Couplings in potentially explosive atmospheres

Strict safety regulations apply to machine components wherever flammable gases, vapors, or dusts can create an explosive atmosphere. To meet these critical requirements, Jakob Antriebstechnik GmbH now offers a wide range of its proven servo couplings with official ATEX certification.

ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) refers to the marking required by European product directive 2014/34/EU and confirms that the components are suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The certified portfolio includes metal bellows couplings, miniature couplings, and spacer couplings; elastomer couplings and safety couplings can also be supplied.

Thanks to this certification, these backlash-free shaft couplings guarantee absolutely reliable torque transmission—even under the most demanding conditions—without excessive heat generation or sparking. The coupling specialist thus provides tailored, standards-compliant solutions for sectors such as the chemical industry, paint finishing systems, wood processing, and bulk material handling, where maximum explosion protection and system safety are top priorities.

---

@UnnGmbh @PresseBox #jakobantriebstechnik #PAuto #ATEX

HMI - from Zone 1 to the control room.

The modular platforms of the HMI portfolio from Pepperl+Fuchs offer individual solutions for applications ranging from non-hazardous areas to Zone 1.

The VisuNet GXP and VisuNet FLX HMI device families enable maximum flexibility for use in the process industry. The modular design allows HMI systems to be configured to meet precise individual needs, providing extremely quick, simple service options in the field. This means that a comprehensive range of technologies, installation options, and peripherals is available for customers. Each HMI system consists of at least one computer unit and one display unit, each of which can be individually configured. The operator workstations from Pepperl+Fuchs are designed and certified for use in ATEX/IECEx Zone 1/21, Zone 2/22, and Div 1 applications. In addition, all products can be used in non-hazardous areas.

The VisuNet RM Shell 5 firmware developed by Pepperl+Fuchs for VisuNet thin clients is based on Windows 10 IOT 2019 LTSC and offers a simple way to make individual adjustments. The highest safety standards and flexible configuration options allow connection to numerous virtualized and conventional process control systems.

The product range is rounded off by rugged box thin clients for use in control rooms and switch cabinets. In addition, mobile tablet thin clients from Pepperl+Fuchs ensure a complete portfolio for virtualized and conventional process control systems. With the VisuNet Control Center software, the thin clients can be managed seamlessly and centrally — from Zone 1 to the control room.

@PepperlFuchs @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

Camera for hazardous environments.

The FLIR Cx5 is a new pocket-portable thermal camera for condition monitoring in hazardous environments from Teledyne FLIR. The camera has a rugged ATEX-compliant case, which allows users of this camera to safely monitor electrical or mechanical assets in hot working zones.

Potentially explosive environments, such as oil and gas plants or chemical plants, need to be protected from ignition sources. That’s why electronic devices used in these hot work environments need to comply with ATEX

Product Regulations or similar regulations (e.g. UKEX and IECEx). The 160 x 120-pixel FLIR Cx5 is mounted in a rugged enclosure, which enables users to work confidently while maintaining safety.

“In hazardous environments, it’s critical for surveyors to be able to detect problems fast, so they can react accordingly,” says Michael Deruytter, Sr Director Product Manager at Teledyne FLIR. “The FLIR Cx5 is not only explosion-proof, but it’s also compact and very easy to use. This allows maintenance professionals to always have their camera at hand, find hidden issues quickly and reduce diagnostic time.”

The camera has all the ruggedized features that will enable it to survive the toughest day on the job. The FLIR Cx5 case has shock absorbers and the lens is protected by a Germanium window with anti-reflective coating. The 3.5-inch color display is protected by armored glass and is touchscreen compatible. A rugged lanyard point can be removed in safe environments to reach the data storage and charging port.

It features a FLIR Lepton® thermal imaging sensor and FLIR-patented MSX® (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging) technology, which embosses visible scene details onto thermal images. This results in a crisp thermal image, enabling inspectors to pinpoint hidden problems instantly.

FLIR Cx5 is compatible with FLIR Ignite, a secure cloud storage solution that allows users to directly upload, edit, organize and share their images. With all images and videos in one place, sharing data with team members and creating reports for customers is convenient and simple. FLIR Cx5 users can also rely on the FLIR Thermal Studio software to finetune their images and create professional reports.

The FLIR Cx5 will be available for purchase from December (2022) onwards. 

@flir @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

Pressure sensor is Ex.

The model MTF-1 pressure sensor module from WIKA is available in a version with ATEX and IECEx approval.

The new variant of the compact module supports manufacturers in their development of end products for applications in potentially explosive environments. Having ATEX and IECEx component certificates for the MTF-1 simplifies the Ex approval of the entire system.

Designed for pressures up to 1,000 bar, the pressure sensor module has features that enable it to be used in critical and sensitive applications. Its stainless steel measuring cell is welded to the process connection and therefore suitable for aggressive media. In addition, the “dry” and seal-free sensor element minimises the risk of contamination of the medium.

In the version with Ex approval, the model MTF-1 transmits the measured pressure value via an energy-saving I2C signal. The digital protocol also outputs a temperature value for the sensor. This information, in turn, can be used for condition monitoring of the end device.

• WIKA products are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology.

@WIKANews #PAuto #Safety

Displacement sensors including safety features.

Three derived displacement measurement formats for linear, rotary- and tilt-angle position sensing are manufactured by Positek. Their comprehensive range covers high-precision linear position measurement up to 1500 mm and angle measurement between 5° and 160°. These precision displacement sensors feature Positek's own PIPS® inductive position sensing technology.

These sensors offer exceptionally long life and superior reliability through characteristically high shock and vibration resistance in a non-contacting and long-life design that scores favourably against, potentiometer, LVDT/RVDT and magneto-strictive sensor technologies. Several years’ experience in supplying its sensors into oil & gas, mining, marine, hydraulics and numerous other harsh industrial and otherwise challenging environment applications has directed the Company to develop several variant models that have ATEX/IECEx and CSA certified approvals for hazardous gas/vapour and hazardous dust atmospheres.

Positek’s intrinsically safe sensors are presented in groups covering ATEX/IECEx and CSA approved sensors for gas/vapour and for dust atmospheres. There is also a separate group for mining environment approved sensors. Almost all of Positek’s standard linear and rotary sensors have optional intrinsically safe approved counterparts within these groups. Through each product series, options typically cover a choice of IP rated sealing, and some offer submersible versions with sealing to 350 bar. ATEX/IECEx sensors for gas/vapour have an ‘X’ designation whilst dust has an ‘E’ designation. CSA versions carry ‘G’ and ‘H’ designations respectively, whilst mining uses ‘M’.

These designations are better described using an actual sensor product as an example. One of Positek’s popular linear sensors is its P100-series hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder position sensor. In its standard product offering, this robust and durable 35 mm diameter in-cylinder mounted sensor for hydraulic pressures to 350 bar has a built-to-order measurement range up to 1485mm. It’s fluoropolymer-sheathed probe and stainless-steel target tube construction has a choice of IP65 or IP67 environmental sealing. Providing an effectively infinite resolution and a precision linearity to 0.25% FS, the sensor can perform over a working temperature range of -40°C to +125°C depending on the type of electronic output selected. Its impressive shock and vibration resistance of 40 g and 10 g to IEC-68-6 and -29 respectively is complemented with an MTBF of 350,000 hrs 40°C Gf.

P100 35 mm diameter in-cylinder mounted sensor

This 100-series sensor is available across all the various intrinsically safe versions and is operated with Positek’s X005 galvanically isolated amplifier which provides either 4-20mA or 0-10V output. With IP67 sealing, the mechanical precision, EMC performance, and shock/vibration resistance are consistent with the standard product. Intrinsically safe versions have a typically reduced temperature range over their standard counterparts of -40°C to +80°C. For each intrinsically safe product group, the applicable standards met for the 100-series are as follows:

• X100-series ATEX/IECEx approved sensors for gas/vapour - Ex II 1G
• E100-series ATEX/IECEx approved sensors for dust - Ex II 1GD
• G100-series CSA approved sensors for gas/vapour - Class I, Zone 0 Ex ia IIC T4 / AEx ia IIC T4
• H100-series CSA approved sensors for dust - Class I, Zone 0 AEx ia IIC T4 / AEx ia IIC T4 AEx ia D IIIC T93°C
• M100-series, intrinsically safe for mining - Ex I/II M1/GD

Comparable specification differentiation between standard sensors and their intrinsically safe counterparts apply across a comprehensive range that includes more than fifteen product versions for each of the ATEX/IECEx, CSA and mining environment groups. These sensors include standalone short- and long-stroke linear position sensors in standard or slim-line housings, large- and small-angle rotary position sensors, tilt sensors and gauge head position sensors.

The company offers ATEX, and CSA approved galvanic isolation amplifiers that are recommended for use throughout the intrinsically safe sensor range. These amplifiers provide tri-port isolation between the amplifier power supply, the hazardous area and the sensor’s X005 output signal.

Where the application requires a sensor to be modified to suit specific customer requirements, Positek offer a comprehensive custom design service which in some cases can be fulfilled within days.

@positekltd @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Mining

EX remote camera for monitoring hazardous areas.

The MCE-MRC-EX camera, which is ATEX approved for use in Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas has been launched by Meteor Communications. 

“Hundreds of our cameras are currently in operation all over the UK; helping to monitor and protect remote assets such as grilles, screens, channels, culverts and drains,” explains Meteor MD Matt Dibbs. “However, many of our customers in the water, waste, construction, rail and aviation sectors need to also monitor hazardous areas, so the MCE-MRC-EX camera was developed specifically to meet that requirement.”

Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas are those in which there is a risk from the accumulation of an explosive gas. Typical locations therefore include confined spaces where there is a source of gases such as methane or petrochemicals, so the main applications for the MCE-MRC-EX camera will be in sewage and wastewater infrastructure, as well as in underground assets such as drains, culverts and pumping stations. Remote cameras can now be deployed in these locations to provide remote visibility of threats such as flooding.

The new camera is housed in an IP66 Ex-rated enclosure and an inbuilt IR or white light illuminator provides excellent low-light performance for clear, crisp images in any conditions. Images are transferred in real time via 4G with 3G/GPRS fallback, providing robust image transfer even from areas with poor mobile coverage. Images are sent to the ‘Meteor Cloud’ for secure viewing and analysis online, and there are options for those users wishing to integrate the images with their own applications.

The main advantage of remote cameras is that users are able to view sites remotely before deciding whether a visit is necessary, and also to determine what resources would be necessary for that visit. This means that less site visits are necessary, and wireless connectivity also means that operations such as camera configuration and firmware updates can be conducted remotely.

Importantly, all Meteor cameras allow direct connection of local sensors such as level switches and PIR sensors. Images can be delivered at scheduled intervals and be configured to trigger automatically from local sensors; providing additional images and alerts to users and entering enhanced polling modes.

Summarising, Matt Dibbs says: “The MCE-MRC-EX remote camera has a very low power requirement, whilst delivering high-quality, real-time images from remote assets within Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas where data and mains power connections may not be available.”

@MeteorComms @_Enviro_News #Ex #PAuto 

HMI in Ex Zone 1.

For toluol supply facilities in zone 1, the customer required a system with a zone 2 panel by Siemens as well as the touch function of the twelve inch widescreen TFT display retained even under harsh industrial conditions. 

Quintex GmbH was able to win an order with a leading manufacturer and OEM for sealing systems in the automobile industry together with its customer, Göhler Anlagentechnik.

Different solutions for the potentially explosive area like, for example, overpressure solutions, powder filling or intrinsically safe systems could not be realised for technical and or economic reasons, as a custom version would have been required.

For this project, this would have been too restrictive. For the customer, the Quintex Overpressure System was the most flexible and efficient. 

The advantages were obvious:
• a high degree of flexibility and design freedom
• easy installation and maintenance
• overall, more cost efficient and technically efficient than other solutions
• therefore, a standard panel by Siemens could be used
Another special feature was to realise the enclosure with a special painting in accordance with customer requirements. Local control functions provide for safe usage and allow for external operation without having to open the enclosure.

At first glance, the Quintex solution may not be different from a conventional control system. Only experts can make out the difference by spotting the compressed air supply and the Ex type label of the overpressure control for zone 1 potentially explosive areas.

There are no additional components at the exterior of the enclosure.

With the system, by automatic clearance measurement inside the enclosure with an approved, stationary gas detector, the non-existence of an Ex area can be verified and, with the overpressure during operation, a non Ex area can be retained.

Only when no flammable gas is detected in the enclosure and, in addition, the pressure inside the enclosure, as specified in the Ex standard DIN EN 60079-2, is maintained, the following electrical components will be switched on. The customer only has to ensure that, for the cabinet, electrical supply and industrial compressed air is available.

Quintex allows for the zone 2 panel to be operated with complete functionality of a touch screen in zone 1 in this special solution.

The touch screen is implemented with a special foil, which is flushed with compressed air. This design guarantees explosion protection even in case of damage. As high overpressure is not required to flush the enclosure, the foil is not endangered at no time.

To save space, all the components are premounted on plates inside the enclosure by Quintex. The costumer receives an overpressure-proof cabinet. This allows for the final installation to be carried out within the manufacturing facilities of the customer.

With this system, small enclosures as well as large floor-standing cabinets can be realised. The implementation is proven by practical experience. It offers a high degree of freedom for self-assembly, without risking the required safety. The mounting plate is delivered with all the required overpressure components, proven in accordance with the Ex criteria, by Quintex.

Specifically with the maintenance of the system and failure-free operation, the Quintex implementation offers obvious advantages and a high degree of customer benefit. It is an extremely efficient and safe solution when dealing with production down time / interruptions. The system can be easily and rapidly switched on again.

This solution is tested and certified by two independent certification bodies. Thus, safe usage is guaranteed in zone 1 and 21 as well as in zone 2 and 22.

Many of the systems sold by Quintex are application-specific solutions, with which the problem and solving the problem for the customer are the main focus.

Customers may also buy the electronic components required for monitoring the non-Ex area from Quintex and to use their own cabinet.

@quintexgmbh #Automotive #PAuto #Ex #HMI

Certified for gas and oil.

The ABB Flow-X flow computer module has obtained C1D2 / Zone 2 Certification for highly accurate measurement in mid- and downstream oil and gas, even in the harshest of conditions.

Accurate measurement is crucial to custody transfer. Even minor errors can potentially create high financial impact, but precision can be hard to maintain when operating in harsh field conditions. In response to this challenge, the ABB Flow-X gas and liquid flow computer is now enhanced to meet the Class 1 Division 2 and ATEX/IECEx Zone 2 certification, which extends operating temperature range from -40°C to +75°C (-40°F to +167°F) with 5% to 95% humidity.

Its analog inputs provide unmatched accuracy of 0.008% and make the Flow-X series a high-accuracy flow computer for hazardous areas that complies with the most stringent standards for custody transfer and legal metrology for the control room and the field.

Flow-X is also the most versatile and cost-effective automation platform used for measurement and control of gas and liquid pipelines, LACT units and truck & rail loading and offloading systems. Its complete control functionality eliminates the need for any programming, an additional PLC or a sampler controller. Besides the typical proving, batching and PID control functions, Flow-X also provides configurable valve, sampler, LACT and liquid (un)loading control. It doesn’t require additional purging, Ex enclosures or junction boxes.With reliability being one of the top priorities, the entire Flow-X series provides a secure and stable solution for legal metrology. Rigorously tested for immunity for radiated and conducted electro-mechanical disturbances, it also incorporates role-based access control and secure communication to prevent unauthorized access and data tampering.

Ease of use comes with a multi-lingual user interface with a guided setup and configuration of the flow metering system. Its traceability is fully compliant with API MPMS Chapters 21.1 and 21.2, including as-found/as-left verifications.

@ABBMeasurement @ABBgroupnews #PAuto #Oil 

ATEX telemetry for strain gauge.

Fires and explosions endanger lives, cause severe injury and cause significant environmental damage.

Explosive atmospheres created by combustible gases, vapours, mists and dust, must be protected from ignition sources.

Reduce the dangers in hazardous areas by using the new Applied Measurements X24 wireless ATEX & IECEx approved instrumentation to collect measurements from your load cell, pressure sensor or any other strain gauge-based transducer.

X24 Wireless ATEX Approved Transmission in Hazardous Zones 1 & 2

13 Reasons Why You Should Use This ATEX Approved Telemetry:

1. Exceptional Reliable Wireless Signal in Hazardous Environments 2. Accepts Inputs up to 3.2mV/V from a Load Cell or Strain Gauge Bridge Sensor 3. Intrinsically Safe with the Latest CSA Certification 4. Ideal for Petrochemical, Industrial Processing and Oil & Gas Industries 5. Superior Accuracy Thanks to its 9 Point Linearisation 6. Up to 1/2 a Mile Wireless Range! 7. Long Battery Life up to 5 Years 8. OEM Options to Fit Inside Sensors 9. Fast Setup – Software Calibration in Less Than 3 Minutes! 10. FREE Logging Software 11. Expandable Wireless System into Safe Zones With T24 Telemetry Instrumentation 12. Fast Transmission Rates of 200 per Second 13. Multiple Channel Setup for Site-Wide Monitoring

@AppMeas #PAuto #Wireless

Level switch with IO-Link.

LBFH and LBFI level switches with IO-Link and ATEX approval are available from Baumer. The IO-Link interface allows the user to automate the configuration of sensors.The inclusion of ATEX also enables the use of commercially available barriers. The sensors are suitable for hygienic and industrial applications.

Thanks to IO-Link integration, the level switches are Industry 4.0-ready. The communication interface enables each application to be configured quickly and easily using standard network components. This ensures error-free duplication of the system and device replacement without the need for additional programming, thereby saving time. Diagnostic data can be called up and evaluated at any time, which increases system availability.

Just like their predecessors, LBFH and LBFI level switches meet the criteria for ATEX categories 1 and 2 for gas and dust. The reduced current consumption of their more advanced electronics means that commercially-available standard barriers can now be used in addition to the Baumer barriers. This increases flexibility in terms of integration even in existing plants, and reduces installation costs.

Two switching outputs make it possible to set independent trigger thresholds. This means two different process steps, such as production and cleaning, or two media groups, such as water and oil, can be monitored with one sensor. Additionally, the two switching outputs facilitate a plausibility check of the sensor. Complementary trigger point setting ensures wire breaks are reliably detected, thus guaranteeing effective monitoring of all programs.

Both variants are suitable for use in temperatures up to 135 °C while the variant for hygiene applications also has SIP capabilities.

#Baumer #PAuto 

Telemetry sensor system for hazardous areas.

An intrinsically safe version of Mantracourt's established T24 wireless telemetry sensor system has been launched.

The new X24 range of products is ATEX and IECEx approved for Zones 1 & 2 and was developed after feedback from existing users of the T24 system, many of whom wanted to extend this versatile system into hazardous areas. In the field, X24 has been found to be particularly suited to the petrochemical and industrial processing industries.

“We are very excited about the new opportunities this product provides for our customer base. In the past we were frequently asked for a wireless solution in explosive environments and our design team have worked diligently to develop the X24 product range in response. We have extensively field-tested these new products in a wide variety of applications and customers have been impressed with how seamlessly the new products could be integrated.” says Jonathan Purdue, Sales Manager at Mantracourt.

Alongside its ATEX / IECEx status, modularity is the key feature. The X24 system comprises 3 products that are certified for use in hazardous areas - the X24-HD handheld display unit, X24-ACMI-SA cased transmitter and X24-SAe OEM transmitter. These new products currently operate with strain bridge inputs and gather and transmit data from force, weight, torque and pressure sensors. Being fully compatible with Mantracourt’s T24 system, the data is transmitted to T24 receivers within the safe zone. This compatibility also means that the X24 system can be retrofitted, so companies can extend its existing T24 wireless network into hazardous areas, reducing installation costs and providing quick setup.

All three units display many of the notable features seen in equivalent products in the T24 system including high resolution/low noise electronics, long battery life of up to 5 years, proprietary license-free 2.4 GHz radio and a system range of up to 800m. However, new X24 products are manufactured with intrinsically safe electronics and are approved for use in explosive atmospheres Zone 1 and Zone 2, with the X24-SAe extending to dust Zones 21 and 22.

The transmitter module, X24-ACMi-SA measures strain bridge input and delivers it to the T24 receivers in the safe zone, or X24-HD in the hazardous area. It is housed in an environmentally sealed IP67 enclosure with battery holder for two Lithium Energiser L91 AA batteries.
The X24-HD is a lightweight, portable design and certified to IP67. With simple and intuitive button control it receives data and displays data from the remote transmitter module such as X24-ACMi-SA as well as any T24 transmitter. The product can display data from any transmitter detected or the operator can define up to 24 specific transmitters. The functionality is complemented by the ability to rename each channel to whatever you require.
The X24-SAe is a product specifically for OEM sensor manufacturers. This transmitter, comprising a PCB board with antenna measures strain bridge input and transmits data to X24 and T24 receivers. The PCB module provides OEMs and those who supply approved strain bridge sensor products with a quick route to manufacture.

Once in the safe zone, users of the system have access to the complete T24 product range. This includes the base stations and T24 Toolkit and visualisation software. The Toolkit can be used to configure both the T24 and X24 systems,
The free data logging and visualisation software allows users to log up to 100 channels and build visual displays. Alarms can be set that can indicate under and over range and can alert users to loss in communication, low battery and error reports. In recognition that we now work in an increasingly mobile world, Mantracourt has also included a built in web server that provides a summary view page to other computers, tablets and smart phones, both Apple and Android.

@mantracourt #PAuto #Ex

ATEX inspection tools for hire!

Responding to increased market demand for equipment that is certified for use in potentially explosive environments (ATEX), Ashtead Technology has become one of the first rental companies to heavily invest in the latest ATEX certified remote control crawlers and push-rod cameras.

“We have received a large number of requests for these specialised systems in recent months from a wide range of customers,” says Ashtead’s Sales Manager, Jay Neermul. “Increasingly, drain inspection and remediation contractors are being required to offer services in potentially explosive atmospheres so we have expanded the fleet to include a selection of camera systems for both zone 1 and zone 2 operation.”

The new purchases include multiple units of the latest inspection equipment such as EX versions of the iPEK Rovion Crawler and the iPEK Agilios Push Rod Camera, which are both Zone 1 certified. The camera on the Rovion crawler has a 10x optical zoom for clearer images and produces high-quality PAL video, and both sides of the powerful 6-wheel-drive can be controlled independently. The Agilios push rod camera also offers advanced features; with high pipe-bend mobility, it has an operating range of up to 90m and is suitable for inspections starting at a diameter of just 52mm (house laterals). It also has LED lighting, a high quality, robust, axial camera, and a constantly upright picture.

The Zone 2 certified Minicam Proteus crawler has also been added to the fleet. Engineered, built and tested for safe use in some of the most dangerous situations, without compromising on any of the features of other Proteus crawlers, the ATEX version makes working in explosion-risk environments much easier and safer than alternative methods.

Summarising the justification for this investment, James Carlyle, General Manager says: “By adding this technology to our rental fleet we are enabling our clients to bid on a wider range of projects, confident in the knowledge that they have access to all the necessary technologies without the capital cost of ownership – put simply, we invest in this equipment so that our customers don’t have to.”

@ashteadtech  #PAuto 

Not "completely normal" switches!

They look like "completely normal" compact position switches with standard dimensions according to DIN EN 50047. But the construction details of the light and robust Ex 97 switching devices with plastic housings now available from steute's business unit "Extreme" make these devices unique.

The switches are tested and certified according to ATEX and IECEx for use in Gas Ex zones 1 and 2, as well as dust Ex zones 21 and 22. They can also be used in temperatures down to -60°C, which is a terribly demanding, most particularly for the construction and sealing of the housings. For example, the high protection class (IP 66) has to remain guaranteed at such low temperatures, even during a 7-Joule impact test.

For this reason the robust housings are manufactured from high-quality plastic with a glass fibre reinforcement which is partly textile in structure. In addition, the housing covers are completely vulcanised, guaranteeing that they remain sealed even upon impact. To seal the plungers, the steute developers have implemented a redundant sealing system comprising an external sealing cuff suitable for low temperatures and an internal Teflon sealing ring.

The sealing materials used have been classified by their own manufacturers for temperatures down to -95°C, and the lubricants used for temperatures down to -75°C. There is thus sufficient "safety clearance" before the -60°C certified for the Ex 97 switches is reached. This means that users, e.g. in the offshore oil and gas industry, can be certain that the new position switches will work reliably even in their truly extreme environments.

Due to their comprehensive range of actuators (plungers, roller levers, turning levers, push buttons) and compact dimensions, the Ex norm switches, available as snap action or slow action, are very versatile and can easily be integrated in an existing construction. Their protectively insulated plastic design also makes earthing and potential equalisation unnecessary.

With their unique set of features – in particular their enormous temperature range – they are suited to the position monitoring of flaps, valves, covers and other moving components, for example in plants within the oil and gas industry (onshore and offshore) or in shipbuilding and ports. Other application areas include handling systems on oil rigs, as well as position monitoring on crane booms. Safety applications, e.g. on maintenance flaps and guard doors, are a further possibility.

 #steute #PAuto #ex

Ready for new version of ATEX.

The new version of the ATEX directive entitled 2014/34/EU will come into effect on 20 April 2016. From that date, the new directive is the binding basis for newly issued ATEX certificates – though previously issued certificates remain valid indefinitely.

The declaration of conformity for the European single market also undergoes a name change: EC declarations of conformity according to directive 94/9/EC are replaced by EU declarations of conformity according to directive 2014/34/EU. For all products, R. Stahl currently ensures that conformity with both the new and the old directive is declared in the same document.

The new incarnation of the ATEX directive includes some changes in nomenclature, since the EU seeks to harmonise concepts and terminological conventions throughout many areas of legislation, with the express intent to further increase product safety. While these changes have very little impact on manufacturers of explosion-protected equipment, users, importers and distributors are faced with a different picture. They may be affected by the directive's broadened scope of application and new obligations.

"Making available on the market" no longer solely means the sale or use of new products. Plant operators manufacturing explosion-protected equipment for internal use may now also be considered “manufacturers” for the purpose of the ATEX standard. Moreover, importers and distributors must inspect products for actual conformity closely enough to be able to identify questionable cases and alert the supervisory authorities.

Given these changes, users may be liable to observe extended obligations, namely test and documentation provisions for declarations and certifications of conformity. R. STAHL is available to answer all questions regarding the changes at any time in a comprehensive fashion.

• Stahl products are marketed in Ireland through Douglas Controls & Automation

#ATEX #Stahl #PAuto

Multi-carrier cellular RTUs are safe for use in hazardous environments.

Red Lion Controls, the global experts in communication, monitoring and control for industrial automation and networking, has announced that its Sixnet® series RAM® 9000 industrial cellular RTUs have received ATEX zone 2, category 3 approval and are safe for use in potentially hazardous environments. This approval follows recent announcements that Red Lion’s rugged RAM industrial cellular RTUs support high-speed 4G LTE worldwide throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Ideal for deployment in industrial M2M networks such as oil and gas, water/wastewater, utility and transportation applications, RAM 9000 cellular RTUs provide a seamless network extension to remote locations. With more I/O than many competitive offerings, the RAM 9000 serves as a robust control platform that enables customers to simplify remote site equipment by combining separate functions into one feature-packed cellular RTU. The secure all-in-one RAM 9000 platform combines built-in I/O, a powerful event engine and data logging capabilities to securely monitor and control remote devices via 4G LTE cellular communications.

“Earning ATEX approval will allow the RAM 9000 to be deployed in even more hazardous and industrial environments,” said Denis Aull, vice president of products at Red Lion Controls. “As the Industrial Internet of Things continues to grow, approvals such as ATEX coupled with global 4G LTE communications will help connect critical data from rugged applications to next-generation IIoT platforms regardless of location.”

Features of the RAM 9000 include: • High-density on-board I/O: lowers total system cost with two digital inputs, two digital outputs, three analog inputs and one relay output • Powerful built-in event engine: triggers actions based on real-time operational data • Detailed data logging capabilities: record I/O registers on SD Card or internal memory • Remote connectivity: securely monitors serial devices via separate RS-232 and RS-485 ports • Secure routing: enables reliable data exchange over 4G LTE cellular communication

• Red Lion products are marketed through Instrument Technology.

@redlioncontrols #PAuto

App to explain Ex markings.

The “EXCovery” app for mobile devices, developed by explosion protection expert R. Stahl and provided free of charge, explains the exact meaning behind ATEX and IECEx markings by providing a quick and instructive breakdown of the information encoded on the labels of explosion-protected electrical devices.

Operators, electricians, and machine or system engineers can now simply consult their own smartphone or tablet computer to ascertain the exact conditions of use for ATEX- and IECEx-certified hazardous area equipment. The app analyses the portion of the marking specified according to the IEC 60079-0 standard, which is included in the certifications of both ATEX and IECEx devices.

After the short string of characters from the nameplate of an explosion-protected device is entered, EXCovery processes it and clearly displays the marking’s dust or gas atmosphere designation, the device’s ignition protection type, gas group and temperature class if applicable, and equipment protection level. In addition to decoding specific certifications, the app also serves as a repository for reference information. EXCovery provides instant access to information that can be crucial in the field, e.g. guidance on what to observe when dealing with certification markings, and a wealth of other fundamental explosion protection know-how, e.g. on key terms or the zone concept.

All special characters used in markings are available in an extra on-screen pane for very quick and comfortable input of certification strings. The EXCovery app is now available for Android and iPhone and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and iOS app store.

• Stahl products are marketed in Ireland through Douglas Controls & Automation.

 #stahl #PAuto #Ex

Safe vibration data collection in hazardous environments.

Emerson's CSI 2140 Machinery Health Analyser has received ATEX and IECEx, Zone 2 certification, enabling the latest generation portable vibration analyser to be used in hazardous environments. The CSI 2140 collects all of the data required to assess a machine’s condition in the shortest possible time, so that the user can limit the time they need to be in hazardous environments.

ATEX and IECEx standards cover a range of technologies from power generation to marine energy and involve a detailed process of examination, testing, and assessment of equipment intended for use in potentially hazardous areas.

Emerson’s CSI 2140, which is already CSA approved for use in most industrial hazardous areas in the US and Canada, provides an early indication of bearing and gearbox defects before they can lead to machine outages. Its unique PeakVue™ signal processing methodology cuts through the complexity of machinery analysis to provide a simple, reliable indication of equipment health.

“These approvals certify the CSI 2140 for use in most hazardous areas,” says Tom E. Nelson, Emerson’s CSI 2140 senior technology manager. "But equally important is the speed with which the user can move through the hazardous zone and back to safer areas. Emerson is committed to providing our customers with the products and services that increase safety and uptime."

Digital gas detector!

The OLCT 10N from Oldham, is a digital detector designed for commercial or industrial use in ATEX zone 2 environments or areas without explosion hazard classifications.

Designed to detect explosive gases (CH4, H2, C3H8 and C4H10), toxic gases (CO, NO, NO2, H2S and NH3) or oxygen, the OLCT 10N now includes an infrared sensor for detecting CO2 in three different ranges: 0-5000 ppm, 0-5% vol. and 0-100% vol.

Associated with the MX43 controller, the OLCT 10N makes electrical installation easier with a fieldbus network that allows for up to 30 detectors to be connected on the same line!

Ex d inverters!

R. Stahl's solutions for hazardous area equipment also include explosion-protected motor switches and frequency inverters for installation close to Ex d or Ex e motors in ATEX zones 1 and 2. As a rule, the company can add Ex d / Ex de ignition protection to any choice of power electronics for distributed drive units. They area a company with great expertise in implementing customised, application-specific drive control. In addition, drives featuring a very compact design and up to 7.5 kW output power are now available as ready-to-use, fully certified systems (ATEX / IECEx) from a single source.

These fan-less, almost maintenance-free explosion-protected frequency inverters ensure very efficient heat dissipation, which allows for operation even at ambient temperatures up to 55 °C. Due to their special aluminium flameproof enclosures, they can be used in onshore as well as offshore applications. The inverters feature a wide functional range including optional PLC functions for intelligent and efficient drive control in installations such as conveyor systems, pumps, heating and cooling equipment, centrifuges, textile machines, and various others.

Communication modules enable flexible configurations and enhancements. The drives ensure PTC motor monitoring compliant with ATEX regulations, provide class C2 electromagnetic compatibility, and support safe solutions as per SIL categories 1 through 3. Throttles and mains filters are available as optional features. Moreover, R. Stahl also offers stainless steel versions, special paints, and versions with a window or wiring space.

• Stahl products are marketed in Ireland by Douglas Controls & Automation

Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas enclosures!

As part of its new range of ATEX load cells, LCM Systems Ltd is launching the AEN ATEX/IECEx stainless steel Ex d enclosure. 

Designed for use in Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas, the enclosure will contain an internal explosion and prevent the transmission of sufficient energy to ignite a potentially flammable atmosphere outside of the enclosure, making it ideal to house load cell amplifiers or act as a junction box in environments where explosive gases, mists, dusts or vapours are present.

The new enclosure is manufactured in stainless steel with a minimum thickness of 16mm to give maximum environmental protection, is environmentally sealed to IP67 and has an internal volume of 500m³. It has been designed to accommodate cable entries for M12, M16 and M20 threads, with the number of cable entries as per customer and application requirements. For ease of use and flexibility, the AEN ATEX enclosure can also be supplied with a mounting base for straightforward attachment to walls, floors and assemblies.