Process automation in hazardous areas requires specialist equipment. The use of pneumatic process control systems offers many advantages to manufacturers operating in pharmaceutical as well as food and beverage settings, especially in hazardous areas.
The new Type 8650 has an integrated pressure sensor as well as a filter in the air supply to improve performance. It also has an extended temperature range, and IECEx / ATEX approvals have been updated to the latest specifications. In addition, new functions have been directly integrated on the valve island, which controls process equipment while located in zones 1/21.
The Type 8650 was originally developed with the cooperation of Siemens and this partnership has enabled complete integration with the Simatic ET 200iSP. The Type 8650 is integrated with the Siemens IO system. This includes the diagnostics, which ensures any fault signals, such as a wire break or short circuit, are integrated with the PCS7 process control system.
The external valve shutdown function enables the pneumatic feed to the valve island to be closed off while the communications remain operational with the rest of the network. At the same time, air inside the valve island will be exhausted to atmosphere, preventing any further process valve actuation. This ensures any feedback relating to the shutoff, such as the final position of a valve, is relayed to the central processor.