Posted to News on 21st Jun 2019, 10:34
Pilz launches first safety system based on radar technology
Pilz says the latest addition to its portfolio of machinery safety products is the world's first safe system for protection zone monitoring based on radar technology. It comprises the LBK System safe radar from Inxpect SpA and the the Pilz PNOZmulti 2 compact configurable safety controller. The overall system provides safe, economical monitoring even in demanding environments - such as dusty woodworking production areas - or with complex plant structures. Benefits of the safe radar system include high plant or machine productivity, despite the the harsh environment. The safe radar system expands the Pilz PSEN family of safe sensors.
The safe radar system comprises up to six radar sensors and one control unit, depending on the application; in addition, the PNOZmulti 2 compact configurable safe controller is responsible for safety in the system. In the event of a fault and when the protection zone is violated, the PNOZmulti ensures that the reaction that is triggered is safe and reliable. The safe radar system can be used up to SIL 2, PL d and Category 2.
Safety-related functions covered by the system include the 'detection function (when a machine is switched to a safe state as soon as a danger zone is violated), plus the restart interlock that prevents the machine starting automatically if there is anyone in the danger zone. The layout for a protection zone can be a maximum of 15x4m with an opening angle of 110deg horizontal and 30deg vertical.
Versatile for protecting different areas
The layout of the protection zone and system at the site where the safe radar system is used can be flexible. The protection zone can be set up as wide or narrow as required, depending on the size of the area to be monitored. A wide protection zone covers a horizontal opening angle of 110deg and a vertical opening angle of 30deg. A narrow protection zone has an opening angle of 50deg horizontal and 15deg vertical. The actual protection zone of the sensor depends on the height at which the sensor is installed and the inclination (horizontal/vertical) of the sensor. A maximum depth of 4m can be set. The system can even develop a variety of protection zones via the number and inclination of the sensors - so as to form a circular arrangement, for example.
The overall area of the application can be increased if six sensors are connected in series and arranged at a maximum distance of 2.5m apart. This allows up to 15m to be monitored with a single system. Integrated muting not only provides a high level of flexibility but also greater productivity. It can be used either for the overall system or for individual sensors.
A dedicated configurator enables users to select the sensors and their configuration. An additional warning zone can be configured as an option. This saves time, plus the machine can be put into service more quickly.
Immunity to dust and dirt
The safe radar technology on which the system is based is fundamentally insensitive to external influences such as dust, rain, light, sparks or even shock. This means the safe radar system can be used anywhere that optoelectronic sensors and technologies cannot guarantee availability. In addition to safe area monitoring with the safe laser scanner PSENscan or the light curtains PSENopt, the world's first safe radar system is also useful in extremely rugged environments - for outdoor use, in heavy industry or woodworking, for example.
Typical applications can be found in heavy industry, where dirt, dust, swarf or welding sparks, bright light and shock are prevalent. This includes steel processing, foundries or woodworking. Outdoors, the radar system safeguards cranes and floor conveyor systems, bulk cargo ports or storage facilities even in fog, snow and up to moderate rain.
Follow the link for more information about the new safe radar system from Pilz.
