Pepperl+Fuchs has been a well-established name in the automation of process plants with hazardous areas for many years. This experience has now been put to good use, so that installers and users benefit from electrical components featuring compact dimensions and a well-thought-out concept, which are specifically designed for quick and simple installation.
“Configured products” are the magic formula: a strict, rule-based configuration ability incorporated into the corresponding software tools turns enquiries and quotations into child’s play. The ensuing, fully automated engineering process also includes certification, thereby saving time and money on the way to wall-mounting a perfectly suited junction box or customer-specific terminal box with increased safety Ex e or intrinsic safety Ex i.
Terminal boxes with Ex e approval are typically ordered “on demand”. “I confirm the required number of terminals, fittings and various accessories with my customers directly over the phone”, says Julian Weiß, engineer and expert for electrical explosion protection, adding. “After all the requirements have been clarified, I send a quotation in just a few minutes by email”. In addition to the parts list, the quotation contains all necessary drawings, clearly showing the arrangement of the terminals, cable glands and accessories.
Jobs are allocated to a dedicated production line at the manufacturer’s Bühl plant. A detailed examination is no longer necessary thanks to the configurator. The production line is designed so that its processes are optimised for assembling customer-specific products. A CNC machine performs the mechanical processing of the housing – primarily boring holes for cable glands – on an order-specific basis immediately after the order is placed. Assembly is carried out in accordance with the latest lean methods in a one-piece or one-set flow. The required materials are managed in a Kanban system on shelfs or directly at the line, so that all parts are easily accessible. The production line has been in operation since September 2017 and fulfils orders in a timely manner, in less than five days on demand. A new laser engraving machine enables tags and nameplates to be labelled ex works. The delivery also comprises the complete documentation, including certification for operation in hazardous areas.
Pepperl+Fuchs are particularly proud to offer cable glands made from polyamide, which exhibit the full impact resistance of 7 joules as required by the standard. This means that there is no need for additional mechanical protection on the outside of the housing, which would be a hindrance during installation.
Wireless communication in “Ex”
Configured products with short delivery times are only one end of the spectrum – the experts at Pepperl+Fuchs also design tailor-made solutions in cooperation with the customer. These are based on housing solutions with flameproof encapsulation
Ex d, increased safety Ex e or a clever combination of the two. “Electrical components that do not have their own approval for hazardous areas are installed in a flameproof enclosure”, says Jürgen Bächtle, Sales Specialist for System Solutions Ex e, Ex d. “We recently integrated a Bluetooth receiver in a flameproof enclosure with an inspection glass. The customer equips its installers with smartphones and tablet PCs. A connection to the corporate network is established via the Bluetooth receiver, which can be activated on site. The installer switches on the receiver locally and has access to the works order and documentation. They can connect directly to the instrumentation and read out diagnostics and statuses. The switching contact simultaneously reports its status to the control system, so that colleagues in the control room are likewise notified about the process. In combination with Ecom tablets and smartphones, digital communication is possible throughout the hazardous area.”
Pepperl+Fuchs offer their customers a better service from a single source – by expanding the portfolio to include electrical explosion protection. Users appreciate the portfolio of products for comprehensive automation and installation in process plants.
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Hall 9, Booth D76
Author: Mike Karcher
Project Management and Order Administration Manager, Process Automation, Bühl Plant,
Pepperl + Fuchs
