In industries where explosive atmospheres pose a risk, ensuring the safety of electrical systems is paramount. Zener barriers are a crucial component in maintaining this safety. They prevent the transfer of unacceptably high energy from the safe area into the hazardous area, thereby protecting both equipment and personnel.
What are Zener Barriers?
Zener barriers are devices used to limit the voltage and current that can pass into hazardous areas. They are designed to protect electrical circuits in explosive environments by ensuring that any fault conditions do not result in sparks or excessive heat that could ignite the atmosphere.
How Do Zener Barriers Work?
The core component of a Zener barrier is the Zener diode, which is connected in reverse bias. Under normal operating conditions, the Zener diode does not conduct electricity. However, if the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, the diode conducts, diverting the excess energy away from the hazardous area. This action prevents the potential for ignition.
Applications of EX Zener Barriers
Zener barriers are widely used in various industries, including:
Oil and Gas: Protecting instrumentation and control systems in refineries and offshore platforms.
Chemical Plants: Ensuring the safety of sensors and actuators in potentially explosive environments.
Pharmaceuticals: Safeguarding equipment in areas where volatile substances are handled.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and maintenance of EX Zener barriers are critical to their effectiveness. They should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and regularly inspected to ensure they are functioning correctly. This includes checking the integrity of the wiring and the condition of the Zener diodes.
PE Project company from Poland offers comprehencive array of EX Zener barriers. Here are a review of selected models:
INJBB 7028+ EX Zener Barrier
The INJBB 7028+ is a simple, intrinsically safe Zener barrier designed for single-channel applications. It is suitable for simple signals with positive or negative polarization in grounded circuits. This model is ideal for protecting electrical circuits used in explosion hazard zones.
INJBB 7048+ EX Zener Barrier
The INJBB 7048+ is a dual-channel EX Zener barrier designed for simple signals with positive or negative polarity in grounded circuits. It features a feedback diode for 4-20 mA current loops, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
INJBB 7055+ EX Zener Barrier
The INJBB 7055+ is another dual-channel EX Zener barrier that offers reliable protection for electrical circuits in hazardous areas. It is designed to handle both alternating and bipolar signals in grounded circuits, ensuring safety and reliability in various industrial settings.
INJBB 7278+ EX Zener Barrier
The INJBB 7278+ is a versatile EX Zener barrier designed for star connection applications. It provides intrinsically safe protection for electrical circuits used in explosion hazard zones. This model is known for its robust design and reliable performance.
