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.
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.
Read more...New generation of inductive standard sensors Pepperl+Fuchs
Sensors & Transducers
More than 60 years ago, the invention of the proximity switch revolutionised the automation industry. Pepperl+Fuchs is now taking ‘the original’ to a new level, and has developed a portfolio of three-and four-wire sensors with unparalleled variance.
Read more...Into the future with green hydrogen Pepperl+Fuchs
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
German company, Pepperl+Fuchs is a pioneer and innovator in explosion protection and industrial sensor technology. SA Instrumentation & Control’s editor caught up with Marc Van Pelt, managing director of Pepperl+Fuchs South Africa, to find out more about the company’s involvement in sustainable manufacturing, and especially green hydrogen.
Read more...New industrial tablet series for non-ex applications Pepperl+Fuchs
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Pepperl+Fuchs is introducing a rugged tablet series in accordance with MIL-STD-810H. The slim Windows-based devices are available with a 20 or 25 cm display, offering numerous customisation options and an extensive range of accessories.
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.
printer friendly version