With the new EPX module series, Beckhoff now offers a compact option for Ex i signal acquisition from zones 0/20 and 1/21 as an addition to the wide range of EtherCAT Box modules. With robust IP67 protection, they enable direct and decentralised installation in machines and systems, even in harsh environments. This results in numerous advantages in all areas with explosion protection requirements, both in processing plants and in discrete manufacturing applications.
As a robust alternative to IP20 solutions with their elaborate housing protections, the EPX modules with IP67 protection rating enable reliable data collection, even in hazardous areas where no control cabinet or terminal box can or should be installed. The hhighly compact modular design leads to significant space savings. Furthermore, the previously required safety barriers are no longer necessary, which also saves space and reduces costs. Additional advantages of the new EtherCAT Box modules are their simple commissioning, the avoidance of errors due to incorrect contact assignments, and the system modularisation facilitated by on-site signal acquisition.
The EPX series initially comprises three modules with four or eight input channels:
The EPX1058 is designed for direct connection of up to eight intrinsically safe NAMUR field devices and records their signals pursuant to IEC 60947-5-6. In addition to the switching state, open circuits or short circuits are also detected. Channel by channel, it is possible to select whether a positive or negative switching sensor is connected, so that both NAMUR normally-open/break contacts and NAMUR normally-closed/make contacts can be integrated into the control system without changes in the program. Potential-free contacts can also be used.
The EPX3158 supplies a maximum of eight measuring transducers located in the field and transmits their analog 4-20 mA measuring signals, electrically isolated, to the automation device. Appropriate 2-wire and 3-wire sensors can be connected. With a maximum measuring range of +107% of the nominal range, this EtherCAT Box also supports commissioning with sensor values in the limit range, and evaluation according to NAMUR NE43. Any overload or wire break is signalled by LEDs.
The EPX3184, for connection of up to four intrinsically safe HART-capable field devices, provides information on the state of HART communication via LEDs, and signals any communication errors. HART connectivity enables two-way communication via analog 4-20 mA wiring and can also be used for the FDT/DTM concept. Field device DTMs can be directly integrated into the TwinCAT engineering environment via the TwinCAT FDT Container.
Comprehensive solutions for the food and beverage sector RS South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
RS South Africa is reinforcing its commitment to the country’s dynamic food and beverage sector, backed by a comprehensive portfolio of over 800 000 products, extensive technical expertise and end-to-end service capabilities.
Read more...PC-based control for a food capsule and pod packaging machine Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
For TME, a machine builder specialising in the packaging of powdered foods, Beckhoff’s PC-based control technology offers unlimited opportunities when it comes to performance and innovative capacity in terms of flexibility, scalability and openness.
Read more...Case History 198: Cascade control overcomes valve problems Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A large petrochemical refinery asked me to perform an audit on several critical base layer control loops. This article deals with a problem found on a valve controlling the flow of fuel to a heat exchanger.
Read more...Improved networking technology for fire and gas detection Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Critical alarm and event management technology supplier, Omniflex has worked with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation to upgrade equipment providing digital and analogue signals for its safety critical fire and gas alarm systems.
Read more...Multi-touch panel generation in a smart design Beckhoff Automation
Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Following over 25 years of successful in-house panel production and 12 years of expertise in multi-touch design, Beckhoff is bringing out a new smart panel design, the Next multi-touch panel generation.
Read more...Next-generation PLC technology with advanced chatbot functionality Beckhoff Automation
IT in Manufacturing
Beckhoff is taking automation technology to the next level with TwinCAT PLC++. Both engineering and runtime are noticeably faster, without compromising on TwinCAT’s signature strengths of seamless integration, compatibility and openness.
Read more...German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe Beckhoff Automation
News
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
Read more...PC-based control for fertiliser Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
On a farm in the USA, valuable ammonia is extracted from slurry and processed into ammonium sulphate. NSI Byosis has transformed this complex process into a flexible modular system. This modular approach requires an automation solution with flexible scalability in both hardware and software, which this Dutch company has found in PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Loop signature 28: Things to consider when tuning. Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
I was giving a course at a remote mine in the middle of the Namibian desert. We were discussing tuning responses, and as I always do on my courses, I mentioned that in my opinion ¼ amplitude damped tuning is not desirable, and is in fact not good.
printer friendly version