Eaton to showcase process automation at SPS IPC Drives

On its stand, Eaton will use a model machine to demonstrate how its Lean Solution strategy can provide leaner, safer and more reliable systems for everything from the switch cabinet to the motors and sensors. The continuous expansion of the range of components which can interface with Eaton's SmartWire-DT connection and communication system means that there are even more possibilities for users to fully utilise the benefits of Lean Connectivity, Lean Automation and Lean Power. This includes, for example, increased plant availability as a result of the level of data transparency that is now feasible.

Among the additions to Eaton's SmartWire-DT range highlighted at the show will be its EMS electronic motor starters, PowerXL variable speed drives and SL signal towers as well as the company's intelligent motor control centres (iMCC). There will also be a wide variety of photoelectric, capacitive and inductive sensors for machine and plant building.

Other innovations from Eaton at SPS IPC Drives include an expansion of its IPC portfolio with powerful touch-panel PLCs offering screen sizes of up to 21.5 inches. The new XP-500 series serves an increasing demand in the market for high-precision and cost-effective options with multi-touch PCT technology. The devices are suitable for industrial applications and also demanding environments like those found in the petrochemical industry.

Additionally, Eaton's acquisition of Cooper means it is able to offer an extended portfolio of process automation systems specifically for explosion-protected areas through its MTL, GeCma and FHF (Funke+Huster Fernsig) brands. One of the highlights of the show will be the new GeCma Pathfinder - an operator terminal for process visualisation in sizes from 15 to 24 inches. The GeCma Pathfinder can be used as a remote, thin client or PC variant for industrial and EX environments. Its modular design enables it to be configured quickly, allowing short delivery times. As well as copper cabling, the panel can also communicate via fibre optic cables, enabling considerably longer transmission distances. Under the FHF brand, Eaton will be presenting the explosion-proof Voice over IP telephone ExResistTel IP2, which is suitable for use in hazardous area zones 1 and 2, as well as in all indoor and outdoor installations. The ExResistTel devices (analogue and VoIP) come with virtually all the functions of an office phone, combined with an indestructible steel keypad, an integrated hands-free set and an LCD display.

Optimisation of energy consumption

As networking becomes increasingly important and system architectures in industrial automation become more complex, greater demands are placed on power distribution systems and infrastructures. Eaton's NZM circuit-breakers can not only switch and protect but now also supply important measuring and diagnostic information via SmartWire-DT. Eaton's BreakerVisu visualisation and logging system now makes it possible to evaluate the diagnostic data of an NZM energy circuit-breaker automatically and provide the operator with information about the wear on the main contacts. In applications where both the NZM circuit-breakers, PKE motor-protective circuit-breakers and the XMC energy measuring and communication module are linked via SmartWire-DT, all individual current consumption values can be logged directly and evaluated - a basic requirement for the efficient optimisation of energy consumption.

To learn more about Eaton's power management equipment, visit www.eaton.eu, or visit the company on Stand 371, Hall 9, SPS IPC Drives, Nuremberg, Germany, 26-28 November.