We enable your
automation in
hazardous areas

#STAHL4AUTOMATION

Thanks to our globally unique expertise in explosion protection and over 50 years of experience in automation of hazardous areas, R. STAHL is one of the leading technology providers in this area today. We provide complete solutions and highly specialized components for almost every industrial area. All systems are perfectly matched to your individual needs. The mark of “Made in Germany” demonstrates the reliability of your customised Ex-area solution.

You can always play it safe with R. STAHL. This even applies to new challenges, including digitalisation in hazardous areas. No matter if it’s setting up modern Ethernet networks, integrating diagnostic data in plant asset management systems, or even wireless communication and developing visualization concepts. R. STAHL is proudly involved in working groups such as NOA (NAMUR Open Architecture), OPAF (Open Process Automation™ Forum), and Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer). This combination makes modern process automation and digital communication usable.

Our expertise and commitment know no limits. Worldwide, we offer systems certified to the latest standards. For the full range of applications and explosion protection as well as extreme temperature ranges and harsh environmental conditions. In our comprehensive brochure on the subject of automation, you will find a lot of additional information and specific application examples.

You can rely on R. STAHL.

Latest News

Variable wireless networking in hazardous areas

With installed radio technology for WiFi Networking, R. STAHL supports the digitalisation of potentially explosive areas in the process industry. Our certified solutions use a wide variety of radio standards. All of these can easily be integrated into any customers’ infrastructure.

Learn more

Competence with a vision: systems for process automation

Modern, cost effective and future oriented: R. STAHL develops and manufactures complete, worldwide certified system solutions for the digitised process automation of plants.

Learn more

R. STAHL designs network technology with a future

R. STAHL plays an active role. We support the process industry with the design and implementation of explosion protected Ethernet networks. All of R. STAHL’s experience is used in the formation of technically advanced yet normative design of new, future proof open standards.

Learn more

Quote by Carsten Brenner

GET SMART WITH R. STAHL

R. STAHL transforms the Ex-area in to smart by means of intelligent, communicating interface units between the process world and digital MES world. R. STAHL portfolio has the perfect infrastructure for the transport of data, energy and signals combined with user specific system solutions. We digitalise the whole hazardous process area with reliable and customised solutions.

Ex p enclosure in front of pharma background

Ex p Control

Grounding enclosure in front of an LKW

Ground Monitoring

Ex system solutions R. STAHL

System Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Signal Transmission Concepts are used in Digitalisation?

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.

2. What are the Advantages of “Ethernet in the Field”?

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.

3. What Challenges does “Ethernet in the Field” create?

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.

4. How can you use the Ethernet in Ex-Areas?

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.

5. What Advantages does Remote I/O offer compared to Point-to-Point Installation?

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.

6. What are the Advantages of Ignition Protection class Ex i Intrinsic Safety?

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

7. Are there Restrictions to the use of Ignition Type Ex i Intrinsic Safety?

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.

8. What is the Difference between an Isolator and a Zener Barrier?

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.

WE ARE READY

Ex thin clients virtualisation R. STAHL
Thin Clients for the Ex-area

Data streams constantly grow with digitalisation. With network-based

Thin Clients and modern network structures R. STAHL is implementing

this trend for hazardous areas. Thin Clients are inexpensive,

easy to set up and available for various device platforms

and applications. Even in harsh environments.

Discover more
Ex 4.0 digitalisation R. STAHL
Explosion Protection 4.0 - safe with R. STAHL

Entire industries are being changed by the march of digital progress, as well in process

automation. Shorter innovation cycles are demanded. Production systems

with universally usable production, machine and field device data are all required.

R. STAHL provides reliable, quality “Made in Germany” solutions for modern

explosion protection safety.

Ex Operational Technology goes Information Technology R. STAHL
OT goes IT in Process Automation

Individually manufactured industrial products are demanded in

today’s world. “Operational Technology (OT) goes Information

Technology (IT)” promises better quality, higher productivity,

efficiency and customer freedom. R. STAHL offers

communications networks for interfacing in a variety of

ways. Options include Remote I/O networks, Isolators

and Fieldbus technology.

Automation of modular plants
Process goes modular

The process industry is increasingly relying on modular production. This enables

shorter production and delivery times, thanks to smaller production units and

maximum flexibility in the event of fluctuation demand. As well as compatibility

and scalable processes, R. STAHL also offers tailor-made explosion protection with

both Remote I/O and HMI. Additionally, innovative encapsulation solutions, such as

EXpressure, are also offered. R. STAHL solutions save both space and weight and

can easily be linked to existing systems.

Increase your efficiency

R. STAHL – ONE FOR EVERYONE

Solutions from R. STAHL for explosion protection are found in industries around the world. An extensive product portfolio and almost 50 years of experience in explosion protection make R. STAHL the first point of contact for different industries. R. STAHL provides reliable, quality “Made in Germany” solutions for modern explosion protection safety.

THE PERFECT PARTNER

Due to our experience in Ex-Protection, R. STAHL is your ideal partner for Ex-area projects. From planning, commissioning and whatever lies beyond. You can rely on our know-how and service. Have a look at the process below.

X:
Y:
R. STAHL is your competent partner

Your ideas and requirements

Joint conceptual design of draft engineering

Production and assembly by expert staff

Handling of all dispatch details - all over the world

In-house or on-site training sessions for your staff

We ensure your facility runs at its best

Explosion protection concepts, consolidated and selected

Detailed engineering of your solution

Receive a factory acceptance test at our premises

Support during commissioning on-site

Aftersales support for smooth operation

Preview image with our automation people

DON´T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

Automation from R. STAHL is the result of extensive experience,
diverse competencies and close cooperation of multiple experts
and people, all together working with one goal. To make explosion
protection safe and reliable, even in the digital future.

Watch now
Ex 40 explosion protection R. STAHL

Automation and Ex 4.0 in Hazardous Areas

Discover now

ASK OUR EXPERTS

Previous

Contact form

*Mandatory fields
Previous

We'll be glad to call you back to support you!

We'll be glad to call you back to support you!
*Mandatory fields