Process automation in hazardous areas requires specialist equipment, which Bürkert has excelled in for many years. The company’s process of continuous improvement has led to the latest update to the Type 8650 AirLINE valve island, which has expanded the features of this industry-leading 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. Bürkert’s AirLINE range of valve islands has been developed and proven in the field for many years; the latest update extends the functionality in the most challenging environment.
The new Type 8650 has an integrated pressure sensor as well as a filter in the air supply to ensure optimum 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. This partnership makes the Type 8650 the only valve island whose hardware and software are fully integrated with the Siemens IO system. This includes the diagnostics, which ensures any fault signals, such as a wire break or short circuit, are directly 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.
Operators and installers of pneumatic process control equipment have many considerations when they are planning, installing and operating systems that are working in explosive atmospheres. Safety is clearly the top priority, closely followed by ease of installation and operation. One method of achieving these and several other goals is to work with an experienced manufacturer that offers a comprehensive range of products for an easier installation.
Bürkert has specialist design and manufacturing facilities that can create complete solutions with all the latest certifications and documentation. For installations where safety and reliability are paramount, the Type 8650 valve island, combined with a purpose-build enclosure, is the ideal solution for precision process control in challenging environments.
