), wherein the recognition leads to at least one disassembly information of the system unit; - disassembling the system unit into individual parts depending on the at least one disassembly information; and - recycling the individual parts. The method according to claim 4, wherein during recognition an optical or digital marking (700) of the system unit is detected by means of the recognition unit (800), and / or wherein the recognition, in particular marking-free, is carried out on the basis of a shape, contour and / or color of the system unit, and / or wherein the recognition unit (800) comprises a microphone, wherein the recognition is acoustic and takes place during operation of the system unit, and / or wherein the optical or acoustic recognition is AI-supported. Method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the disassembly takes place in a disassembly system, wherein the recognition unit (800) is part of the disassembly system or the disassembly system is provided with at least one disassembly information. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the at least one disassembly information includes a reference to hazardous substances installed or to hazardous substances with which the system unit has come into contact, and / or wherein the at least one disassembly information includes an assessment of the individual parts with regard to recyclability. Method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, comprising: - Optical output of the at least one disassembly information, in particular via a handheld device, a smartwatch and / or AR (Augmented Reality) glasses. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, comprising: - determining and providing a service offer for a nearest recycling plant, and / or - creating a decontamination declaration for the system unit, and / or Method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, comprising: - verification of the disassembly depending on the at least one disassembly information to improve separation and recycling.A method for assisting operating personnel in deciding whether the replacement and / or recycling of a field device (1) used in an automation system (5) for determining and / or monitoring a physical, chemical, or biological process variable and / or the material properties of a medium is indicated, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - during the intended operation of the field device (1) at a deployment location, events that affect the service life of the field device (1) are recorded; - at predetermined time intervals, a current recycling parameter is determined based on the recorded events; - the current recycling parameter is compared with a predetermined limit value for the recycling parameter; - a message is issued to the operating personnel indicating that the field device (1) must be replaced and / or recycled.as soon as the current recycling parameter reaches the limit value for the recycling parameter. Method according to claim 11, wherein a self-learning system assigned to the field device (1) is used for determining the current recycling parameter and / or for determining the limit value for the recycling parameter, or wherein an algorithm assigned to the field device (1) is used for determining the current recycling parameter. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, in the event that the field device (1) is equipped with a self-monitoring function, the type and / or frequency of the occurrence of error messages on the field device is recorded and used to determine the current recycling parameter. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the environmental conditions at the place of use of the field device (1) are used to determine the current recycling parameter. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, in the event that the field device (1) is equipped with a monitoring function for detecting a manipulative intervention on the field device or on a component of the field device, a detected manipulative intervention on the field device is used to determine the current recycling parameter and / or to determine the limit value for the recycling parameter, and / or wherein the field device (1) is assigned information about a repair or maintenance measure carried out on the field device (1), which is used to determine the current recycling parameter and / or to determine the limit value for the recycling parameter, and / or wherein the field device (1) is provided with information about the availability of spare parts, and wherein this information is used to determine the current recycling parameter and / or the limit value for the recycling parameter.

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