RFID Control of Tube Connections in the Ex Area

Encapsulated HF reader identifies connections directly in Atex Zone 1/21 and transfers data to Ethernet gateways in Zone 2/22

Incorrectly connected or leaking media may have serious consequences for plant safety, product quality and the health of coworkers. If a tank containing nitric acid is filled with hydrochloric acid, chemical reactions are produced that pose a serious potential hazard. In order ensure the correct connection between a tube and the corresponding connection point, Turck is therefore offering a comprehensive HF RFID complete solution into Zone 1/21. Only when the special read/write head has detected the correct tube, is the opening signal output for the valve pump. Thanks to RFID, it is also possible to transfer information like date or time.

Your Benefits

  • Improved plant safety: Valves only open once the correct tube connections are correctly identified 
  • High quality standard: reliable identification and documentation of pre-products and intermediate products
  • Track & trace: complete traceability of products via comprehensive RFID use
  • Protection against manipulation: matching of specific RFID data instead of inductive binary code detection

  • The TN-R42/TC-EX detects RFID tags embedded in caps at the coupling station

  • The chain is designed so that the cap with the tag can be fitted on the corresponding read/write head

  • Turck's modular BL20 system processes the data of the RFID reader

RFID reader in the Ex area 

Turck's TNR42/TC-EX encapsulated HF-RFID reader enables use in the hazardous area (Zone 1/21). In order to check the correct connection, it detects at a tube coupling the tag fastened to the end of the tube. For this, the read/write head routes the data obtained from the air interface via a cable of up to 50 meters in length to Turck's BL20 system, consisting of RFID I/O module and Ethernet gateway. Compared to flameproof RFID readers for Zone 1 the TN-R42/TC-Ex is considerably easier to install thanks to its compact design. Its interface nevertheless operates in the same way as a standard read/write head for the safe area. 

Data transfer via multiprotocol Ethernet

The modular BL20 system modular can be installed in Zone 2/22 and can process other information in addition to tube identification, such as socket, data, time or the degree of tube contamination. Turck's multiprotocol technology enables data transfer to the control system via three Ethernet protocols – Profinet, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP.

Application-specific RFID tags

Different tag types adapted to specific application requirements are available, including a glass variant. RFID tags can also be embedded directly in a metal cap or attached with a clip.

Select Country

Turck worldwide

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