Noncontact temperature monitoring in hazardous areas

IS & Ex

July 2016 IS & Ex

All models of the versatile Raytek MI3 Compact series infrared sensors are now also available as intrinsically safe versions for use in hazardous environments. Intrinsically safe devices prevent explosions in hazardous locations by limiting the energy and surface temperature of the device under normal operation, or when conditions arise that could become hazardous. Devices are approved as intrinsically safe only after passing the rigorous approval process required by a recognised entity.

The intelligent MI3 miniature sensors are now fully ATEX and IECEx certified for use in Zones 1 and 2 (gas) and Zones 21 and 22 (dust). Raytek supplies a complete intrinsically safe package; including the sensor, communication box and an Ex power supply. All three components are IP65 rated. One or two intrinsically safe MI3 sensing heads can be powered by one power supply. The sensor cables can be up to 30 m long in total, providing high flexibility for setting up safe monitoring scenarios. The communication box, power supply, and sensing heads can easily be exchanged in the field without re-calibration of the entire system.

The MI3 is a rugged, IP65 stainless steel miniature pyrometer with integrated electronics. It is the smallest, fully functional, standalone digital infrared temperature sensor for fixed installations on the market today.

The MI3 series comprises pyrometers for various spectral ranges and applications, including the 1M and 2M shortwave models with an excellent 100:1 resolution and 10 ms response time, which are suitable for monitoring temperatures up to 1800°C. Each intrinsically safe MI3 sensing head is labelled with the Ex certification. The MI3100 model’s Ex certification also covers the laser sighting function for easy positioning and aiming. MI3 sensors have excellent EMC characteristics and can be used in ambient temperatures up to 180°C. Communication boxes are available with RS-485, Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet TCP/IP and Profinet IO interfaces, and with four galvanically isolated analog outputs. Automatic head detection and digital communication between sensor and box enable plug and play.

With the addition of ATEX and ICEEx certification, the MI3 series can now be used in many additional areas, for example, in steel industry processes using hydrogen atmosphere, such as galvanising, annealing, plating and coating. Other application areas include hydrogen reduction in the solar industry, conveyors, fire detection, storage terminals, hazardous waste disposal and sewage, as well as ink, laminate and coating processes that emit volatile vapours.

For more information contact R&C Instrumentation, 086 111 4217, [email protected], www.randci.co.za

Share this article:

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...

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...

Fully Ex-certified access point solutions for wireless communication
Pepperl+Fuchs IS & Ex
Pepperl+Fuchs now offers a wireless access point solution that is fully certified in accordance with ATEX/IECEx standards, and forms the basis for end-to-end Wi-Fi communication in hazardous areas.

Read more...

Secure, digital communication in potentially explosive atmospheres
Pepperl+Fuchs IS & Ex
Consistently digitalised processes in the smart factory are a matter of course today, but not in potentially explosive atmospheres. The systems and devices used in these areas must have optimal protection mechanisms to ensure maximum safety.

Read more...

Functional and compatible intrinsically safe loop approvals
Extech Safety Systems IS & Ex
With all the focus on IS loop approval, it is easy to forget to check that the loop will function correctly to see whether the field device has sufficient power (voltage & current) to operate over the full process range.

Read more...

Upgrade your legacy alarm units
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
Darren Barratt, sales manager at alarm annunciator specialist Omniflex, explains the drawbacks of leaving outdated rack-based alarm annunciator systems in place, and why an upgrade might be simpler than you would expect.

Read more...

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...

IS & Ex

Noncontact temperature monitoring in hazardous areas

Further reading:

Published by Technews