Electricity and Control October 2022

MEASUREMENT + INSTRUMENTATION

directly in the device itself. This eliminates the need to search for and download drivers and device information from the Internet, and thus significantly speeds up the development and commissioning of an automation system. With Ethernet-compliant data transmission completely independent of the running process control, direct access to field device data is now possible from any location. This speeds up maintenance and troubleshooting and allows for preventive maintenance, which can be critical for plant availability. It also enables a wealth of new applications that will give the process industry a completely new impetus. □

The data restrictions that have kept process plants largely isolated from the companies that operate them are removed by Ethernet APL.

For more information visit: https://www.pepperl-fuchs. com/southafrica/en/ and https://www.endress.com

About Ethernet-APL Process plants operate for 20+ years and are required to be safe for people, the product, and the environment. Explosion potential in hazardous areas and harsh conditions require that any deployment of new technology is thoroughly tested and provides added business benefits. Technology should be kept simple in handling and in the training required. Ethernet is the de-facto communication standard across most enterprises, but it does not meet the requirements in the field of process automation without modification. Ethernet with an Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet-APL™) will enable long cable lengths and explosion protection via intrinsic safety, with communication and power over two wires. Based on IEEE and IEC standards, Ethernet-APL supports any Ethernet-based au tomation protocol and will become the long-term stable tech nology for the process automation community. A new white paper on Ethernet-APL presents the business environment,

technical specifications, implications for different user types, and the development status of Ethernet-APL. In simple terms, the technology provides a two-wire Ethernet for process automation and hazardous locations, based on IEEE and IEC standards. It offers the benefits of - Enhancing the value generated in a process plant by bringing Ethernet technology and high-speed communi cation out into the field - Simplifying installation, configuration and maintenance of instruments and automation technology - And it is designed for a workforce trained in IP technology. A number of leading suppliers in the field of process auto mation are involved in the development and rollout of Ethernet APL. They include, among others, P+F, E+H, ABB, Phoenix Contact, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Krohne, and VEGA.

For more information visit: https://www.ethernet-apl.org/

MEASUREMENT + INSTRUMENTATION : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

New ball valve: safety in high-pressure applications

In the process industry, machine building or automation – the new HPBV ball valve from WIKA, for high-pressure applications up to 20 000 psi (1 379 bar), is designed for use in a wide range of applications. The new model HPBV is available with various bores and enables bidirectional flow. Its robust design, with floating ball, blow-out-proof valve spindle and high

quality PTFE sealing packing, offers maximum safety and a long service life for the instrument. The valve seat made of PEEK withstands chemicals, heat and wear. The new valve is available with two connec tion types: NPT or cone/thread (for nominal pressure 20 000 psi/1 379 bar). Operation is smooth, even under high loads – the ball valve can be closed and opened with just a quarter turn. In addition to the standard version, there is an optional oil- and grease-free variant for oxygen applications, in line with ASTM G93 Level C requirements. For the HPBV, WIKA offers an application-specific as sembly with a high-pressure gauge. Such an instrument ‘hook-up’ is delivered ready to install and leak tested. For more information contact WIKA Instruments. Tel: +27 (0)11 621 0000 Email: sales.za@wika.com, visit: www.wika.co.za

The new HPBV from Wika is designed for safety in high pressure applications.

22 Electricity + Control OCTOBER 2022