IS & Ex


Explosion-proof encoder for offshore applications

April 2018 IS & Ex

Many applications in the oil and gas industry that require the use of absolute encoders are demanding, not just from a performance perspective, but also because of the operating environment. An example of this is where the encoder needs to be explosion-proof due to the dangerous atmosphere in which it operates. Another would be applications that involve harsh environmental influences such as offshore platforms where shock loads of over 100 Gs, or shaft loads of hundreds of Newtons, can be experienced. The Hengstler AX65 absolute encoder has been engineered to deal with all these requirements.

Certified explosion-proof, the Hengstler AX65 is built with marine-grade stainless steel and has a shock rating of 200 Gs, and shaft load of 300 N. This tough encoder is not only compact, but it also offers an exceptionally shallow depth and body diameter of only 59 mm. This means it can be installed in applications where other larger explosion-proof encoders cannot be used.

Carrying explosion-proof certification makes it ideal for offshore oil platforms, mines and chemical plants and, as well as other applications that require an encoder constructed from marine grade stainless steel. The shaft load rating eliminates the need for load modules, thus reducing costs.

This device can be installed quickly and easily due to its flexible, quick-connect terminal system. It comes standard with the choice of SSI or CANopen interface, and it is also possible to integrate the CANopen encoder in a ring network configuration.

For more information contact Gerry Bryant, Countapulse Controls, +27 (0)11 615 7556, bryant@countapulse.co.za, www.countapulse.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Cathodic protection system for hazardous environments
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
When NSW Ports in Australia embarked on a two-year programme to rehabilitate the structures and combat corrosion levels at its Bulk Liquid Berth 1, it commissioned Melbourne-based consultancy Infracorr to deliver a bespoke cathodic protection) system. To deliver the system safely, Infraccor engaged cathodic protection specialist Omniflex to support the hazardous area and remote monitoring aspects of the CP system design.

Read more...
Leading the way in PDS technology
IS & Ex
Booyco Electronics, an original equipment manufacturer specialising in mine safety equipment, has witnessed a surge in demand for its proximity detection systems (PDS) and collision prevention systems (CPS) since the Mine Health and Safety regulation focusing on trackless mobile machinery was promulgated. These systems offer crucial vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle detection capabilities.

Read more...
Ensuring lone worker safety
IS & Ex
The Conextivity Group’s startup – Wearin’ – has developed a solution connecting the lone worker with the control centre. This was commissioned by concrete producer, Pro Beton to ensure the safety of its teams of machine operators and cleaners working on production sites during the day, night, and weekends.

Read more...
Safety breakthrough in live testing of large equipment
IS & Ex
While essential to effective maintenance, the live testing of mining vehicles and equipment can be hazardous and time consuming; but this has all changed with the SafeGauge range of digital testing systems. Developed in Australia, SafeGauge is now distributed in South Africa by Booyco Electronics, known for its leading role in promoting safety on mines through its proximity detection systems.

Read more...
Explosion-protected control units
Pepperl+Fuchs IS & Ex
The new range of control units from Pepperl+Fuchs offers a clever solution for switching and controlling circuits in hazardous areas that are designated ATEX/IECEx Zones 1/21 and 2/22.

Read more...
The importance of understanding SIL ratings
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
Major industrial accidents around the world, like the Bhopal chemical plant disaster, have occurred due to insufficient and poorly designed safety systems. Gary Bradshaw, director of alarm and safety system specialist Omniflex, explains how SIL ratings work and the dangers of the misconceptions that exist around them.

Read more...
The importance of understanding SIL ratings
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
Major industrial accidents around the world, like the Bhopal chemical plant disaster, have occurred due to insufficient and poorly designed safety systems. Gary Bradshaw, director of alarm and safety system specialist Omniflex, explains how SIL ratings work and the dangers of the misconceptions that exist around them.

Read more...
Mobile workers 4.0
Pepperl+Fuchs IS & Ex
Intrinsically safe smart devices enable lone mobile workers to work seamlessly throughout the plant with the help of digital support. The significant increase in production efficiency and reliability is noticeable.

Read more...
Functional safety over EtherCAT
Eagle Africa Technology IS & Ex
HMS Networks has released a new version of the Ixxat SafeT100 module, allowing users to implement safe I/Os for FSoE (Functional Safety over EtherCAT), which was previously available only for PROFIsafe and CIP Safety.

Read more...
Overcurrent protection for explosion-protected areas
Phoenix Contact IS & Ex
The customisable Caparoc circuit breaker system from Phoenix Contact now also offers modules for explosion-protected areas, thereby extending the range of possible applications.

Read more...