February 2021

A universal digital foundation Maintenance Matters Problem Solver 18 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk February 2021 S afety relays are used to safely monitor functions on machines. The new safety relay myPNOZ from the automation company Pilz, who in 1987 launched the world’s first ever safety relay, offers millions of options for device structure and configuration with its various device classes and modules.?In order to offer such tailor- made safety, Pilz created a universal digital foundation for its latest product. The aim is to work with customers to manufacture their individual automation product. The safety relay myPNOZ monitors safety functions such as E-STOP, safety gates, light curtains, two-hand controls IIIA/C and enabling switches. It consists of a head module with up to a maximum of eight expansion modules, which can be freely combined.?In the corresponding online tool myPNOZ Creator you can assemble a needs-based safety solution from a wide range of options. Users can switch between a logic view and a hardware view. The option for visualisation and extensive documentation is also available via simulation. Logical, safe engineering Depending on the safety requirement, users interconnect safety functions such as E-STOP or safety gate using logic AND/OR connections. The online tool myPNOZ Creator uses a symbol to indicate any logic errors in the safety function sequence. Users can add any further safety functions at will and also define details – such as delay-on energisation and delay-on de-energisation for example. Users can check immediately whether a circuit or safety design meets their own requirements in the myPNOZ Creator, using the simulation in the online tool. As a result, errors can be reduced and commissioning accelerated.?In the myPNOZ Creator it is possible to define the number, type and logic connection between the safety functions, based on what customers need for their plant. The Creator uses these details to automatically calculate which modules are needed and the sequence in which they must be inserted. The plug-in sequence results from the connection logic for the safety functions. Due to this internal combination logic, the process requires no programming knowledge. The product that is generated can be ordered directly via the online tool, and users can order a previously defined configuration of myPNOZ with just a click of the mouse. The safety relay is delivered pre- assembled and ready to install. Each myPNOZ is given a unique type code, so that if necessary the same system configuration can be re- ordered at any time. Modularity The safety relay myPNOZ monitors safety functions such as E-STOP, safety gates, light curtains, two-hand controls IIIA/C and enabling switches. It consists of a head module with up to a maximum of eight expansion modules, which can be freely combined. The modular myPNOZ offers up to 12 different expansion modules in total: four output modules, four input modules and four input/output modules. Each input module can monitor two safety functions, which not only minimises hardware costs but also reduces the wiring. Multiple safety sensors can be monitored without the need to wire multiple relays – as was the case previously. With myPNOZ it is also possible to form multiple safety zones, which independently monitor plant sections that operate separately. This helps to increase the availability of the plant because machine parts can be shut down independently from each other.?The slimline 17.5mm head module already has a higher-level safety function. This works on all outputs, regardless of any other potential safety zones. The output modules either switch immediately or with a time delay and are available with relay or semiconductor outputs. myPNOZ enables safety functions to be AND / OR linked, enabling customised applications. Fast, simple assembly The modules on myPNOZ are easily connected using BUS connectors. In addition, the whole system is supplied with power via the head module. As a result, only the head module needs to be connected to the power supply, which reduces wiring. So the plant can be commissioned quicker and can also be optimised with a view to maintenance costs: if just one module needs to be swapped, individual modules can be exchanged immediately without dismantling the whole system.?myPNOZ also has expanded diagnostics via LED for each module and each safety input. This accelerates troubleshooting and reduces downtimes.?The range of modules and the fact that they are easy to handle mean that users can always assemble the solution that’s right for them. That guarantees users maximum flexibility over the whole lifecycle, even when subsequent changes are needed.?The new technology from Pilz represents an efficient, safe solution for mechanical engineering. What’s more the safety relay can be used in various industries. Users benefit with safety applications of simple to average complexity, when two to a maximum of 16 safe input functions are to be monitored, without using engineering software. Industry 4.0 encompasses so much more than simply optimising existing processes. Automation company Pilz has drawn up a universal, digital concept – from ordering through to commissioning with its latest modular safety relay myPNOZ. PWE reports.