Control unit with four operating elements in stainless steel enclosure.
Intrinsic safety is widely established in modern process automation for transmitting data signals between control system and plant area, where the appropriately certified field devices derive their operation energy from an intrinsically safe power supply. However, if more energy is required, often the type of explosion protection ‘increased safety’ Ex e is applied. The options of operating power and control networks in hazardous areas start with a single control function such as a pushbutton, LED indicator or control switch, which are integrated in corresponding space-efficient enclosures made of high quality stainless steel or glass fibre reinforced polyester. Thus they can be used in harsh environmental conditions.
Control system cabinet in type of explosion protection ‘purge and pressurisation’ Ex p with operating element in ‘increased safety’ Ex e.
Based on these control units with up to four operating elements, larger control stations are available which are able to integrate up to 56 of these components in one turnkey unit. A wide choice of control functions, contact configurations, colours and labelling allow adjustment to almost any user specification. Ammeters, potentiometers and a comprehensive range of certified terminals, cable glands and accessories complete the configuration options.
Explosion protection
Control panel in flameproof aluminium enclosure combined with control and termination box in stainless steel.
Control and automation components that are not available in explosion protected versions can be used in hazardous areas by applying the types of explosion protection ‘flameproof’ Ex d and ‘purge and pressurisation’ Ex p. Both technologies allow the integration of standard industry components in accordingly certified enclosures; the explosion protection method is different, though. Ex p prevents the ignitable gas from entering the enclosure while Ex d contains a possible explosion inside the sturdy enclosure. Both types of explosion protection can be combined and allow, by addition of Ex e control elements, a tailor-made design of the solution for the specific application, be it chemical and pharmaceutical plants or oil and gas processing. About the toughest demands are exacted by offshore applications and oil drilling rigs, which are not only completely defined as Ex-Zones but also have to withstand the worst climatic conditions. Here optimal protection is achieved by a flameproof stainless steel enclosure combined with an adequate Ex e control and termination box. The experienced engineers in the worldwide Pepperl+Fuchs Solution Engineering Centres can help to find the best protection solution for any specific requirement or environment, be it the scorching heat of the Sahara or the freezing rains in the Antarctic.
Stopping the sparks from flying
IS & Ex
Whenever electrical equipment is required for use in hazardous environments they must be designed with intrinsic safety in mind. Darren Barratt, product sales manager at alarm and event management specialist, Omniflex outlines the importance and key aspects of intrinsic safety design.
Read more...Control and monitoring with only one device Pepperl+Fuchs
IS & Ex
Pepperl+Fuchs has expanded its portfolio of K-System isolated barriers for DIN rail mounting (power rail) with the KCD2-SCS interface module. As the first 2-channel AI/AO intrinsic safety barrier with dual function, the module can be configured individually for analogue input or output control signals.
Read more...Hazardous area solutions Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
SEW-EURODRIVE is revolutionising industrial automation with advanced gear units, decentralised drives and the energy-efficient MOVIGEAR system.
Read more...Pepperl+Fuchs Channel Partner Conference Pepperl+Fuchs
News
Pepperl+Fuchs recently hosted its Channel Partner Conference. Under the theme ‘Together, Breaking Ground in Africa’, the conference served as both a celebration of partnerships and a strategic forum focused on future growth.
Read more...Field service regime key for effective PDS/CPS operation
IS & Ex
While their primary objective is to ensure the safety of people, proximity detection system and collision prevention system installations also have a direct bearing on other critical parameters such as equipment availability and productivity.
Read more...World’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21 Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
i.safe MOBILE has launched the world’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21. The intrinsically safe mobile device, which was also developed for use in 5G campus networks, offers companies great flexibility thanks to its wide range of possible applications, especially in the automation sector.
Read more...Condition monitoring with IO-Link rotary encoders Pepperl+Fuchs
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Whether in the materials handling industry, in packaging machines or in wind turbines, sensors with an IO-Link interface are increasingly being used to pave the way to Industry 4.0. Pepperl+Fuchs was one of the first manufacturers to launch an absolute rotary encoder with IO-Link interface, that was available in numerous variants and with a wide range of setting parameters.
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