According to a recent ARC Advisory Group report, “Machine Safeguarding Solutions Worldwide Outlook,” Rockwell Automation ranked first as the global leader in machine and process safety solutions. Rockwell Automation is said to take a holistic approach to safety, providing safety solutions to improve the functional operation of a machine —simultaneously helping to increase safety, efficiency and productivity while reducing waste.
Rockwell Automation offers a large portfolio of safety automation products and services. Key milestones include the following.
CIP Safety — In 2002, Rockwell Automation joined two other members of the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA) to develop an open protocol allowing both standard and safety devices to operate on the same network. As a result of this effort, ODVA introduced a Common Industrial Protocol (CIP). Referred to as CIP Safety, this protocol helps manufacturers maximize production by synchronizing the safe and standard functions of equipment. CIP Safety also enables the distribution of safety control devices to appropriate locations on a machine, thereby helping reduce overall installation costs.
Allen-Bradley GuardLogix Controller — Introduced in 2005, the GuardLogix controller integrates standard and safety control architecture, and is rated up to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 functionality. SIL 2 and SIL 3 are the most common safety integrity levels required in machine and process safety applications, making the GuardLogix controller ideal for a wide range of safety applications. The GuardLogix controllers are part of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, helping provide improved sharing of information, multidisciplined control, reduced training costs, and faster programming and commissioning.
Process Safety — Rockwell Automation acquired ICS Triplex in 2007, expanding the company’s process safety offerings for end users needing high availability and fault-tolerant critical control solutions. These offerings provide manufacturers with a high degree of protection for their assets, including people, equipment and the environment.
Safe-Speed Control — In 2009, Rockwell Automation introduced safe-speed control core technology as part of the Allen-Bradley Guardmaster Minotaur MSR57P dedicated safe-speed monitoring relay, the Allen Bradley PowerFlex 755 series of AC drives, and the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6200 servo drive. Safe-speed core control technology helps reduce overall system cost, improve flexibility and increase productivity by allowing operators to perform maintenance and other tasks while a machine is in motion. Safe-speed control also offers easier configuration and can be used across multiple platforms — whether in an upgraded or retrofitted application.
For more information about Rockwell Automation safety products and solutions, visit http://discover.rockwellautomation.com/EN_Safety_Solutions.aspx.
