Belden cables for Foundation fieldbus applications

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September 2013 Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors

Foundation fieldbus (FF) is one of the dominant industrial networks in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. Belden FF cables are designed to withstand the destructive effects of temperature extremes, humidity, moisture, dust and oil. In harsh environments such as oil and gas extraction and refining sites, ultraviolet radiation from extensive exposure to the sun can shorten cable life. With the high cost of downtime in industrial applications, particularly in remote locations, investing in cable with proven performance and reliability can reduce the likelihood of system failure. With FF, end users have the freedom to implement tightly integrated digital control based on unified system architecture and a high-speed backbone (HSE) for plant operations. This, in turn, removes the constraints on device and sub-system interoperability.

Fieldbus Specification IEC 61158-2 (ISA/SP-50)

Fieldbus is a digital, serial, two-way communications protocol that standardises the interconnection of field devices. These field devices are accessible to communication networks (running at 1 or 2,5 Mb/s), through linking devices. By distributing control into field devices, Fieldbus users reduce the amount of I/O and control equipment required. A Fieldbus compliant twisted pair of wires carries signals between the field devices and the networks. Fieldbus also reduces the number of IS barriers, cabinets, cables and connectors required, since the wire pair can support multiple functions within a single device (such as diagnostics, control and auto error correction), the twisted-pair cable becomes an integral part of a more efficient, reliable and cost effective industrial control system.

Fieldbus cabling features

The number of devices possible on a Fieldbus link will vary depending on factors such as the power consumption of each device, the use of repeaters, signal attenuation, type of cable used and distance. Belden Fieldbus cable features include:

* Compliant with Fieldbus Spec IEC 61158-2 (ISA/SP-50).

* Excellent electrical characteristics.

* Low capacitance (for long runs).

* Versions in 22, 18, 16 and 14 AWG stranded tinned copper conductors.

* Standard multi-pair cables available in 2 to 24 pairs and up to 50 pairs depending on construction.

* Versions available with Beldfoil shields and Beldfoil plus braid shields.

* Easily identifiable orange jacket.

* Blue jacket available for Intrinsically safe applications.

* Suitable for use in Class 1, Div. 2 applications.

* RoHS compliant and CE approved.

* CMX-outdoor rated as listed.

C(UL) tray rated cables

Belden offers C(UL) and UL tray-rated cable. This type A cable offers Belden reliability in harsh environments such as the oil sands of Canada. The single and multi-pair cables come with XLP insulation and comply with both Canadian and US regulatory requirements. XLP offers improved cut through and chemical resistance compared to other insulators.

For more information contact Greg Pokroy, Jaycor International, +27 (0)21 447 4247, [email protected], www.jaycor.co.za

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Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors

Belden cables for Foundation fieldbus applications

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