Minneapolis, MN - February 2, 2007 - Banner Engineering Corp. has introduced PICO-GUARD™ Fiber Optic Safety Grids for personnel safety and equipment protection applications. Designed for use with the PICO-GUARD Fiber Optic Controller, PICO-GUARD Grids provide a reliable optically based, non-contact solution for perimeter and access guarding and are rated for use in explosive environments. They feature a rugged, MEK-resistant, aluminum protective housing and are available with 2, 3 or 4 beams that can function as an emitter or receiver. Preconfigured for proper beam spacing, the Grids perform reliably at ranges up to 31 m and protective heights up to 1066 mm. "PICO-GUARD Grids offer a reliable, cost-effective means to safeguarding,” said Mike Carlson, technical manager for Banner’s safety products. “The optical elements are specifically engineered to withstand harsh environments.” Carlson adds, “The Fiber Optic Grids are ideal for guarding hazardous areas in explosive environments such as paint booths or similar applications because they use no electricity at the point of detection.” ApplicationsPICO-GUARD Grids meet requirements for use in explosive environments. Examples include the following:
Paint booths
Paint and stain manufacturing
Gaseous fill, such as cigarette lighters
Cosmetic and perfume manufacturing
Film and web processing
Chemical processing
Battery manufacturing
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Semiconductor processing Several features of the PICO-GUARD Grids make them particularly easy to install and use:
Features rugged anodized aluminum MEK-resistant housing with field-replaceable glass lens window
Offers ATEX, FM and CSA explosive environment certification ratings
Certified to ISO 13849-1 Category 4 and IEC 61496 Type 4 requirements
Rated IEC IP65
Provides preconfigured beam spacing from 300 to 584 mm and protective heights to 1066 mm
Offers excellent range of up to 31 m, depending on fiber length
Installs easily with a variety of mounting bracket options
Includes integral 7 mm diameter pre-coated fibers with polished ends
Available with fiber lengths from 2.4 to 30 m
Offers optional MEK-resistant conduit for added fiber protection PICO-GUARD Grids work in conjunction with the PICO-GUARD Fiber Optic Controller. The PICO-GUARD Controller features four optical channels with multiple inputs per channel and includes two Universal Safety Stop Interface (USSI) inputs for direct connection of multiple safety devices. Controllers operate on 24V dc with selectable trip or latch output, external device monitoring and auto/manual power-up. All models mount directly to DIN rail or panels and have removable terminal blocks for convenience. Models are available with auxiliary outputs and muting function. Banner offers additional PICO-GUARD optical elements to solve other safety and equipment protection applications:
Fiber Optic Points are similar to Grids, but provide additional flexibility in application and mounting.
Several styles of Fiber Optic Interlocking Switches are available to monitor guards, gates and covers. (operation. opening (positive) direct and self-latching as such requirements, IEC NFPA with comply fully Buttons Stop Emergency Optic) About Banner Banner Engineering is the world’s leading manufacturer of electronic machine guarding systems, fiber optic assemblies, photoelectric sensors, vision and ultrasonic sensors and precision measurement systems.
