SIL 2 switching applications are often required for emergency stop (E-Stop) systems or mission-critical stop/start applications where safety is a key issue. These are normally hardwired connections, but what happens when you have a large distance between the E-Stop and the device needing to be controlled (stopped)?
Modern safety systems need to conform to the IEC61508 standard, which must be satisfied to ensure a safe system. In a case where, for example, a few kilometres separate two points, a hardwired connection is impractical and a communications network does not meet the IEC61508 requirements, so this becomes a real challenge to implement.
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists has used its experience in IEC61508 and signal conditioning to provide a solution to this problem. Using fibre-optic cable, a fibre-optic transmitter and a corresponding receiver to transmit the status of a switch contact over the fibre cable, the Omniterm FCT and FCR provide SIL 2 safety level and enable contact switching over a long distance safely. This has been embraced by the nuclear industry, mining, and oil and gas, where remote switching is required over long distances.
Forming part of the extensive Omniterm range of industrial instrumentation equipment, the FCT and FCR modules are DIN-rail mounted, fibre-optic contact transmitters and receivers designed for use in safety-critical applications. The pair of modules provides the ability to send a digital contact signal up to 10 km over a single optical fibre, making it ideal for monitoring of safety-critical alarms, emergency stops or mission-critical stop and start applications.
The relay contact input from the field is connected to the FCT module (Fibre-optic Contact Transmitter); this can be either normally open or normally closed (NC for failsafe operation). The state of this relay contact is then continuously transmitted to the FCR (Fibre-optic Contact Receiver) module over fibre-optic cable. In an alarm condition, the relay contact at the FCR module will be energised or de-energised (failsafe), placing its changeover contact output into the alarm condition. LEDs are provided on each of the modules to display the state of both the input and output contacts and also the presence of instrument power.
Some applications for this solution are large, long-distance mining conveyor belts, underground pumping and reservoir/sump controls, and critical alarms from remote locations.
Omniflex delivers ICCP systems in London Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
: Omniflex has supplied impressed current cathodic protection systems for landmark London buildings, protecting reinforced concrete from corrosion and extending the service life of commercial, retail and heritage sites.
Read more...Modernising acid cooler protection without disrupting production Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex has supplied an advanced anodic protection control system to phosphate producer Foskor, replacing a legacy transformer rectifier system while maintaining uninterrupted production. The distributed PowerView CP solution provides remote monitoring and DCS integration.
Read more...Upgrading alarm systems for critical industries Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Omniflex’s OMNI16R alarm annunciator platform provides a direct replacement for legacy CSA systems such as MPAS 90 and SA9100, enabling operators in oil and gas, nuclear and power generation to modernise alarm infrastructure without sacrificing the clarity required for safe operations.
Read more...Rethinking corrosion protection in process plants Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Remote monitoring is changing how cathodic and anodic protection systems are managed in process plants, giving operators continuous visibility of corrosion protection performance and enabling more proactive maintenance decisions.
Read more...Rethinking corrosion protection in process plants Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex explains how integrating remote monitoring and cloud-based platforms into cathodic and anodic protection systems is helping process plant operators stay ahead of corrosion and make smarter maintenance decisions.
Read more...Preserving a French heritage landmark Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex supplied a remotely monitored impressed current cathodic protection system for the Perret Tower in Grenoble, a protected French heritage site, combining 24/7 corrosion protection with integrated surge protection against lightning strikes.
Read more...Lessons in long-distance telemetry Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Key engineering lessons from decades of deploying wireless telemetry systems in demanding industrial applications, covering network management, power constraints, physical challenges and the value of open, simplified architectures.
Read more...Long-distance signal delivery is critical to rail safety Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A remote monitoring specialist explains why fibre optic technology is increasingly replacing copper cabling in safety-critical railway signalling systems.
Read more...Omniflex upgrades faulty alarms at cereal manufacturing facility Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Legacy alarm specialist, Omniflex has delivered a direct retrofit solution for ageing MPAS 90 alarm systems at Kellanova’s Wrexham facility, replacing obsolete units with its SIL-1 rated Omni16R rack-based alarm logic, and Omni-X LED Displays.
Read more...No power, no coverage, no problem Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Remote monitoring expert, Omniflex has delivered a remote monitoring and control solution for an impressed current cathodic protection control system, aiding local authorities in Queensland, Australia in the essential maintenance of roadside culverts.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version