Modular Fieldbus Wiring Hubs are designed for hazardous areas.

Press Release Summary:



Connecting intrinsically safe field instruments to FOUNDATION(TM) fieldbus networks, 9370-FB Series Fieldbus Barrier utilizes High Energy Trunk technique that enables safe operation and high reliability throughout fieldbus network lifecycle. Fixed carrier assembly and pluggable components come as complete, self-contained enclosure systems in stainless steel or carbon-loaded GRP. Pluggable modules can be removed/replaced while equipment is live and without ignition risk.



Original Press Release:



New Fieldbus Barrier by MTL Provides Lower Cost, Safety in Hazardous Areas and Reliability for Fieldbus Networks



LUTON, UK - MTL Instruments, a business unit of Cooper Crouse-Hinds, today launched a new range of Fieldbus Barrier wiring hubs that establish a new benchmark for connecting intrinsically safe field instruments to FOUNDATION(TM) fieldbus networks in hazardous areas. The 9370-FB Series Fieldbus Barrier retains the major benefits of the "High Energy Trunk" technique whilst removing the drawbacks associated with existing Fieldbus Barrier implementations. The result is lower cost, safer operation and higher reliability throughout the life-cycle of the fieldbus network. These benefits are not only for the plant operator, but for all parties involved in the design and installation process.

The 9370-FB Series are modular in construction, comprising of a fixed carrier assembly and pluggable components. These are assembled to form complete, self-contained enclosure systems in either stainless steel or carbon-loaded GRP, and sized according to the application requirements.

A key feature of the 9370-FB is the speed and ease in which it can be reconfigured or repaired. All parts of the system containing complex electronic circuits are housed in "pluggable" modules that can be removed and replaced while the equipment is live. This is a sharp contrast to conventional Fieldbus Barrier implementations, where serviceability is made difficult or impossible by the 'hard-wired' nature of the field enclosure; which cannot be live worked in the hazardous area. Tracing and fixing faults is also made easier, since rapid substitution can be used to pin-point the source of problems.

The use of innovative connector technology has allowed MTL to provide a Fieldbus Barrier system that has the ultimate flexibility. The barrier modules, terminator and optional surge protection devices are all certified for removal, and replacement, in the hazardous area without causing an ignition risk.

This certification not only means safer maintenance, but also provides the unique ability for expansion in service. For example a 12-spur enclosure, fitted with one 6-spur module, can be optionally specified and installed; expansion to 12 active spurs is easily accomplished by plugging a second module into the enclosure. No other configuration is necessary, provided the fieldbus power supply is correctly sized and the full loading of the segment has been anticipated.

Commenting on the new release, MTL's Technical Manager for Industrial Networks, Phil Saward says, "We are confident that the product's innovative features will help users to achieve the improvements in efficiency and plant safety that are required in today's demanding business environment. Not only has MTL responded to the demand for greater flexibility when using the High Energy Trunk technique, but has also exceeded customers' expectations for easy installation and maintenance of field-mounted equipment in fieldbus applications."

Optional, integrated surge protection is also a key feature of the 9370-FB Series, and includes plug-in devices to protect the barrier modules from transients transmitted along the trunk and spur cables. In conjunction with additional protectors located at the fieldbus host, and at the fieldbus instruments, they allow the user to install and operate fully protected networks.

Unlike conventional fieldbus barrier enclosures, the plug-in surge protection devices can be included at the time of installation or retrofitted once the system is in service. This streamlines the selection process, avoids clumsy over-specification and allows protection to be added in response to site experience.

About MTL
MTL Instruments, a business unit of Cooper Crouse-Hinds, is a world leader in the development and supply of electronic instrumentation and protection equipment for the process control and telecommunications industries. Many of the world's most critical processes are monitored, controlled or protected by MTL equipment and the Group is distinguished by the quality and reliability of its products, its global network of sales-and-support centres and its acknowledged position as a thought-leader in this high technology marketplace. With 20 dedicated sales centres in 13 countries and a further 131 MTL representatives in 69 countries, MTL's expertise in Intrinsic Safety, Industrial Networks, Surge Protection and Operator Displays/HMI is unsurpassed.

About Cooper Crouse-Hinds
Headquartered in Syracuse, N.Y., Cooper Crouse-Hinds integrates a comprehensive line of electrical and instrumentation products with expert support, industry insights and local availability to improve safety and productivity in the most demanding industrial and commercial environments worldwide.

Cooper Crouse-Hinds manufactures over 100,000 products, including conduit and cable fittings; enclosures; plugs and receptacles; industrial lighting fixtures; signals and alarms; controls and electrical apparatus; commercial outlet boxes and hubs; specialized interconnect products branded Cooper Interconnect; and electronic components and protection equipment for process control branded MTL Instruments Group. Cooper Crouse-Hinds products are sold worldwide and meet all local and international code requirements. They are used in general construction or in harsh and hazardous environments across the globe, performing to the highest standard of safety and reliability. For more information, visit www.crouse-hinds.com.

About Cooper Industries
Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global manufacturer with 2009 revenues of $5.1 billion, approximately eighty-nine percent of which are from electrical products. Founded in 1833, Cooper's sustained level of success is attributable to a constant focus on innovation, evolving business practices while maintaining the highest ethical standards, and meeting customer needs. The Company has eight operating divisions with leading market share positions and world-class products and brands including: Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products. With this broad range of products, Cooper is uniquely positioned for several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure build-out, the need to improve the reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher energy-efficient products and the need for improved electrical safety. In 2009, sixty-one percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and thirty-nine percent of total sales were to customers outside the United States. Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2009. For more information, visit the website at www.cooperindustries.com.

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