Product category:
Shutdown, SIS and safety systems
News Release from: Rockwell Automation | Subject: GuardLogix
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 10 March 2006
GuardLogix combines safety control
functionality
The new Allen-Bradley GuardLogix controller is an integrated safety control system from Rockwell Automation that results in lower-cost implementations and increased manufacturing productivity
Rockwell Automation has introduced a new safety controller that leverages the company's highly successful Integrated Architecture, allowing for faster implementation, improved productivity and easier ability to meet today's advanced safety control requirements The new Allen-Bradley GuardLogix controller from Rockwell Automation features a two-processor safety architecture and is rated up to a Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 functionality
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 13 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
How functional safety can help boost profits
The overall objective of functional safety is to protect workers by reducing incidents and to reduce risk of loss and costs associated with risk
Holistic approach to safety in manufacturing
A new paper from Rockwell Automation reveals how progressive manufacturers are focusing on safety automation solutions to keep their people safe, their machines working and their bottom lines robust
SIL 2 and SIL 3 are the most common safety integrity levels required in machinery and process safety applications, making GuardLogix ideal for a wide range of safety applications.
GuardLogix safety controllers are based on the same Logix control engine, networking, and I/O as other Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture control systems.
This design commonality, along with using the standard RSLogix 5000 software, allows for better information sharing, reduced training costs and faster programming and commissioning.
Further reading
Latest version of RSLogix5000 engineering software
Rockwell Automation has introduced three new advanced process control (APC) function blocks in the latest version of Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 engineering software
How to assess the value of automation investments
Rockwell Automation has introduced a new model for calculating the tangible business value of long-term automation investments that is more comprehensive and accurate than traditional ROI measurements
Sugar plant process integration with Rockwell
A major automation project at the largest US sugar processing complex means that the company is now the most automated, making it more cost effective and more competitive in international markets
Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture features multi-disciplined control across process, discrete, motion, drive and safety applications, as well as seamless connectivity to plant-wide information systems.
"As the first safety control solution for Integrated Architecture, GuardLogix is a leap forward for machine safety," explains Kevin Colloton, GuardLogix product manager, Rockwell Automation.
"An immediately apparent benefit is its ease of programming.
Although safety control has specific and unique requirements compared to standard control, users can now program and manage their safety control system using familiar standard control methods." "Safety has moved to the forefront of critical topics for manufacturers in recent years, and many are learning how an intelligent safety strategy can become a competitive advantage rather than a cost burden," said Craig Resnick, research director, ARC Advisory Group.
"Factors driving this increasing trend go beyond the desire to minimise risks and improve public image.
These factors include metrics that point to integrated safety systems helping to improve the bottom line by reducing downtime and increasing Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) and Return on Assets (ROA), and the harmonisation of international safety standards that allow machine OEMs to develop and deploy globally acceptable safety solutions".
GuardLogix uses Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 programming software - the same development tool used by all Logix Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC).
Existing Logix users are already familiar with the system, which helps reduce training and design time, while new users will appreciate the flexible tag-based system that allows programmers to use real names rather than physical addresses.
RSLogix 5000 software also helps manage safety memory, so users do not have to manually manage the separation of standard and safety memory or worry about partitioning logic to isolate safety-related data.
During a GuardLogix system development, safety control is managed the same as standard control.
Plus, with online editing, the development and debug environment is much easier for users.
Once the project is tested and ready for final validation, the user sets the safety task to SIL 3, which is then enforced by the GuardLogix controller.
Safety memory is locked to a SIL 3 state, logic is protected, but the standard side of GuardLogix continues to operate like a regular Logix controller.
Standard logic and external devices such as Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and other controllers can read safety memory.
This is a time saver with the elimination of having to set up or condition safety data from a dedicated safety device.
Users have easy system-wide integration and the ability to easily display safety status on displays.
GuardLogix controllers take advantage of Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) Safety on DeviceNet for safety I/O connectivity and EtherNet/IP for safety interlocking between GuardLogix processors.
This allows multiple GuardLogix controllers to share safety data for safe interlocking between different cells/areas.
The controllers are available for purchase today and are currently shipping. Request a free brochure from Rockwell Automation ...
• Rockwell Automation: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
