Dynamic Arc Recognition and Termination SystemDynamic Arc Recognition and Termination System
April 5, 2011

Pepperl+Fuchs' Dynamic Arc Recognition andTermination System (DART) is a power supply and control system for intrinsically safefieldbus installations that increases the power available to field devices inexplosion hazardous areas, while maintaining intrinsically safe energylevels.
During normaloperation, a DART power supply feeds full nominal power of 8 to 50W - morepower than the approximately 2W that is normally permissible in intrinsicsafety environments. Should a fault occur the potential spark remainsnon-incendive, and DART detects the resulting change in current and switchesoff the power supply. In msecs energy from the electrical system is reduced toa safe level, so a spark does not ignite hazardous gases.
DART applied tofieldbus provides an intrinsically safe power allowance to the trunk so thatthe segment can support up to about 32 devices per segment - the maximumpermitted per segment. This reduces capital costs by eliminating excessivefieldbus infrastructure. Cable lengths as long as 1000 m are possible,opening up many application areas to fieldbus technology while maintainingintrinsic safety requirements for all devices and cables, including the trunkline. The higher device count per segment eliminates the problem of having todesign complex network topologies with many sub-segments, each requiring itsown power supply, junction boxes and barriers.
Dynamic Arc Recognition and Termination System
DART technologyalso offers advanced diagnostics to help users rectify problems. Andbecause DART Fieldbus is designed as a fieldbus infrastructure for existing ISfield devices and DCS systems, or for any installation in which anintrinsically safe fieldbus segment is required, it is suitable for both green-and brown field sites.
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