Product Introduction and System Integration

The ProSoft MVI56-AFC combines specialized hydrocarbon flow measurement with the flexibility of the ControlLogix platform. It operates as a dedicated flow computer within the automation rack, receiving process data from compatible I/O modules and performing the calculations required for liquid and gas measurement.

Its calculation functions cover differential-pressure gas measurement, linear gas measurement, and liquid measurement applications. The resulting flow rates and accumulated totals are transferred through the ControlLogix backplane for use in controller logic or supervisory reporting. This arrangement allows measurement and plant control functions to operate within a coordinated system architecture.

For measurement stations, the three serial Modbus ports provide communication paths for SCADA equipment and other Modbus devices. The module also supports configurable archives, event records, and audit scans, helping operators review historical measurements and verify calculation inputs.

During commissioning, engineers should configure each meter run carefully, including the applicable measurement method, fluid properties, transmitter ranges, input scaling, and communication parameters. Correct configuration is especially important in custody transfer and other applications where measurement traceability and accuracy are essential.

The MVI56-AFC remains a relevant spare and replacement option for established ControlLogix-based oil and gas measurement systems. For projects requiring newer communication capabilities and updated calculation standards, the MVI56E-AFC is a related model worth evaluating.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description
Brand	ProSoft Technology
Model	MVI56-AFC
Product Type	Liquid and Gas Flow Computer Module
Platform	Rockwell Automation ControlLogix
Backplane Compatibility	1756 ControlLogix
Installation	Single-slot module
Supported Media	Hydrocarbon liquids and gases
Maximum Meter Runs	16
Streams per Meter Run	Up to 4
Measurement Methods	AGA, ISO, and API methods
Calculated Values	Flow rate, volume, mass, and energy
Communication Protocol	Modbus RTU / ASCII
Serial Communication Ports	3 configurable ports
Modbus Operating Modes	Master / Slave
Configuration Software	AFC Manager
Data Management	Historical archives, audit scans, and event logging
Dimensions	145.2 x 34.6 x 139.6 mm
Weight	0.29 kg / 0.64 lb

Recommended Related Models

Model	Product Description
MVI56E-AFC	ProSoft Enhanced Liquid and Gas Flow Computer for ControlLogix
MVI69-AFC	ProSoft Liquid and Gas Flow Computer for CompactLogix
MVI71-AFC	ProSoft Liquid and Gas Flow Computer for PLC-5
MVI46-AFC	ProSoft Liquid and Gas Flow Computer for SLC 500

Popular Related Models

Model	Product Description
MVI56-MCM	ProSoft Modbus Communication Module for ControlLogix
MVI56-DFCM	ProSoft DF1 Communication Module for ControlLogix
MVI56E-MNET	ProSoft Modbus TCP/IP Communication Module
MVI56E-GSC	ProSoft Generic ASCII Serial Communication Module
1756-IF8	Allen Bradley ControlLogix Analog Input Module
1756-IF16	Allen Bradley ControlLogix 16-Point Analog Input Module
1756-IB16	Allen Bradley ControlLogix Digital Input Module

Applications

The MVI56-AFC is intended for applications where accurate hydrocarbon measurement and continuous flow monitoring are important.

Oil and Gas Measurement: Calculates flow data for crude oil, refined petroleum products, and hydrocarbon gases.
Custody Transfer: Supports measurement applications requiring recognized AGA and API calculation methods.
Pipeline Monitoring: Provides flow-rate and accumulated-volume information for pipeline operation and line-balance monitoring.
Industrial Fluid Processing: Supports measurement of liquids and gases in processing and distribution facilities.
SCADA Integration: Makes calculated flow information available to supervisory systems through Modbus communication.
Metering Station Automation: Handles multiple meter runs within a ControlLogix-based measurement architecture.

Advantages and Functional Highlights

Dedicated Flow Calculation

The module performs specialized measurement calculations independently of the main ControlLogix application logic. This helps simplify PLC programming while providing dedicated processing for flow measurement.

Multi-Meter Capacity

The MVI56-AFC supports up to 16 meter runs, with four streams per meter run. This allows multiple measurement points to be handled within one flow computer module.

Industry Measurement Standards

It supports established hydrocarbon measurement methods, including AGA 3, AGA 7, AGA 8, and API 2540, depending on the selected measurement application.

Flexible Modbus Communication

Three configurable Modbus serial ports provide access to measurement data, configuration information, and archived records. The ports can operate as Modbus slaves, with one configurable for Modbus Master operation.

Measurement Data Archiving

The module supports hourly and daily meter archives, together with event logging. This helps operators review historical measurement values and investigate configuration changes or operating events.

ControlLogix Backplane Integration

Its single-slot design connects directly to a compatible ControlLogix chassis. Measurement values are exchanged with the processor through the backplane, reducing the need for a separate standalone flow computer.

Technical FAQs

Q1: What types of fluids can the MVI56-AFC measure?

It is designed for hydrocarbon gas and liquid measurement. Supported applications include crude oil, refined petroleum products, LPG, natural gas, and other configured hydrocarbon streams.

Q2: How many meter runs can one module support?

The module supports up to 16 meter runs simultaneously, with up to four streams per meter run. Each meter run can be configured according to its measurement requirements.

Q3: Which flow measurement standards are supported?

The MVI56-AFC supports measurement methods including AGA 3, AGA 7, AGA 8, ISO 5167, and applicable API petroleum measurement methods. The available calculation options depend on the installed firmware and selected configuration.

Q4: What measurement values does the module calculate?

It calculates flow rates and accumulated volume, mass, and energy values. These results can be transferred to the ControlLogix processor or accessed by a compatible SCADA system.

Q5: What input signals does the MVI56-AFC use?

It uses process data supplied through compatible analog input modules and pulse or frequency input modules in the ControlLogix chassis. Typical measurement inputs include pressure, temperature, differential pressure, density, and meter pulse information.

Q6: Does the module communicate with Modbus devices?

Yes. It provides three configurable serial Modbus ports. All three can operate as Modbus slaves, while one port can also be configured as a Modbus Master.

Q7: Can the MVI56-AFC communicate directly with a SCADA system?

Yes. A SCADA host can retrieve measurement values, configuration data, and historical information through the module's Modbus serial interfaces.

Q8: What software is used to configure the module?

ProSoft AFC Manager is used to configure meter runs, measurement parameters, communication settings, and monitoring functions. It also supports access to archived data and event records.

Q9: What should be checked if calculated flow values are incorrect?

Verify the analog and pulse input values, transmitter scaling, engineering units, meter parameters, fluid properties, and selected calculation method. Incorrect pressure, temperature, differential pressure, or pulse data can affect the calculated results.

Q10: Can the MVI56-AFC be replaced directly with an MVI56E-AFC?

Not as an automatic plug-and-play replacement. Although both are ControlLogix in-chassis flow computers supporting up to 16 meter runs, they differ in communication interfaces, calculation revisions, configuration methods, and other functions. Review the project configuration and migration requirements before replacement.

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