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 chain is designed so that the cap with the tag can be fitted on the corresponding read/write device
Unique: TBEN-L and TBEN-S RFID interfaces are also approved for Zone 2 with the protective cages

RFID reader in the Ex area

Turck's TNR42/TC-EX encapsulated HF-RFID reader enables use in the hazardous area (Zone 1/21). In order to check the correct connection, it detects at a tube coupling the tag fastened to the end of the tube. For this, the read/write head routes the data obtained from the air interface via cables of 50 meters in length or more to Turck's IP67 RFID interfaces TBEN-S or TBEN-L. Compared to flameproof RFID readers for Zone 1, the TN-R42/TC-Ex is significantly easier to install due to its compact design. Its interface nevertheless operates in the same way as a standard read/write head for the safe area.

Data transfer via multiprotocol Ethernet

The Block-Module-Interfaces can be approved for Zone 2/22 with special protective cages and can be directly installed on the machine without a control cabinetTurck'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 adapted to specific application requirements are available, including a glass variant. RFID tags can also be embedded directly in a metal cap or attached with a clip.

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