RFID Control of Tube Connections in the Ex Area

Encapsulated HF reader identifies connections directly in Atex Zone 1/21 and transfers data to I/O modules in Zone 2/22

In the pharmaceutical industry, incorrectly connected or leaking media may have serious consequences for plant safety, product quality and the health of coworkers. If, for example, acid is filled into the wrong tank, there is a high potential for danger or economic damage. In order ensure the correct connection between a tube and the corresponding connection point, Turck is therefore offering a comprehensive HF RFID complete solution into Zone 1/21. Only when the read/write head has detected the correct tube, is the opening signal output for the valve and pump. Thanks to RFID, it is also possible to transfer and check information like slot, date, time or the cleaning status of the hose.

Your Benefits

Improved plant safety: Valves only open once the correct tube connections are correctly identified
High quality standard: reliable identification and documentation of pre-products and intermediate products
Track and trace: complete traceability of products via comprehensive RFID use
Protection against manipulation: matching of specific RFID data instead of inductive binary code detection

The TN-R42/TC-EX detects RFID tags embedded in caps at the coupling station
The solution is designed so that the cap with the tag can be fitted on the corresponding read/write head
Turck's modular BL20 system processes the data of the RFID reader

RFID reader in the Ex area

Turck's TNR42/TC-EX encapsulated HF-RFID reader can be used in a potentially hazardous area (Ex Zone 1/21). To check the correct connection, the reader detects the tag fastened to the end of the tube at a tube coupling. Then the read/write head routes the data obtained from the air interface to Turck’s BL20 system via a RFID I/O module, Ethernet gateway, and a cable of up to 50 meters in length. Compared to flameproof RFID readers for Zone 1, the TN-R42/TC-Ex is easier to install due to its compact design and has an interface that operates similar to standard read/write heads used in safe areas.

Data transfer via multiprotocol Ethernet

The modular BL20 system can be installed in Zone 2/22 and process tube identification data as well as socket, time or the degree of tube contamination data. Turck's multiprotocol technology enables data transfer to the control system via three Ethernet protocols – PROFINET, Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP.

Application-specific RFID tags

Different tag types are available, including a glass variant, and can be adapted to specific application requirements. RFID tags can be embedded directly in a metal cap or attached with a clip.

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