BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany
The general opinion is that there are no more real innovations in the field of coupling relays. The sturdy universal helpers are taken for granted and used in millions of industrial applications. There they perform their duties between control system and plant almost invisibly, carrying out signal level matching, electrical isolation and multiplication, for example. Coupling relays of the new generation also considerably help in putting the brake on costs. At BASF in Ludwigshafen, Germany, an innovative relay and optocoupler system from Phoenix Contact has been chosen.
Since the founding of BASF over 130 years ago, the plant in Ludwigshafen has developed into the largest single site of a chemical company worldwide. One example from the production range is the vitamin manufacturing works, in which fat soluble vitamin A and E are manufactured. Almost all the preliminary stages of the complex syntheses are generated on site and supplied via pipelines directly to the vitamin manufacturing works. The production processes are controlled by modern process control systems and the signal lines are routed via standardized routing frames. For the amplification of the signals to the sensors, the coupling relay from the PLC RELAY system from Phoenix Contact, with a width of a mere 6.2 mm is used. Signal level matching of the check-back signals on the field side to the control system is performed by the PLC RELAY modules of the same design.
Easy maintenance thanks to pluggable wiring
Pluggable relays and optocouplers are of particular advantage. Each channel can be adapted perfectly to the application to suit voltage, output and switching frequency. And if a change to the conditions make it necessary to have an optocoupler instead of a relay, then it is possible to mix and match later within seconds, without having to disconnect the wiring. The series are available in all the common control voltages with either spring-cage or screw connection systems. The system is rounded off by useful accessories, such as different bridges, separating plates, power terminal blocks and equipment marker tags from the range of standard terminal blocks.
PLC RELAY slams the brakes on costs
The PLC RELAY system saves costs according to the motto: Reduce total space requirement, wiring, time requirement and assembly work, thus improving clarity and security. A major key to this is the pluggable and vibration-proof PLC bridge system. Safe isolation between input and output, as well as the IP 67 design of the relay were two important factors for the decision of BASF in favor of PLC RELAY from Phoenix Contact. Because safety has absolute priority in the chemical industry, despite any cost factors.
PLC RELAY with relay and optocoupler components