At the last technology evening, Gary Friend, sales director from Extech Safety Systems, walked us though the topic 'Making Safe Waves in Hazardous Areas'. Or in other words, can wireless be used in hazardous areas especially when radiated energy has the potential to initiate explosions?
Eric Carter (left) thanks Gary after the presentation.
As wireless devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers become more reliable and cost effective, there is growing interest amongst the process industry about the benefits to be found from enabling such devices for hazardous areas. However, this is not a simple task. Installing wireless networks in hazardous areas requires careful, expert planning and execution.
It has always been understood that radio frequency (RF) can cause ignition in the right set of circumstances. There are now a number of approval standards that must be adhered to, including the CLC/TR50427, EN60079 series, IEC60079 series and others such as FM3600. Fortunately, much of the latest wireless technology that is of interest to users to deploy in their plants, such as WiFi or RFID, has RF power levels lower than the 2 W limit. Providing antenna gain does not cause these levels to be exceeded, and they are installed with adequate protection e.g. Ex d enclosure, they can be used in a hazardous area without restrictions. However, when the amount of power is above the safe levels then CLC/TR50427 can be used to assess the installation for safe use in hazardous areas.
A recent development by Extronics, represented by Extech Safety Systems here in South Africa, has completely altered the landscape of deploying wireless networks in hazardous areas by using the intrinsic safety protection concept and being able to deploy wireless hardware e.g. access points and standard antennas, without further Notified Body certification.
The SAIMC thanks Gary for presenting and hosting respectively this valued and informative presentation.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
We are writing to share exciting developments regarding the evolution of the SAIMC that will come into effect on 1 January 2025.
Read more...SAIMC: MESA Africa 2024 summit TransLution Software
SAIMC
The SAIMC Computer Engineering Council, also known as MESA Africa, recently held its annual summit. The two days were jam-packed, with an excellent balance between theory, thought leadership, and practical case studies. The general consensus among the delegates was that the insights gained were incredibly valuable.
Read more...SAIMC: Secunda branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Secunda branch recently celebrated 25 incredible years at its year-end function and birthday bash, held on 1 November at The Glasshouse in Secunda.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Johannesburg SAIMC Branch held its annual year-end function at Northcliff Country Club on 13 October.
Read more...SAIMC: Gqeberha branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Didactic Branch of the SAIMC, in collaboration with the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape, recently hosted an insightful talk on postgraduate opportunities. The event aimed to inspire and guide students about the paths and possibilities available to them through postgraduate studies, and to introduce them to some exciting projects.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban Branch Annual Dinner
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held their popular and well-supported annual year-end dinner at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club on 23 November 2024.
Read more...MESA Africa Summit has been expanded and rebranded SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
We are writing to share some exciting developments regarding the evolution of the MESA Africa Summit, which has been a cornerstone event in industrial automation and manufacturing excellence.
Read more...How to claim CPD points SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the CEO:Slaughtering AI holy cows SAIMC
SAIMC
A couple of sessions at various dealers, a wrong delivery, a failed holiday plan, a two-week unplanned vacation and 32 kg of steel on the back seat awaited us as we left South Africa on a dream holiday. But let me start at the beginning.
Read more...SAIMC: Secunda branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the most recent SAIMC Secunda technical evening, Jenine Jansen van Vuuren, sales account manager from Comtest Technologies, gave a presentation on the calibration of process instruments.
printer friendly version