Networking and Connectivity

In this case, installation in potentially explosive atmospheres can take place based on the increased safety 'e' type of protection in accordance with IEC/EN 60079-7. A certified series 8187 Ethernet terminal for transmission rates of up to 1 GBit/sec (1000Base-T) is available for convenient connection in a Zone 1 Ex e enclosure.

Installations with fibre optic cables are the best choice and for this,
R. STAHL has a number of solutions for potentially explosive atmospheres in its product portfolio:

By using the 'op is' type of protection in accordance with IEC/EN 60079-28, fibre optic cables can be laid up to Zone 0 similar to intrinsically safe circuits, which means that cables can be connected and disconnected during operation. The series 9721 media converters and switches are certified for installation in Zone 2 with up to four fibre optic cable connections for Zone 0. You can choose between multimode, or for distances up to 30 km, single mode connections. In combination with the series 9721 devices, the Remote I/O system IS1+, for example, can be operated in Zone 1 or Zone 2 using Ethernet protocols such as PROFINET, Modbus TCP or Ethernet/IP.

Alternatively, the 'op pr' type of protection – which is based on increased safety 'e' – can also be used in Zone 1. The Zone 1 certified series 8186/1 splice cassette is installed in an Ex e enclosure and can be equipped with up to 12 fibre optic cables.

PROFIBUS DP is established all over the world as a standard solution in process automation and can be used extremely effectively in combination with Remote I/O. For installation in Zone 1 potentially explosive atmospheres, it is standardised as RS485-IS in the intrinsic safety 'i' type of protection by PROFIBUS International. It is used, for example, in the R. STAHL Remote I/O system IS1+. By means of an Ex i series 9185 Fieldbus isolating repeater, a PROFIBUS DP which is non-intrinsically safe is converted into one which is intrinsically safe. This means that up to 32 IS1+ Remote I/O stations can be connected to a segment in Zone 1. Thanks to intrinsic safety, it is also possible to make modifications or extensions during operation in Zone 1 cost-effectively.

Fieldbus based on two wires have been widely used in process automation for several years now, thus ensuring both data transmission and power supply to the connected components. The High Power Trunk concept has become established as the most effective solution for potentially explosive atmospheres. This involves up to 16 intrinsically safe or non-intrinsically safe fieldbus participants being safely connected via the series 9411 field device couplers to the non-intrinsically safe fieldbus. Fieldbus supply is via the series 9412 Fieldbus power supply devices, which also monitor the relevant electrical Fieldbus parameters such as the signal level or jitter in the background (Advanced Physical Layer Diagnostics). The evaluation can be transmitted via a smartphone app or using the series 9415 Diagnostic Communication Manager module (DCM) through the H1 network to host and plant asset management systems.

The use of wireless technology in process plants is already a key component in the process industry. The main applications are in data transmission of mobile operating devices and data acquisition for the maintenance and optimisation of systems. Special requirements include a large geographical area, demanding environmental conditions and explosion protection.

In addition to specific components, solutions are required that enable the flexible use of standard devices such as WLAN access points without Ex approval with the lowest possible functional limitations.

This is where signal transmission using antennas plays a key role. Selecting the right antenna is crucial to efficient radio transmission and decides, for example, how many WLAN access points are needed to illuminate a production plant. The solutions from R. STAHL are compatible with virtually all standard antennas. In addition, we have an extensive modular system of system components in this area which enable easy installation and maintenance.