Safety
Safety sensor for gas and dust
Schmersal has introduced the first RFID-based safety sensor that is designed in accordance with the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and can be used in Ex zones 2 (gas Ex, category 3G) and 22 (dust Ex, category 3D).
The EX-RSS16 therefore offers functional safety in accordance with ISO 13849 and explosion protection. The sensor also fulfills the explosion protection function thanks to the Ex ec and Ex tc types of protection, without the need for an additional energy-limiting device. Schmersal launched the new development on the market this year.
The wear-free safety sensor is suitable for monitoring the position of various types of safety guards, whether for monitoring doors, monitoring the position of machine axes or other rotating, laterally displaceable or removable safety guards. Three different actuating directions also allow a flexible choice of installation position.
The EX-RSS16 is available with and without latching action. The version with magnetic latching action, for example, ensures that a door remains closed even when de-energized. Thanks to the integrated RFID technology, the EX-RSS16 enables individually coded variants with coding level "high" in accordance with ISO 14119 and therefore offers maximum protection against tampering.
The EX-RSS16 safety sensors have an optional diagnostic output or an optional SD interface (serial diagnostics). Up to 31 safety switching devices with serial diagnostics can be connected in series. This allows the diagnostic data of the individual devices in the series connection to be transmitted to a control system via the SD gateway and a fieldbus (e.g. Profibus), for example status data or error messages. This allows faults to be rectified more quickly. Extended diagnostic functions support predictive maintenance and help to avoid machine downtimes. Control commands can be issued from the PLC to the devices in the series connection.
"With the new EX version for gas and dust applications, we have significantly expanded the possible uses of the RFID safety sensor, which is in high demand due to its performance and cost efficiency," says Marlies Gerstkämper-Oevermann, Product Manager at the Schmersal Group. "The EX-RSS16 is suitable for many industrial areas where explosion protection requirements apply." as
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