H. Kuhnke Ltd, Romsey, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1794 514445 Email Us

Airbox. The Kuhnke Asi Pneumatic Slave Module

AS-i Safe

In 2002 AS-Interface Safe was introduced, opening the use of AS-Interface networking to many more markets.

AS-Interface safe is fully approved for use in control systems up to category 4 as determined in EN-954-1 and is successor IEC62061. AS-Interface Safe modules can be mixed with standard AS-Interface modules on the same cable, whichever version is used. An AS-Interface Safe safety monitor is used to oversee AS-Interface Safe slaves connected to the same cable. Safety outputs are then used. AS-Interface Safe products are readily available. You can use more than one safety monitor on an AS-i network.

Safety definitions such as set out in EN-954-1 & IEC62061 will call for the complete removal of power. In the case of AS-Interface this will include the removal of power to the black cable, but not necessarily to the yellow cable when the latter is used to provide status information. Most importantly for systems where compressed air is used, the removal of power includes the requirement to remove (or dump) air pressure. The Kuhnke Airbox is ideal for such applications as it can be connected using the black cable, with a separate pilot air supply. The latter enables a fault free restart after e-stop. In combination with a main dump valve operated by a safety monitor a standard Airbox 5/2 functions become 5/3 in old technology terms. An Airbox K alone can be configured as a 5/3 function valve, with all ports exhaust on removal of power.

 

Kuhnke offer a monitored dump valve assembly comprising a 3/2 1/2" port valve with separate pressure switch for feedback monitoring and an uncontrolled pilot supply port. This is housed in a tamper-proof enclosure with both instant start and soft-start options. Contact Kuhnke for more details. Note that neither an Airbox or a Kuhnke monitored dump valve are safety devices, but comprise tried and tested components suitable for integration into systems that will comply with EN-954-1 Category 4 and IEC62061 (SIL 3)

For more details of AS-i Safe please visit: http://www.as-interface.com/

H. Kuhnke Ltd
21 Abbey Enterprise Centre
Premier Way
Romsey, Hants, SO51 9AQ
UK

Telephone: +44 (0)1794 514445
Fax: +44 (0)1794 513514