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Archived News 2003
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November 2003
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ATEX certified intrinsically safe 007 Switchboxes complete with
"failsafe" solid state proximity sensors have been specified for
use on a major new refinery in China. "Failsafe" sensors when
used in conjunction with "failsafe" signal evaluation devices
can significantly improve the safety integrity of a valve monitoring
system. Should there be an error in the evaluation device, sensor or
interconnecting cable the output of the evaluation device is always
switched automatically to the safe "OFF" condition. Very high
quality components are used in the construction of the sensors which have
been tested and certified by TÜV in Germany.
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September 2003
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Development of the K4-20 Position Transmitter range is now complete. The
K4-20 is used to feedback a 4-20mA signal that can be used to monitor the
condition and performance of a rotary or linear modulating control valve
by determining its accuracy and speed of response over a given time. It is
used either when a positioner is not required or when it is preferable to
monitor position via a separate linkage. Optional end of travel limit
switches can also be fitted. K4-20’s incorporate
the latest technology to ensure accurate drift free linearization.
ATEX Certified EEx ia and EExd versions for hazardous gases and
combustible dusts are available along with the option of the HART,
Profibus® PA or FOUNDATIONTM
Fieldbus communication protocol.
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July 2003
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We are pleased to advise our clients that with effect from July 1st 2003 all K Controls products for use in potentially explosive atmospheres or for use with combustible dusts comply with the requirements of the European ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
This has necessitated a number of detailed changes to product design and test procedures. A few of these changes are particularly important because they effect product selection and coding.
Colour of enclosure. Polyester coated aluminium : Red for
EEx d or EEx ed. Light Blue for EEx ia. Black for non-hazardous area use.
Stainless steel : Natural finish.
Size of visual indicator. This is now determined by the nature of the hazardous gas. We have satisfied the requirements of the ATEX Directive by reducing the surface area of the visual indicators. The
"Klearvision" indicator has a surface area of <
100 cm2 and is suitable for use with IIA or IIB gasses. The new low profile
"Gyrovision" indicator has a surface area of < 20
cm2 and is suitable for IIC gasses. Please therefore specify the "Klearvision" for
IIA or IIB gasses or the "Gyrovision" for IIC gasses.
Mechanical switches and intrinsically safe applications. An important point to note is that products containing M2 switches are now for safe area applications only. If the application is for connection to an intrinsically safe system we now fit the same switches in a fully ATEX compliant product for use in hazardous areas. We also re-designate the switches M8. Prior to ATEX the industry relied on these switches being "simple apparatus" and therefore suitable (without certification) for connection to I.S circuits with a suitable safety barrier. To remove any confusion we have now had the complete product certified.
For I.S applications please specify the M8 when mechanical switches are required.
Proximity switches and intrinsically safe applications. Prior to ATEX, P2 intrinsically safe proximity switches were certified but the enclosures were not. This was industry practice. Once again for the avoidance of doubt we now have had the complete product certified. The P2 designation remains.
Product marking. All certified products manufactured by K Controls are now suitable for use in both hazardous gas atmospheres and with combustible dusts. Please note that when a product is certified for use with combustible dusts the "T1" to "T6" marking is replaced with the notation
"T" followed by a temperature in degrees Centigrade. This is the maximum permissible surface temperature of the apparatus. It is also important to note operating ambient temperature range of the product. Examples are given below :
EExi applications
Flat top or Gyrovision Indicators
007 (M8) : ATEX 11 2 GD EEx ia IIC T850 C (-200C <
Ta < + 600C)
007 (P2) : ATEX 11 2 GD EEx ia IIC T850 C (-200C <
Ta < + 420C)
007C (M8 or P2) with EEx ia solenoids : ATEX 11 2 GD EEx ia IIC T85 deg C
(-100C < Ta < + 400C)
Klearvision indicators
007 (M8) : ATEX 11 2 GD EEx ia IIB T850 C (-200C <
Ta < + 600C)
007 (P2) : ATEX 11 2 GD EEx ia IIB T850 C (-200C <
Ta < + 420C)
007C (M8 or P2) with EEx ia solenoids : ATEX 11 2 GD EEx ia IIB T85 deg C
(-100C < Ta < + 400C)
EEx d applications :
Flat top or Klearvision Indicators
007 Control Monitor with M1 switches - there are three versions available :
ATEX 11 2 GD EExd IIB T850 C (-200C < Ta <
+ 400C)
ATEX 11 2 GD EExd IIB T1350C (-200C < Ta <
+ 800C)
ATEX 11 2 GD EExd IIB T1350 C (-500C < Ta <
+ 800C)
EEx ed applications :
Flat top or Gyrovision Indicators
007 (M6) : ATEX 11 2 GD EEx ed IIC T850C (-500C <
Ta < + 550C)
Klearvision indicators
007 (M6) : ATEX 11 2 GD EEx ed IIB T850 C (-500C <
Ta < + 550C)
EC Type Examination Certificates :
Are now available via the web site. Go to the relevant product page and click on the box at the bottom of the page.
Declarations of Conformity :
These will be automatically supplied "free of charge" with each order.
If you require further clarification on these very important changes please e-mail sales @ k-controls.co.uk
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May 2003
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EExd Control Monitor ATEX certified for use in dust atmospheres.
K
Controls 007 Control Monitor has been certified by Baseefa(2001) Ltd for
use in explosive dust atmospheres. This supplement to the original
certificate allows the product to used in dust Zone 21 and 22 in addition
to explosive gas Zones 1 and 2. Variants of the product are suitable for
use with IIB gases and dusts in temperature classes T85oC (t.amb
-50oC to +40oC) and T135oC (t.amb -50oC
to +80oC)
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April 2003
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BS EN ISO 9001:2000.
We are pleased to announce that K Controls has
recently gained certification to the new BS EN ISO 9001:2000 standard. You
can therefore be more confident than ever that your enquiries and orders
will be dealt with promptly and professionally. K Controls has been
certified to previous revisions of the standard since 1994
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March 2003
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International Valve Company chooses K Controls.
A major
international valve manufacturer has awarded K Controls the contract to
design and supply a new range of innovative position monitors. This
successful strategic alliance has been in place for more than 10 years and
combining expertise has resulted in significant new sales for both
companies.
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February 2003
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Fieldbus in Hazardous Areas. K Controls has produced a very simple
guide to interfacing various different Fieldbus systems with on/off
actuated valves. Remote I/O, AS-i Ex, Profibus PA and Fieldbus Foundation
based systems are all considered and budget costings for typical systems
are included. If you would like a copy simply e-mail sales@k-controls.co.uk
and request the "FIHA" guide.
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January 2003
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ATEX Certification for 007 M6. The 007 M6 Switchbox and 007T
Switch Terminal Box in both aluminium and stainless steel have now been
ATEX Certified 11 2 G EEx ed IIC T6. ATEX versions will also be suitable
for use in an extended temperature range of –500C to +550C.
Versions with Klearvision indicators are certified 11 2 G EExed IIB T6. A
special smaller indicator (less than 20 sq cms surface area) for IIC
applications is available on request.
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