UK – 4B Group has introduced a new distributed hazard monitoring solution, the IE-GuardFlex, which can connect and monitor sensors across multiple machines using the company’s IE-Node technology.
This system enhances safety and operational efficiency by interfacing directly with machine control centers to initiate shutdowns upon detecting potential risks.
The IE-GuardFlex system can be configured for various machines, IE-Nodes, and sensors, making it ideal for central control rooms and non-hazardous areas.
It connects to IE-Nodes in at-risk zones via industrial CAT6 Ethernet cables, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of equipment such as bucket elevators, conveyors (both enclosed and open), chain conveyors, and rollers.
ATEX-certified sensors connected to local IE-Nodes monitor critical conditions, including belt slip (SlipSwitch, Milli-Speed), belt misalignment (TouchSwitch, Bulldog), bearing temperatures (ADB, Milli-Temp), vibration (Milli-Vib), and blockages (Binswitch). Engineers can quickly locate and configure nodes using a user-friendly 7” color touchscreen interface.
The system supports up to three different Alarm/Stop configurations per sensor, with output relays assignable to alarm or stop conditions per sensor or per machine. Common Alarm/Stop relays indicate alarms or stops across any connected sensor.
“The IE-GuardFlex system has been developed to empower facility engineering and maintenance staff to implement a comprehensive, de-centralized hazard monitoring system, using the simple and intuitive programming interface. This eliminates the need to implement the hazard monitoring system into the plant process control system/PLC, which means no special PLC programming software is required.
There is no need for specialist and expensive control system engineers, no additional PLC capacity and SCADA tags, and no plant disruption during implementation. Separating the plant control and hazard monitoring systems also provides an extra layer of redundancy and reliability.” Sam Payne, Chief Technology Officer for Electronics at 4B Group, stated,
4B Group specializes in designing, manufacturing, and supplying components for the bulk material handling industry. Their product range includes elevator buckets, elevator bolts, elevator belting and belt fasteners, forged chain, level controls, and hazard monitoring sensors and control systems.
These products are designed to reduce the risk of explosions in hazardous areas and minimize downtime through predictive maintenance.
As an internationally recognized and trusted supplier, 4B Group works closely with customers worldwide, including many international equipment manufacturers and multi-national bulk material handling and processing facilities.
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