Pneumatics & Hydraulics


Control of hydraulic functions in mobile applications

March 2018 Pneumatics & Hydraulics

The electronic controls business unit of Parker Hannifin has released new functional safety controllers for mobile machinery applications. As well as offering high levels of robustness and straightforward system integration, the new RISE (SP) certified IQAN-MC4xFS controllers have been developed to provide a more cost-effective way of meeting the safety standards required for heavy mobile machinery. Typical applications include reach stackers, aerial platforms, refuse truck loaders, mobile cranes, steer-by-wire forestry equipment and construction machinery.

Designed for controlling hydraulic valves and certified to IEC 61508 SIL2, the controller is an ideal choice for mobile machinery applications where safety functions up to SIL2/PLd are required. The Machinery Directive states that control systems must be designed to prevent hazardous situations, and with the EN ISO 13849-1:2015 update, there is now a precise limit for safety functions where safety ratings (SIL/PL) by the controller manufacturers is required. IQAN-MC4xFS is suited for use in applications where non-certified controllers were previously accepted.

The new device builds on the success of Parker’s earlier MC4x versions, with full pin compatibility, and incorporates a significant amount of monitoring functionality to meet application requirements. Extended diagnostics measures have also been introduced, such as the run-time diagnostics of dangerous faults, along with extensive start-up tests. Further features include the execution of safety-related applications in the lockstep core, ECC-protected RAM, and the implementation of a safety-certified real-time operating system.

Parker offers three versions of the new controller: the MC41FS, which is designed for one or two safety functions in support of cost-efficient, task-oriented control; the MC42FS, which offers a higher number of safe outputs for mid-size applications and I/O distribution; and the MC43FS, a large centralised controller for applications involving multiple safety functions.

Delivering precise, real-time control of hydraulic systems, Parker’s IQAN-MC4xFS controllers are based on the same robust hardware as IQAN-MC4x performance-optimised standard versions featuring state-of-the-art automotive grade safety components. Scalable feature sets, connectivity and the same pin configuration facilitate easy up or downsizing of applications.

The new controllers have been designed to simplify and ease implementation in customer applications allowing faster development of new machine functionality. This is supported and enabled by full compatibility with the established IQANdesign platform which provides an intuitive tool for programming, simulation, testing, production, service and maintenance.

For more information contact Lisa de Beer, Parker Hannifin SA, +27 (0)11 961 0700, [email protected], www.parker.com/za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

It’s full steam ahead for SKF’s sustainable leak detection solution
SKF South Africa Pneumatics & Hydraulics
One of SKF’s key customers based in Cape Town, which depends on steam systems for its production processes, was facing costly challenges related to high energy consumption and excessive maintenance hours. SKF recommended the TKSU 10 ultrasonic leak detector as a more streamlined, user-friendly alternative.

Read more...
The smart way to protect hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder rods
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Many industries replace hydraulic cylinders instead of preventing their premature wear. Seal Saver presents a smarter solution by protecting hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder rods from the start.

Read more...
Industrial acoustic imaging tool
Comtest Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Comtest offers the Fluke ii Industrial Acoustic Imager series, a hand-held, easy-to-use tool that visualises sounds coming from small leaks in compressed air, gas and vacuum systems.

Read more...
Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.

Read more...
Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.

Read more...
Precision matters: Unravelling the intricacies of hydraulic cylinder honing
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
This article dives into the intricacies of hydraulic cylinder honing, shedding light on its significance, process and the technology behind achieving unparalleled precision.

Read more...
The six pillars of hydraulic system health
Hydrasales Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Hydrasales, a leader in hydraulic and lube oil industry solutions, offers an extensive range of condition monitoring products designed to safeguard your systems. Here are six essential checks for hydraulic system health to keep your systems in optimal shape.

Read more...
Compressed air preparation
Artic Driers International Pneumatics & Hydraulics
The choice of compressed air dryers is driven by the air quality demands of your plant.

Read more...
Compressed air treatment do’s and don’ts
Artic Driers International Pneumatics & Hydraulics
As a long-established importer and manufacturer of air dryers, Artic Dryers often sees the results of poor installation and issues with aftercoolers that create serious problems in air drying systems.

Read more...
Next-gen air compressors for plastics manufacturer
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Integrated Air Solutions has reinforced its partnership with global compressor manufacturer, ABC Compressors by facilitating the installation and commissioning of two next-generation direct-drive ABC machines for a prominent plastic manufacturer in South Africa.

Read more...