The Siemens Industry Automation Division has developed three fail-safe modules for the Simatic ET 200iSP intrinsically safe distributed I/O system. The new modules 8F-DI Ex Namur, 4F-DO Ex 40mA/17.4V and 4F-AI Ex Hart meet the high safety requirements in accordance with the relevant standards such as IEC 61508 to SIL 3. This means that, integrated into the Simatic ET 200iSP distributed I/O system, they can be used directly without Ex barrier up to Ex Zone 1/21. The connected intrinsically safe sensors and actuators can be run into Ex Zone 0/20. The new modules are suitable for applications such as ESD (emergency shutdown), boiler protection, or fire and gas equipment. For fire and gas applications, the new modules have the important diagnostics functions "Last valid value" and "Energize-to-trip." The intrinsically safe Profibus version is used for communication between the Simatic ET 200iSP distributed I/O system and the higher-level controllers. The same cable is used here for transferring the standard automation data and the fail-safe signals in accordance with the Profisafe profile. The Simatic ET 200iSP is configured with the Step 7 engineering tool. Off-the-shelf, TÜV-certified library blocks are available in the Step 7 option packages Distributed Safety and S7 F-Systems for fail-safe applications.

www.siemens.com/et200isp

Pepperl+Fuchs recently introduced the VAS-2A8L-KE4-8SE , a compact and flexible stand-alone programmable safety controller. The safety controller provides four redundant safe inputs and two independent safe electronic outputs.  It runs on standard 24 VDC and allows any safe device with dry contacts or electronic safe outputs to be used. Connecting safety devices to the safety controller is designed to be as simple as wiring a conventional safety relay.  It features removable terminals and a drag-and-drop application interface. When the configuration is downloaded into the safety controller, documentation is automatically created, and all necessary data is backed up on a memory card.

www.pepperl-fuchs.us

MAG IAS has introduced new W/Z zero tracking capability for its horizontal boring mills and HMCs with the Siemens 840D control. Previously available only on the NumeriPath 8000 control, W/Z zero tracking for up to three collinear axes can be retrofitted to existing MAG machines with 840D controls or added to new machines. W/Z tracking accounts for changes in machine geometry when one of the axes in a collinear set is repositioned in the part program. It is designed to electronically track each axis of the collinear set to calculate and maintain the correct part reference coordinate when one of the axes is repositioned. For example, the Z-axis reference point is typically the spindle gage line, while the W-axis reference point is a surface on the workpiece. After the W/Z relationship is established through part referencing, the control tracks all Z and W axis moves, displays their relationship, and moves one of the two axes to maintain the correct gap position.

www.mag-ias.com

The KNF NMS010 micro diaphragm pump is designed to transfer, evacuate or compress gases for portable monitors and gas-sampling instrument applications requiring high performance in a small package. This compact pump measures 13.2 mm (width) by 26 mm (height) by 39 mm (length), weighs 20 grams, and can deliver flow rates up to 0.75 l/min, vacuum up to 12 In Hg and pressure up to 7.5 psig. The pump has an oval-shaped diaphragm that uses the space over the motor to increase the size of the pumping chamber. This leads to a higher flow rate than a comparably sized round diaphragm, yet it takes up the same envelope size as a round diaphragm, the company explains. High levels of gas tightness are possible due to a closed diaphragm surface and efficient sealing system. Oil-less operation enables uncontaminated flow of the pumped medium and contributes to safe and virtually no maintenance pump operation, according to the company. A newly engineered valve system promotes low aerodynamic loss and the pump exhibits minimal noise over a long service life. Users can select from a variety of DC motors to deliver the power.

www.knfOEM.com

Nitra pneumatic BVS series modular solenoid valves from AutomationDirect are body-ported, three-port (three-way), two-position poppet valves available in normally-open or normally-closed configurations. Models are available with removable flying leads or eight-mm micro DIN connectors; and units are DIN-rail mountable when used with BVM series manifolds. Featuring flow coefficients from 0.02 to 0.05, models are available with 12 VDC, 24 VDC or 120 VAC solenoid coils, with LED status indicators and a push-button manual operator. Available in four and eight-station models with 35-mm or quarter-inch tube inlets, the manifolds are made of sturdy glass reinforced thermoplastic with DIN-rail mounting clips included. Push-to-connect inlet and outlet connections and a nine-pin D-sub connector allow for quick and easy tubing and wiring.

www.automationdirect.com

OTTAWA, Ont. - The surest way for Canada to boost its productivity is through investment in physical and human capital, according to a recently released Conference Board of Canada study, Sluggish Productivity Growth in Canada: Could the Urbanization Process Be a Factor?.

Experts say Web will transform industry