Mechanical pressure and temperature switches perform sensitive tasks in safety-relevant applications, e.g. monitoring limit values. Their functional safety must be guaranteed accordingly. That is always the case if the instruments fulfil the requirements of the corresponding safety integrity level (SIL) in accordance with the IEC 61508 standard. WIKA switches have already been issued SIL approval because of their proven operational reliability.
Examples of WIKA switches whose functional safety is SIL-certified: a compact temperature switch with Ex d flameproof enclosure (model TCA; left), a Bourdon tube pressure switch (model BA/BAX; top right) and a miniature pressure switch (model PXS; bottom right).
Hazards to people, the environment and the plant that may emanate from critical processes must therefore be reduced to a satisfactory minimum. IEC 61508 supplies the necessary specifications for this. These are defined in different safety integrity levels, SIL 1 to 4.
The standard places equal responsibility on the responsible process developers and the manufacturers of the required components. For each instrument, it defines limit values for the likelihood of failure of a safety-relevant function. As well, it offers criteria for the possibility of controlling and avoiding systematic errors.
Once the topic of ?functional safety? is discussed in expert groups regarding the SIL approval, it is mainly concerning electrical systems. However, numerous mechanical components may also be integrated within safety-relevant applications. These include measuring instruments that do not need external power and therefore work reliably, even yet in the event of a power failure. A SIL approval for these does mean a clear statement on functional safety. Regarding mechanical parts, it is primarily a question of the effects of aging and wear.
Individually installed: SIL 2, combined redundantly: SIL 3
The SIL certificate for WIKA?s pressure and temperature switches was issued in 2019 by exida, a globally recognised testing company. According to its assessment, the instruments, when installed individually, meet up with the requirements of SIL 2, and in redundant combination, they even meet those of the level SIL 3.
Two routes to assessment
In addition to the actual classification, the certificate for the WIKA switches also contains the addition ?route 2H?. In principle, you can find two ways to reach a SIL assessment: ?Route 1H? Latest that the instruments or components in question have already been developed and manufactured in accordance with the respective SIL specifications. ?Route 2H?, alternatively, confirms that the assessment was additionally based on their operational reliability, as regarding WIKA switches. The certified error rate is calculated from data collected during used in an application in the field and transmitted to exida. The SIL assessment of functional safety is thus completed on an authentic basis: For each component of a device, at least 100 million operating hours must have been proven.
Empirical values in a database
The SIL assessment in accordance with route 2H identifies the empirical values from field use, which are stored in an exida database. There, specific operating conditions such as temperature, vibration etc. are considered.
Note
Detailed info on switches with SIL certificate ? pressure switches of the M, B, A, D, PC and PX series along with temperature switches of the T series ? are available on the WIKA website. The approval certificate can be available as a PDF file there. For those who have any further questions, your contact will gladly help you.
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