Yearly Archives: 2015

Powerful PV overvoltage protection

From |

The new VAL-MB product family from Phoenix Contact provides powerful and compact protective devices for photovoltaic applications with generator voltages of up to 1500 V DC. The protective devices are specially adapted to DC application requirements and certified by KEMA.

Longer inlet funnels and higher screw shafts provide additional protection against arcing. The product range includes protective devices for generator voltages of 600 V DC, 1000 V DC and 1500 V DC, as type-1/2 lightning current arresters, as well as pure type 2 surge protection devices. Variants are available with or without remote signaling contact. All protective devices have a short-circuit protection of 2000 A and can also be used in high-altitude plants up to 6000 meters in altitude.

Coupling relays for safety-related activation

From |

In recent years, safety-related activation has become increasingly important in the field of process technology.

As a result, with PSR-PC50, Phoenix Contact offers a coupling relay that has been specially developed for this area and that can be used according to SIL 3.

4737

The coupling relay was specially designed for failsafe controllers in the field of process technology. As such, all requirements for use in applications up to SIL 3 are fulfilled, according to IEC 61508. Internally, the device has six contacts that are switched in parallel as well as in series. In this way, the safety required is taken into account, as well as the necessary availability.

Continuous diagnosis poses a challenge for planners and planning engineers. Generally speaking, the controller diagnosis ends at the coupling module used. Often this is not sufficient for many users. To this end, the line/load monitoring function of the PSR-PC50 relay enables seamless diagnostics from the controller to the actuator. Open circuits as well as short circuits in the on-load voltage supply and diagnostic supply voltage are monitored. If an error occurs during normal operation, in all established safety systems it can be reported via the existing control line back to the corresponding digital output. In this way, the need for additional installation time and other digital inputs required for actuator readback is eliminated.

 

New software products for overall process automation

From |

Phoenix Contact is introducing the atvise scada, AIP, and Acron software solutions to add visualization, alarm management, and data archiving functions to its portfolio. With the integration of this software into its own product line, Phoenix Contact takes another step toward becoming a supplier of complete solutions for process automation, for example, in infrastructure applications such as the water and wastewater industry.

4750

The atvise scada visualization software allows users to implement even complex control and monitoring tasks without being restricted to a fixed location or device. The visualization data can be accessed from any standard browser. An editor for web professionals offers further possibilities for direct JavaScript programming.

The AIP (alarm information portal) alarm management software is the perfect solution for location-independent process monitoring. The software can be linked via standard interfaces such as OPC (Open Process Control) to control and visualization systems and reliably keeps service staff updated through media such as e-mail or text messages.

The Acron Plant Chronicler logs all plant and operating data in redundant databases when required. Using the log function, meaningful and customizable charts and documents can be periodically generated. Acron conveniently integrates with visualization systems and controls via standardized interfaces such as OPC UA (Unified Architecture).

New highly compact isolation amplifiers with UL certification

From |

The Mini Analog Pro product family is the first line of 6-mm isolation amplifiers with plug-in connection technology. There are now four new product types that are UL 508 listed and thus can also be used in the USA and Canada.

4749

The expansion of the product line includes an analog frequency converter with limit value functionality for converting standard signals to frequency or PWM signals, a limit value switch with converter relay output for switching analog limit values, a constant voltage and current source, and a NAMUR insulation amplifier for proximity initiators and voltage-free and resistive switch contacts. The easy-to-configure modules are available with screw-in or push-in connection technology.

The Mini Analog Pro isolation amplifiers can be easily installed and operated in narrow spaces. Easily visible and accessible connection points and power measurements during operation ensure convenient use.

Distributor box for power applications

From |

In field-based power distribution, at power supply voltages of 24 V a larger cable cross-section size is required in order to counteract voltage drop across long distances. The M12 power distribution boxes from Phoenix Contact, in combination with standard cables of up to 4×6 mm², are designed for this application.

4756

The distributor has four T-coded M12 slots with a current load of up to 10 A per channel. Each of the eight channels is equipped with a plug-in fuse. Devices are connected directly via T-coded M12 standard cables. The distributor is supplied via standard cables and a plug-in sleeve housing with contact inserts and separate crimp contacts.

The status of the input and output sides can be checked at any time via LEDs. Further evaluation data is provided via an M12 diagnostics port that is connected to the controller in the control cabinet. T-coded items such as molded system lines, attachable plug-in connectors, Y-distributors, and energy distributors provide reliable power distribution in the field.

Intelligent Surge Protection for Process Technology

From |

Phoenix Contact’s Plugtrab PT-IQ surge protection devices for MCR and process technology warn plant operators before protection of the plant is lost. To achieve this, each voltage-limiting component in the protective plugs is continuously monitored. If the performance limit has been reached as a result of frequent surge voltages, this is indicated by a yellow signal on the protective device and via remote signaling. At this time, the arresters are still functional and the plant is protected. However, replacing the component is recommended to prevent unnecessary servicing.

4736

Plugtrab PT-IQ Ex protective devices are available for intrinsically safe areas. These devices can be installed in Ex Zone 2. The intrinsically safe protective circuits can be routed up to Ex Zone 0.

Thanks to multi-level monitoring and signaling, the plant operator always knows the status of protective devices and therefore has an overview of surge voltage protection in the plant. This intelligent surge voltage protection is available with traditional screw connection technology as well as innovative push-in connection technology. A controller supplies up to 28 protection modules with voltage and allows for connection of a central remote monitoring system.

The New Generation of String Combiner Boxes

From |

The new generation of SCB Compact string combiner boxes with in-line fuses from Phoenix Contact is even smaller, more flexible, and more powerful.

4745

Contrary to conventional solutions, string protection is achieved outside the control cabinet. This change reduces the thermal stress inside the connection box, since it allows the fuses mounted on the outside to release their waste heat into the environment. The in-line fuse and all other components in the string combiner box, such as the circuit breaker, surge protection, and monitoring system, are exposed to lower operating temperatures. Over the long term, this means better performance and longer service life for the entire system. It also allows operation at higher ambient temperatures.

Moving the fuses to the outside makes the design of the new connection boxes significantly smaller. The lower volume reduces transportation and storage costs. The string combiner box’s light weight means that a single person can install it.

Ursula Lampmann, partner of Phoenix Contact, has passed away

From |

Lampmann, Ursula

Ursula Lampmann, partner of Phoenix Contact, died on Friday, 26 June 2015, at the age of 94 years in Blomberg. Born in Essen, she joined the company in 1937 and headed the commercial areas as partner of Phoenix Contact for more than five decades. Above all, with her far-sighted handling of the finances she played a crucial role in the successful growth of the company, from small beginnings to global player in the industry.

With her kind and open-minded personality and her appreciative manner she shaped the corporate culture and spirit of Phoenix Contact. She retired in 1995. As requested by the deceased, the funeral took place in the narrowest family circle.

Security Routers for Process Technology

From |

Security is becoming increasingly important in the process engineering industry. With the new MGuard security router, Phoenix Contact is addressing this trend.

4735

The security router meets the demanding hardware requirements of the process industry as well as the strict IT requirements for security products. Hardware features include an extended temperature range of -40 to +70 °C, IECEx and ATEX approvals for Ex Zones and corrosive gas testing in accordance with ISA-S71.04-1985 G3 Harsh Group A.

From a software point of view, existing MGuard security functions were enhanced with additional security components for OPC Classic, a protocol widely used in the industry. These include DPI (deep package inspection) and NAT (network address translation) functions. DPI allows for a high-quality OPC Classic firewall in the production facility, whereas NAT provides the option of integrating plants with identical IP addresses into a higher-level production network quickly, easily, and without address conflicts.

Modular marshalling patchboard concept with innovative color coding system

From |

The new push-in PTMC marshalling patchboards from Phoenix Contact achieve up to 20 percent higher packing density with marshalling wiring in process technology, thanks to the modular concept and the compact design.

freistellen mit Pfad CD-Inlay einbauen Network Interfaces fg

The individual marshalling patchboard elements snap into place easily and securely and can also be coded using eleven different colors. This ensures clearly arranged and fault-free wiring. The precise number of positions and the blocked form design, ideal for various applications, create a stable patchboard construction that is resistant to warping. The 2.3 mm test connections are easily accessible, next to the connection points, enabling convenient testing with standard testing accessories. The pre-assembled marshalling patchboards are available with four or six push-in connections per element in 32, 48 and 80-pos. designs. In terms of mounting type, there is a choice of direct, 19″ rack and DIN rail mounting.

The PTRV marshalling terminal system is the most compact on the market with a length of just 100 mm. It offers additions options for easy and clearly arranged marshalling wiring. Its key features include freely selectable colors, easily accessible test connections, and large-surface matrix marking.

The marshalling terminals and marshalling patchboards are designed for use in Ex i safety circuits up to 60 V and are available as blue versions.

The marshalling patchboards, which can be self-assembled, are configured and ordered with just a click of the mouse in the product area on the phoenixcontact.net/products website.