Process Control Design – Don’t
Let Atex Restrict Your Plans
M
anufacturers have
part, it is a relatively easy task to
developed a huge range
ensure continued compliance with the
of products and systems
regulations.
that can be combined
and integrated to produce bespoke
process control systems. However, when
the application involves operating in
potentially explosive atmospheres,
designers could be forgiven for thinking
that the choice of design might be
restricted...
Taking a right turn on product selection
At the operational end, the ELEMENT
valve controllers were initially designed
However, when there is a more wide
to operate Bürkert’s CLASSIC range of
ranging project, such as modifying an
process valves and they are now rapidly
existing control system or building a
becoming the global standard for process
completely new one, the task of delivering
control, setting the benchmark for the
a fully certified installation is more
major manufacturers. Having already been
complex and requires a wide range of
developed to control 3rd party process
skills and expertise. In such situations
valves, the latest improvements include
it is important to select partners that
ATEX and IECEx approvals for operation
The task of designing process control systems
understand process control design with
in Zones 2/22 and 1/21 where potentially
that meet DSEAR, ATEX and other similar
the ability to deliver bespoke solutions
explosive atmospheres may exist.
standards requires considerable levels of
using the latest technology that is certified
expertise and competence in order to deliver
to the standards in force locally.
a suitably compliant process that meets the
demands of the application. The primary
concern in such conditions is safety and
often this may need to be maintained at the
expense of performance. There are however
more options than you’d think to increase
process control and efficiency in a potentially
explosive atmosphere by using the latest
valves, controllers and panel built solutions.
The path of least resistance
In terms of the individual components,
manufacturers spend considerable
Similarly, with such a wide variety of
applications, the use of quarter turn valves
As one of the leading manufacturers
has become widespread, but it is very
of control and measuring systems for
important to ensure that the selection
fluids and gases, Bürkert Fluid Control
process is carried out carefully so as to
Systems has over 25 years’ experience
avoid poor performance or incompatible
in delivering solutions for hazardous
equipment.
areas to a wide range of industries and
applications. The development of ATEX
and IECEx certified versions of its industry
leading components as well as complete
control systems has been supported by the
establishment of a centre of competence
in Menden, Germany.
Further enhancements can be made using
servo-assisted pneumatic valves, such
as the Type 6519, which can be installed
individually or in manifolds and can be
used to control double or single acting
actuators. Available in EEx m and EEx i
versions, they provide a high flow rate
amounts of time and effort in producing
capacity and reduced power consumption,
products that are certified for use in
which is often an important factor,
particular applications under specific
especially in larger installations, where
conditions. In situations where the
the cumulative power consumption of a
requirement is simply for a replacement
process control system can be significant.