IS & Ex


Safety light curtain made simple

September 2016 IS & Ex

The introduction of the deTec4 Core and deTec2 Core safety light curtains has made protecting hazardous points and access points easier than ever. Now, the newest member of the family, the deTec4 Prime, is taking this technology one step further.

The new deTec4 Prime safety light curtain builds upon the successful concept of the deTec4 Core. At the same time, it combines the features of existing light curtain variants in one device and adds even newer functionalities. All of this in the compact, space saving design of the Core version.

Easily configurable and rugged design

Thanks to a simple cloning plug design, the basic variants can be configured to suit the application requirements using four interchangeable plugs. Inserting the plug is all it takes: The deTec4 Prime then switches to detection mode and the operator confirms the change, establishing the configuration. The deTec4 safety light curtains are electro-sensitive protective devices that comply with performance level ‘e’ in accordance with EN ISO 13849, and SIL3 in accordance with IEC 61508. With 150-millimeter divisions, the deTec safety light curtains offer 13 different protective field heights from 300 to 2100 mm.

All the variants in the deTec product family are available with 14 and 30 mm resolution; safety light curtains with 14 mm resolution are used in applications requiring a reliable means of keeping fingers away from the system.

Metal and plastic components are combined in the impact resistant housing so that deTec safety light curtains stand up to the hardest requirements with no problem. Thanks to their advanced shock resistance and their extremely rugged front windows, reliable functions are assured even under extreme conditions.

Heat, cold, and humidity are no match for deTec safety light curtains: They meet the requirements of enclosure ratings IP65 and IP67, are approved for an operating temperature range of -30°C to +55°C – and are even able to ensure that processes take place efficiently and safely when temperatures are in the freezing range.

The new deTec4 Prime

The deTec product family offers the right solution for every application. The deTec4 stands out as an all-rounder. Due to its flexible connection concept, it covers almost all standard applications.

Perhaps best described as a form of standardised intelligence, its flexible M12 connectivity enables the deTec4 Prime to provide the right solution every time in a whole host of applications. This keeps down the number of variants available to a considerable degree and saves costs.

Making diverse requirements manageable

Through its modular concept, the deTec4 Prime has managed to pack a whole range of different device types into just 26 variants and provide the customer with functional options. This means that plant manufacturers or operators can keep the basic length and resolution variants that are relevant to their plant concepts in stock, and have a flexible way of simply bolting on additional functions using four different system plugs, as and when required.

Functions provided via four system plugs

Restart interlock, external device monitoring and a binary status output are the optional functions available for the deTec4 Prime safety light curtain. The 8-pin system plug variant is able to cover all three functions without the need for additional wiring – and it is even possible to create cascaded systems with very few connection requirements. Up to three protective fields may be positioned adjacent to one another without blind zones, providing a simple way of establishing presence detection.

Four system plugs are available for the configuration of desired required functions. Configuration is done without software. This simplifies storage and reduces costs.

The integrated beam coding prevents any interference from other safety light curtains in the immediate vicinity, with the coding set using a DIP switch on the plug – no tools are necessary.

Fast commissioning via integrated visual laser and alignment display

All deTec4 safety light curtains save commissioning time and costs thanks to their integrated LEDs and diagnostic functions. The exact adaptation of the range during commissioning is done automatically by the deTec4 itself – the integrated alignment display guarantees faster and more reliable positioning of the sender and receiver using 4 LEDs, as well as automatic calibration of the range up to 21 m at 30 mm resolution. The sender and receiver can be configured from one side. On both sides, the colours of the monitoring and diagnostic LEDs – red, yellow, and green – indicate the status of the device. Four blue LEDs on the receiver, meanwhile, provide clear information about the signal strength.

Flexible plant integration without blind zones

Thanks to the innovative FlexFix mounting bracket, it is possible to mount all deTec safety light curtains on a variety of machine types in a matter of minutes. The mounted light curtain can be rotated before it is finally secured in the FlexFix mounting bracket, and thus ensures a continuous protective field up to the ends of the housing.

Maximum performance thanks to extensive sensing range

At 21 m, the deTec4 Prime demonstrates more than twice the sensing range of the rest of the product family. With a resolution of 30 mm, this therefore provides reliable protection for even exceptionally wide machines. And thanks to the integrated laser alignment aid, adjusting the system takes no time. Using deflection mirrors with these safety light curtains are also extremely straightforward.

Users have already been pleased with the consistently well-designed accessories that are available for the entire deTec family – ranging from mounting brackets and cables to local reset switches, mirror columns, and protective field extensions, all the way through to a replacement adaptor for upgrades involving a deTec light curtain without rewiring.

Forward thinking in safety

Whether in the automotive, parts supplier, packaging industries or in machine building and plant construction, the sustainability of functional safety technology is shown in two important points: fast commissioning and significantly faster system effectiveness thanks to flexible design options and continuous production, and thus higher system efficiency. The concept of the new deTec4 Prime safety light curtain opens up a more complex range of possibilities while making them much easier to handle.

Over a half-century of accumulated experience and expertise in regards to safety has led to the creation of the deTec4 Prime and with it the new benchmark for versatility and operating comfort.

For more information contact Stephen Eltze, SICK Automation Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 472 3733, [email protected], www.sickautomation.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Certified safe power for hazardous industrial environments
Conical Technologies IS & Ex
When working in high-risk environments like oil and gas, petrochemical plants or other hazardous industrial zones, safety isn’t just important, it’s essential. That’s why Traco Power developed the TIB-EX series of DIN rail power supplies, purpose-built to deliver reliable power even in the toughest conditions.

Read more...
Parker strengthens explosion safety
IS & Ex
Parker Hannifin has announced that its 37 mm Ex d m coils have attained new ATEX and IECEx Type Examination Certificates according to the latest explosion protection standards.

Read more...
New modules for distributed integration of intrinsically safe signals
Beckhoff Automation IS & Ex
Beckhoff provides a compact acquisition solution for intrinsically safe signals up to zone 0/20 with the IP67-protected EtherCAT Box modules of the EPX series.

Read more...
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...
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...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved