Ex-sensors

The sensors of the 46B series comply with category 3 and have been developed especially for zone 2 ("Gas-Ex") in protection type nA according to EN 60079-15:2005 and for zone 22 ("Dust-Ex") in protection type td according to EN 61241-1:2004. They may be used with conducting and non-conducting dust.

The sensors are accommodated inside a metal casing for protection against mechanical damage. This ensures that even the highest knocking test demands up to 7 joules are safely complied with.

These are designed either as a single-beam light barrier, as a reflection light barrier or as a reflection light button, and can detect objects reliably at distances between 300 mm and 12 m. The intrinsically safe ATEX sensors communicate the switching signals by way of the NAMUR interface to the VS 403 isolating switching amplifiers. Sensors of this series may be used in zones 1 and 2 in areas where there are potentially explosive gases and dust.

The VS 403 isolating switching amplifier makes it possible to effect an intrinsically safe circuit for the sensors of the ‘92’ series. The sensors are supplied with power and the switching signals communicated by way of the NAMUR interface. This isolating switching amplifier, which is certified in keeping with the most recent ATEX directives, is obtainable either with a 24 V power supply and relay/transistor output, or with an AC power supply of 110 to 240 V and relay output.

For setting up the intrinsically safe circuit, Leuze electronic also offers blue cables with M12 circular plugs to connect the sensor to the isolating switching amplifier.

This comes in an M42 circular housing, and was designed specifically for use in ‘Ex’ zones 1 and 21. Its manufacture incorporates a flameproof enclosure, so it can also be used in areas where potentially explosive dust is found. With the integrated testing facility of the transmitter and the built-in monitoring for dirt accretion, the status of the light barriers can be checked at any time. The range of the sensors comes to 200 m.

The sensors of the 96 series were specially developed for device category 3, Ex zones 2 and 22 and feature an optics cover made of special, shatterproof plastic and an Ex "e" approved screwed cable gland. All operating principles from the 96 series, such as throughbeam photoelectric sensors, retro-reflective photoelectric sensors and diffuse reflection light scanners, are available.

To comply with the requirements for shock-resistance, which have been made even more stringent, the devices of the 96 series are now equipped with an additional protective housing made of metal. These devices thereby satisfy EN 60079-15:2005 and EN 61241-1:2004.

The PH 3B55 Ex-n protective housing is used for the installation of devices of the 3B, 25B and 55 series (with the exception of the HRTR…-XL… models).

Interlock guard K-V M12-Ex, 50109217 (prevents unintended disconnection of connectors)

These sensors contactlessly detect objects that are located in the light beam or that move through the light beam, and measure the distance to the objects.

Identification is also an issue in Ex applications.

Systems often have a mixed design, i.e. some sections are subject to explosion hazards, others are not. Available especially for surface-treatment applications (immersion baths, varnishing machines, drying etc.) as an extension of our RFID devices for Ex Zone 2 (ATEX) is the RFM 32 SL 200 Exn device with long cable (10m).

The function scope corresponds to that of the "standard device" RFM 32 SL 200 (operating range up to max. 110mm). Depending on the application, several other transponders with ATEX approval (Zone 2) are available for selection in addition to our standard selection of transponders.

KONTURflex Ex, answering to protection class “n”, is now available for applications in zones 2 (gases) and 22 (non-conductive combustible dust). KONTURflex EX proves its value in connection with paint-spray units, for instance, where it can direct the jetted streams of liquid or pulverised paint in such a way as to match the contours of the objects that are being coated, thus making the operation a great deal more economical.

This means that it fulfils the requirements of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EX, Appendix X, which has been binding since 07/03.

The tried and tested safety light curtain of the COMPACT range (type 4 as defined by EN 61496-1,-2) is now available under the label COMPACT Ex1, for selected heights of protective field up to 1500 mm and in a pressure-resistant glass housing of protection class “d”. COMPACT Ex1 is suitable for use with applications in Ex zones 1 (gases) and 21 (dust), e.g. in automated paint-spray lines.

This means that it fulfils the requirements of the ATEX Directive 94/9/Ex, Appendix X, which has been binding since 07/03.

For applications in EX zones 2 (gases) and 22 (non-conductive combustible dust), the type 4 COMPACT safety light curtain is now available in the COMPACT Ex2 design variant, with impact-resistant interlocking front plates, likewise for selected heights of protective field and answering to protective class “n” (non-sparking).

This means that it fulfils the requirements of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EX, Appendix X, which has been binding since 07/03.