We enable your
automation in
hazardous areas

With digitising a system in hazardous areas, there are four options available. Fieldbus Technology (such as FF H1 or WirelessHART), Remote I/O solutions, Ethernet, or Wireless Solutions. All of these technologies enable a digital communication infrastructure to set up as the basis for the transmission of process and additional sensor data.

Only Ethernet will enable IP communication into the field. The high data rates and data volumes that can be transmitted in networks with many participants are particularly advantageous. The additional information available as a result simplifies and improves the diagnosis of networks and field devices. Consistent hardware means that different systems can easily be integrated in plants. This includes ERP, SAP, MES but also integration of other protocols like HART, OPC UA and fieldbusses. Another advantage is the use of industry standard components and IT skills. This dramatically reduces commissioning costs, allows for remote access and thus uncomplicated remote maintenance.

Process Automation has special conditions and requirements for software and hardware. Specially trained IT experts are therefore essential. Additionally, standard industrial products can only be used using special solutions. This particularly applies to hazardous areas. Network with firewalls, VPNs, or certification of network participants, is also of great importance.

Various options exist today. Both fibre optic cables with “op is” type of protection and increased safety 'e' installations are already in use. In the future, additional options will be available. Examples include intrinsically safe Ethernet based on Ethernet-APL (2-wire) and 100BASE-TX-IS (4-wire). Together with other manufacturers, R. STAHL is working on new, globally standardised solutions.

Point-to-point communication requires its own cable and I.S. isolation stage for every transmitted signal. For transmission of a limited number of signals, point-to-point communication is a good solution. Installation is simple to handle for these kinds of requirements. The advantages of Remote I/O become apparent once the signal amount increases and especially if the distances from control room to field are longer. All field devices are connected via a digital fieldbus that transmits all signals and forwards them to the control level. This means that space-consuming control and distribution cabinets in the control centre belong to the past. Integrated diagnostics in turn provide early warnings of system failures. Additionally, extensive functions facilitate on-site and remote commissioning.

Intrinsic Safety is not just limited to individual equipment. It also refers to the entire circuit of all equipment. There are many advantages in terms of economy, safety, maintenance and operation.

More Profitability:

- No special protective enclosure concepts required (e.g. Ex d or Ex p)
- Greater flexibility when interconnecting or combining devices of different vendors, while always taking into account the correct Ex i interconnection

Higher Safety:

- Cables and wires are also protected
- Also ideal for Zone 0 applications

Easier to maintain and operate:

- Calibrations, function tests, conversion modifications, replacement processes and more are possible at any time while the system is live

Yes. When compared to other types of protection, Ex i "intrinsic safety" adds additional demands to planners and installers. Intrinsic Safety depends not just on the condition of individual devices. The correct interconnection and installation of all devices in the intrinsically safe circuit is also an important requirement. This is because these circuits need to be adequately protected from external energy input. The type of protection Ex i “intrinsic safety” is suitable for circuits with a low power requirement of around 2 Watts.

The most important difference is how galvanic isolation is used. Zener Barriers create intrinsic safety by means of fail-safe limitation of current and voltage. The voltage is limited with the help of Zener diodes. An isolator, or isolated barrier, relies on galvanic isolation between input and output. Due to their simple structure, Zener barriers are flexible and have a long service life. The safe use of Zener barriers always requires connection to a potential equalisation. Isolators, on the other hand, allow for faulty states to be dealt with without using potential equalisation. The devices also offer convenient functions such as line fault signalling or signal processing.