In process automation, valve islands have developed into an integral part of process engineering systems. There they take over a large part of the control tasks and form the heart of modern production processes.
The intrinsically safe valve terminal AirLINE Ex (type 8650) for Siemens SIMATIC ET 200iSP from Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, for example, has meanwhile proven itself in many pharmaceutical, cosmetic and biotechnical applications. The successful model, which is suitable for use in EX zones 1 and 21, has now been optimized with a view to future requirements.
New functions with high practical use
New features include pressure sensors and pressure switches that can be integrated to query the status of the valves, pressure monitoring and an upstream valve for external, safety-related shutdown. This integration saves additional installation work when it is necessary to check whether the valves are really depressurized for functional safety. In this way, performance level C can be achieved in accordance with IEC 13849. In addition, the permissible operating temperature range has increased from 0 to 50 °C to 0 to 60 °C. If a lot of waste heat is to be expected, this simplifies configuration and placement in the control cabinet. Hot swappability, check valves and P-channel shutoff have also been optimized to increase airflow.
Complete solution from a single source
Since the intrinsically safe valve terminal variant can be seamlessly integrated into the ET 200iSP distributed I/O system, the I/O system and valve technology can be accommodated in a common control cabinet, which not only saves space but also simplifies installation. This is how electro-pneumatic automation solutions are created at Bürkert, which are supplied as ready-to-connect complete systems including the required ATEX certification. Only the voltage and compressed air supply and the Profibus line have to be connected on site. A Profinet connection is planned. The compressed air is routed as a central supply in the control cabinet to the manifold for the valve terminals. Design and equipment of the control cabinets adapt to the application.