POSITAL has added an optional Profinet communications interface to its range of explosion-proof IXARC rotary encoders. These devices have been designed to comply with ATEX/IECEx directives for Category 3 electrical products and are suitable for Zone 1 and Zone 21 conditions (potential exposure to hazardous levels of explosive gases and dust concentrations). Areas of application for these encoders include oil and gas facilities, underground mines, chemical plants, milling operations and grain-handling facilities.
POSITAL’s ATEX-certified encoders are built with aluminum or Type 316L stainless steel housings that are designed to contain any electrical hot spots or sparking and to provide environmental protection ratings of up to IP67. Based on POSITAL’s well-proven optical measurement technology, these encoders can deliver up to 16-bit resolution in single-turn configurations or 14-bit resolution for multi-turn models. This technology ensures that position measurement integrity is maintained even if movement occurs when system power is unavailable. No backup batteries are needed, reducing maintenance costs. IXARC encoders can be ordered with a wide range of mounting options to ensure that they can be readily adapted to many kinds of equipment.
