Intrinsically Safe I/O Subsystem from Invensys and Pepperl+Fuchs

Phil Black - PII Editor 19/05/2009

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Process Control Systems

— Seamless integration of Intrinsically Safe I/O and I/A Series distributed control technology improves process automation in hazardous environments —

MAY 18, 2009/PLANO, TEXAS — Invensys Process Systems (IPS), a global technology, software and consulting firm, has teamed with Pepperl+Fuchs, a leading supplier of intrinsic safety solutions for the process industries, to offer seamless integration of the Pepperl+Fuchs intrinsically safe I/O interface product lines with IPS” I/A Series® distributed control system technology. With built-in barriers and field connections, the integrated modules are the lowest-cost, smallest footprint and easiest-to-maintain solution for mounting I/O modules in hazardous locations. Such tight integration provides users with a transparent interface from which they can set up, configure and maintain intrinsic safety using standard I/A Series tools. The solution is certified for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous environments.

“Our clients are looking for proven, cost-effective ways to prevent disasters in hazardous environments, not simply contain them,” said Betty Naylor-McDevitt, IPS Director of DCS Business. “Traditional explosion-proof cabinets are too costly to install and maintain, and our clients need reliable equipment that is easier to maintain and has a smaller footprint. This is the perfect solution.”

Seamless integration of IPS and Pepperl+Fuchs technology has many benefits for users. Because the intrinsically safe modules are hot-swappable without a hot work permit, maintenance is easier and safer and with built-in redundancy in communication modules, power supplies and bus interfaces, availability is high. IPS offers the integrated solution on HART capable modules so I/A series system users can manage intrinsically safe operation of any vendor”s HART field devices. And because Integration with I/A Series technology also brings compatibility with IPS”s FDT-based Field Device Manager; users can set up, commission and maintain smart devices within a common engineering environment.

“We are impressed by how efficiently the IPS and Pepperl+Fuchs teams worked together to create a seamless integration of our products,” said Karsten Fischer, Pepperl+Fuchs Global Account Manager for Invensys. “I/A Series system users will experience and appreciate the ease of setting up and configuring the Intrinsically Safe equipment using standard I/A Series tools. They will incur less CAPEX while experiencing the same superior performance and without jeopardizing safety or needing to invest in expensive explosion-proof cabinets.”

To learn more about Intrinsically Safe I/O solutions from IPS, please visit http://www.ips.invensys.com/en/products/autocontrols/Pages/Intrinsic.aspx or contact betty.naylormcdevitt@ips.invensys.com .