steute Technologies GmbH & Co. KG

Wet, extreme temperatures and explosive zones: these are typical environments for the completely new ES/EM 98 standard position switch series from steute.

Mounting dimensions in accordance with DIN EN 50041, our new position switches are very versatile. Their robust metal enclosures can withstand high levels of mechanical wear and tear. Depending on the wishes of the user and the sealing type, variants in protection classes IP 66, IP 67 and IP 69K are available. An enormous temperature range from -40°C to +100°C increases the application potential for this new switchgear series even further.

Users can choose from a large selection of actuators, and the available switching inserts include a new, pressure-resistant variant with three contacts designed as a snap action contact with positive break NC contact. In the near future variants will also be available which have been reinforced to meet the requirements for gas and dust explosion protection (zones 1 and 2/ zones 21 and 22 according to ATEX guidelines) and correspondingly certified. As a further, particularly innovative addition to the new range, steute has developed RF 98 wireless versions which work according to the »energy harvesting« principle and require neither cables not batteries. With these features the new series is suited to all manner of tasks in the automation industry – including and especially in areas with extreme ambient conditions.

With the product line Ex RF BF 80, steute presents a new series of wireless command devices completely developed for application in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The range covers three enclosure sizes housing up to three different command devices. Users have many alternatives. They can choose from various command devices (including push-buttons, selector switches and key actuators).

A real USP is the fitting of this actuation unit with the »wireless Ex« technology, working acc. to the »energy harvesting« principle. Integrated in the plunger of the operating device is an electrodynamic energy generator converting kinetic into electric energy. This provides energy to transmit a radio signal, removing the need for a cable or batteries.

The design of the Ex RF BF 80 series makes it extremely flexible in its application. It can be fixed straight to a wall or machine, requiring no cables or wiring. In order to evaluate the signals, different receiver units are available for installation in the switch cabinet, which can be up to 30 m away from the transmitting switch inside buildings or up to 300 m away outside.

Irrespective of the individual assembly chosen, the devices designed in IP 66 are all extremely robust and durable, even in unfavourable conditions. In accordance with the ATEX directive they are suitable for use in gas Ex zones 1 and 2, as well as dust Ex zones 21 and 22, and are thus universally applicable. The series enables different actuating elements to be integrated in one compact unit which can be mounted directly at the operating site. Thus the Ex BF RF 80 command devices are a practical design element for an ergonomic man-machine interface in potentially explosive gas and dust atmospheres

At the POWTECH, the steute business division "Extreme" will be demonstrating new switchgear from its "Wireless Ex" range. The devices communicate via a wireless protocol and were developed especially for use in explosive environments (gas Ex zones 1 and 2; dust Ex zones 21 and 22). They all have the relevant approvals.

The wireless position switch Ex RF 96, which comes in a slim, rectangular design, monitors the positions of e.g. tools and work pieces in explosive zones, sending a signal to a wireless receiver. This receiver can be installed outside the explosive zone in a control cabinet, simplifying installation. 

The wireless inductive sensors in the Ex RF IS series come in a cylindrical design and diameters M 12, M 18 and M 30. Combination with the Ex RF 96 ST wireless universal transmitter makes them suitable for radio transmission, and the transmitter unit also provides them with the necessary power. 

Both series acquire the energy needed to transmit a wireless protocol via a longlife battery. This means that they can dispense with cables completely and can be mounted flexibly, even on moving or barely accessible components of machines and plants.

Both the Ex RF 96 and the universal transmitter are equipped with special Ex-protected lithium batteries which can be changed inside Ex zones 1/2 and 21/22. The battery inside the wireless universal transmitter in combination with the Ex wireless inductive sensor can achieve a lifetime of approx. 1000 days at six switching operations per minute. For the Ex wireless position switch, battery lifetimes of approx. 1000 days can be achieved at a switching rate of 1 x per second. The mechanical durability of the position switch also meets "Extreme" standards: over one million switching cycles. The wireless signal range is max. 450 m outdoors and up to 40 m indoors.

The "Wireless Ex" technology developed by steute creates additional flexibility during the construction of explosion-protected plants. It also minimises both effort and costs when installing switchgear in explosive environments.

Typical applications for the new steute Ex switchgear could be machines and plants, but also handling devices and conveyor systems used in explosive environments.

At the POWTECH steute will be presenting an interesting range of inductive proximity switches. These sensors can be applied in automation technology as an alternative to electromechanical position switches or the already established steute magnetic sensors.

The new inductive sensors are characterised by a very stable, long-life construction. A large switching distance facilitates universal application possibilities. The sensors are available as 3-wire DC sensors PNP switch type inserts with 1 NO contact. They work nearly independently of the external conditions, with a high reliability.

The user can choose between the different sizes M8, M12, M18 and M30 and then decide whether a plug-in connector or a cable connection is preferred. The degree of protection can be either IP 67 or up to IP 69K.

In addition, inductive sensors designed for special environmental conditions are available, including low (down to -40°C) and high (up to +120°C) temperatures. Furthermore, there are intrinsically safe variants for hazardous areas suitable for application in Ex zones 0 and 20. An expanded portfolio of intrinsically safe switch amplifiers will also be presented.