Fieldbus system OK’d for intrinsic safety, redundant power

North Hills, CA – MooreHawke, a division of Moore Industries-International, announced that the Route-Master fieldbus system has a new ATEX approval (FM pending) as a redundant intrinsically-safe fieldbus system permitting the connection of any mix of Fieldbus Intrinsically Safe Concept (FISCO) and entity (non-FISCO) devices. This is the world’s first fieldbus system approval to offer FISCO compatibility and power redundancy, company says.

MooreHawke, a division of Moore Industries-International, announced that the Route-Master fieldbus system has a new ATEX approval (FM pending) as a redundant intrinsically-safe fieldbus system permitting the connection of any mix of Fieldbus Intrinsically Safe Concept (FISCO) and entity (non-FISCO) devices.

The system consists of up to eight Trunk Isolator Modules in a 19-in. rack, each connected to one or more RM100 fieldbus device couplers. The combination is approved suitable for any mix of FISCO and Entity field devices. The RM100 rack uses hot-swappable and load-sharing redundant dc power cards and full galvanic isolation. Intrinsically-safe approvals extend to IEC Gas Group IIC (NEC Groups A and B), with an industry-best 350 m per segment.The duplex FISCO the Route-Master gives a calculated MTBF of 468 years, at least five times better than a conventional simplex FISCO system. It also allows the full Foundation Fieldbus network length of 1,900 m, and 120 m spurs, double the normal FISCO restrictions.RM100 device couplers have auto-resetting short-circuit protection, automatic segment termination to eliminate common installation errors and commissioning delays, and LED status indicators. MooreHawke’s short circuit protection method prevents segment failure caused by multiple device faults. A fold-back technique automatically removes fault loads from the segment, and does not permit current flow to the devices until faults are corrected. Manual termination is offered at the user’s request.The Control Engineering Resource Center has also presented an application note that offers a practical guide to the the selection, installation, and maintenance of equipment complying with the Fieldbus Intrinsically Safe Concept (FISCO). The document begins with a discussion of the origins of FISCO and an introduction to the main elements that should be considered when assembling FISCO systems. Later sections then develop each subject, with the intention of providing clear guidance to new and experienced fieldbus users.Also read:

European debut of intrinsic safety breakthrough

. Moore Industries-International

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