Source: Festo
In Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations, pneumatic actuators have traditionally been controlled from control cabinets in distant, safe locations. Long wiring runs increase installation and commissioning time, complicate maintenance and troubleshooting, and make future system expansion difficult. The new VTUG-EX valve terminal addresses this challenge by extending Fieldbus connectivity into Class I, Division 2 areas. Fieldbus Ethernet connects the VTUG-EX directly to a PLC and eliminates the need to wire individual actuators over long distances. The VTUG-EX valve terminal now supports EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and PROFIBUS communication using interchangeable bus nodes. It also connects directly to an IO-Link master for added flexibility. The space-saving VTUG-EX accommodates up to 24 valve stations (up to 48 solenoid coils) with flow rates up to 630 l/min (22 CFM). Hot-swap valve replacement, multiple pressure zones, and panel-mounted installation simplify maintenance and system design, while global certifications, including UL Class I, Division 2 and IECEx, enable deployment in hazardous locations worldwide. Bringing intelligent automation into hazardous locations is only part of the solution. Machine builders, engineering firms, and system integrators must also safely distribute power, communication, and control through certified control cabinets built for hazardous environments. — Festo Corp., Mason, Ohio