April 20, 2009 - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms’ PAC8000 SafetyNet has been approved by TUV for applications requiring the handling of safety and process control data in the same controller. In addition, the availability of a new 24V DC power supply extends the locations where SafetyNet systems can be implemented. “Our customers are under ever-increasing pressures to comply with safety regulations to protect themselves, their plant assets, and their communities,” said Dave Reynolds, Product Marketing Manager for GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. “We have heard from several customers who have smaller scale applications that require an emergency shutdown system along with a limited amount of process control as well.
This new release of PAC8000 SafetyNet allows those customers to handle safety and process control data in a single controller for SIL2 applications.” The cost of using two controllers, one for safety and one for process control, raises project costs. To address this, GE Fanuc has obtained approval for SafetyNet to be used in applications with safety and process control data. A Safety Engineer must evaluate the application and assess that the use of process control data in the SafetyNet controller does not impact any of the safety functions. PAC8000 SafetyNet offers static analyzer tools to identify all instances of the use of non-safety data in the safety controller, helping the safety engineer complete their review.
“Functional safety systems are sometimes required in remote applications where standard 115/240 VAC power may not be available,” said Dil Wetherill, Product Manager for PAC8000 SafetyNet. “To address this need, we have released a TUV-approved 24VDC power supply for SafetyNet enabling the system to be easily used in applications where AC power is not available, including remote shipboard and offshore applications. The power supply is intended for rugged environments where temperatures can range from -40 to +70 degrees Celsius, is Class 1, Division 2 and Zone 2 rated. It contains two isolated 12V outputs for redundant applications, and provides for surge and transient protection.”
About GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a joint venture between General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) and FANUC LTD of Japan, is an experienced high-performance technology company and a global provider of hardware, software, services, and expertise in automation and embedded computing. We offer a unique foundation of agile, advanced and ultra-reliable technology that provides customers a sustainable advantage in the industries they serve, including energy, water, consumer packaged goods, government & defense, and telecommunications. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms is a worldwide company headquartered in Charlottesville, VA and is part of GE Enterprise Solutions.
