Machinery safety

Not everyone’s a mathematical genius. That’s why, as far as possible, it’s important to simplify the complex calculation of safety functions in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1 and EN/IEC 62061.

So Pilz has enhanced its PAScal software tool, used to verify the functional safety of machinery. With improved libraries, which store the safety-related characteristic data for all Pilz products, the new version v1.5.0 is even more practice-oriented. It also allows you to import libraries from other manufacturers in Sistema format, the similar software assistant produced by the IFA (Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance).

As a result, PAScal can be applied quickly and simply, even across manufacturers. Libraries in PAScal can be updated automatically through the Internet.

To provide optimum support to machine designers, the internal data structure of PAScal has also been adapted.

Several data records for different operating modes can be entered for each component, so it’s no longer necessary to divide them over different library entries. Data records can be based on a particular version, so it’s possible to enter components whose performance data varies during the course of their lifecycle. And components with general fault exclusion can still be incorporated, purely for documentation purposes. Finally it is also possible to choose whether to store components with the necessary values for EN ISO 13849-1 or EN/IEC 62061.

Proven in practice
Various features and functions support speedy work practices.
Operation of PAScal is largely graphical and so is simple and intuitive. An automatic check guarantees that any changes to library entries or new libraries are taken into account, even on completed projects. A compact and clear report from PAScal replaces the normally weighty tome. For greater user convenience, the Safety Calculator provides six languages, right down to the libraries. And plenty support is available from Pilz for any questions from users.

Calculations without the headache
The PAScal Safety Calculator calculates the PL (Performance Level) or SIL (Safety Integrity Level) that safety functions on plant and machinery can achieve depending on the components that are used. The result is verified with the required PL from EN ISO 13849 or SIL from EN/IEC 62061. The results are displayed graphically, so it is easy to see how well the required safety level can be achieved at which points and with which components, or where improvements may be necessary.