explosion protection

2011-03-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hello All

Someone from an automation publication thought I had died! So, I thought it was about time I updated this again to prove that I am very much alive.

Much to the annoyance of someone somewhere!!

So this time the subject is Sunshine.

Apart from my impending holiday to Tunisia (booked two weeks before the place went beserk) and a move to Germany, where they are promising more Sunshine than Costa El Birmingham, what have I got to tell you?

Well, hold on to your peeked cap and sunglasses because the innovation team at R Stahl have another USP up there short sleeved T shirts and tucked in their sandals!

Now, looking at the picture above, "have you experienced the above situation before", well, suffer no longer and read on.....

The PC Based, explosion protected operating systems from the Open HMI series can now, upon request, be fitted with innovative 15 inch displays that reduce glare and reflections to a minimum. The displays of these models can be read easily in even bright sunlight, since the filter pack diverts even strong incomming ambient light.

This means, no more bulky canopies and much greater freedom in where the units are located. On the subject of location these units can be placed in gas and dust zones 1, 21, 2 and 22.

Take a look at the picture below and compare the difference.

For more information please contact us at

R Stahl ltd

Tel +44 (0)121 767 6400

www.rstahl.co.uk

Mike (you know who you are) - The fastest publication yet!

Time

2010-12-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

This blog is always lurking in the back of my mind on that inevitably irritating virtual to do list that we all carry with us. Usually moderated by the wife but occasionally driven by issues that pay the bills. I am aware that my last contribution was almost 12 months ago and that I did promise to be more regular!! Time!

Oh Well

Its not about a lack of things to talk about either. Life at Stahl is always full of surprises - new products, new assignments, new efficiencies and of course new learning experiences. Most recently finding out that wine comes in more than three flavours! In wine tasting terms, apparently I am akin to the guys under a bridge drinking from a plastic bottle! Not sure if thats a compliment or not - probably not.. Hey ho, Now london Ale or a good Whisky I do know! But of course little time to enjoy them! But very much looking forward to our brewery visit next week with some of our good customers.

On the subject of time (A British Invention by the way - the line runs right through the middle of the UK and starts in Greenwich, No arguing, its a fact!) Stahl has just updated part of its excellent website relating to system solutions. Now some companies might develop a certain wiz bang gadget and call it a system solution but Stahl goes much further in its endeavors to facilitate more efficient processes for our clients.
So if EEx solutions pushes a button on your to do list, then visit the website and take a look

Have good Christmas and a great new year be it White, red or Rose!

Jonathan

www.stahl.de (change to english (unless you have that super human bilingual thing or are of course German!) then make a click on products tab and then system solutions and Enjoy!

Where's the Royal Navy?

2010-04-22T03:28:00.000-07:00

Well here I am writing this from my enforced home of Los Christianos in Tenerife. Bloody tough I can tell you. As of the other day the royal navy were coming to collect us. My wife seemed quite keen on this idea, not sure why! However, my liver can take much more of this let alone the sunshine, bikinin clad pedestrians (thats just the blokes!)and of course other british holiday makers. You know the ones you try desperately to avoid. However, I think I did once where a football shirt abroad and seek out liver and bacon from the myriad of spanish restaurants.Of course i am not alone in my predicament. Our sales director is also stuck in a holiday resort frantically trying to manage his ongoing success with two fast thumbs on a blackeberry. No mean feat having answed 50+ emails. I am sure there will be cases of repetitive thumb strain in the coming weeks. His wife has found a free creche for him advertised as "Husband ruining your free time, then drop him off at our free creche, only money for drinks required".

So during this time I have managed to check my messages on Linkedin, or whatever it is. And found that I had been invited to join the IECex discussion group. Oh, yes I move in only the best circles!! I can feel the jealousy already from you NON memebers..

And that reminded about the excellent presentation I listened to recently in Paris by one of our (R Stahl) very own field bus experts. IECex is an excellent scheme and quite straight forward to see the goal, but it needs to be viewed also with local country electrical and installation standards as well

The presentation Stahl can give informs the audience about the history, the development and the current situation regarding IECex. From the perspective of the End user, EPC, DCS, installer and or OEM. Stahl as you know has the largest range of IECEx approved Hazardous Area product in the market. Automation, Switchgear, lighting and of course specialist panels.

If you or your organisation want to know more about IEC Ex, then contact us.

We really are very nice people!

Ta ta from sun soaked Tenerife. (I am starting to wonder if i could relocate and work from here?? Hmm!!!

Still no sign of the Royal navy I but have seen Easyjet again.

2010-02-18T03:56:00.000-08:00

Hello All

Well Christmas flew by in flash, and one of my main new years resolutions (keeping this blog more regular!!) failed at the first post. However, here I am back in the chair wondering what I should report.

Excellence in System Solutions-
A truly exceptional year for International projects-
Our success with Turtle friendly light fittings on Gorgon ,being installed as I write (that will surprise a few people!)
Or the rotating whirly noise that irritates me when driving my beloved Landrover?

Where to start?

Lighting, always a good topic and an area where Stahl moves from strength to strength. With recent successes on projects procured in Korea, Singapore, Ireland (Geographically obtuse I know, but I slotted that one in because it was really interesting technology) and Australia I can tell you that R Stahl is in a position to accomodate lighting projects all over the world. Now with our full programme of lighting.
Internationally certified products, internationally priced for International projects. IECEx, ATEX, NEC, GOST and others all in our hands with lighting design expertise on top.

If you wish to see our lighting range then please contact me and where ever you are, whatever your explosion proof need i will ensure we visit and impress you with our knowledge, product, service and attention.

jonathan.peaurt@stahl.de

Happy to hear from you if you know anything about whirly nosies on a landrover discovery when excellerating too and No its not the turbo thing!

Thanks for reading

Regards

Jonathan

Turtles!

2009-12-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

Hello All

Well the Christmas Tree is currently being erected in reception so it must be that time of year again when a mad panic sails through the company in an effort to ship and invoice all goods possible!!

And I must say we have shipped a tremendous amount of Explosion Proof Products and Systems this year in the UK and via third parties to the rest of the world. In fact 2009 has the potential to be the best year ever for Stahl UK. Not bad considering the challenges of a global crisis and an exchange rate with a stability similar to Birmingham City football club. (11th in the league at the moment) so lets hope sterling has the same sort of rally.

Products and systems, this really is the strength of Stahl. Unlike other manufacturers in our industry, through sound investments, challenging product development strategies and a world leading team of EEx technoligists we are able to deliver an amazing array of solutions for our clients. Turret control systems, EEx security systems, compressor control panels, LED lighting, End of line monitoring for Trace heating and even turtle freindly lighting!! The list goes on, Stahl really is the friend of the Electrical, Instrumentation and Process Engineer in Hazardous Environments. And of course Turtles..

So, a big thank you to all of our customers, clients and advocates and of course the team at R Stahl Ltd that aims to serve.

For more information on our products and systems visit http://www.rstahl.co.uk/ or just pick up the phone.

0121 767 6400

Jonathan

Wireless Zone 1

2009-06-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hello

Sorry again for the lack of posts but we have all been very busy here at R Stahl despite the doom and gloom in the press.

I have also been travelling quite a lot recently following these large projects that are floating around the international scene, particularly in Australia. And it is during this travelling that being able to get online wireless has been such a help. Sitting in a hotel lobby in Japan or the Airport at Busan in Korea, the opportunity to log on and file reports or gather further information is fantastic. Also doing long division with your daughter in Solihull from a hotel room in India over Skype is quite amazing, and free!
Before the IT men in Stahl have a coronary the Skype conversation was with my own laptop not the companies - so calm down.

So where is all this going, well R Stahl can now offer our clients the same level of wireless convenience that i enjoy while being on the road.

Please read below and contact our office for further information

Toi Toi Toi (I was told this means good luck - I hope so!)

Jonathan

Online in zone 1

9719-type GSM/GPRSmodem for use in zone 1
R. STAHL's 9719-type GSM/GPRS modem, which combines a robust design with state-of-the-art technology and easy installation, allows users to fully benefit from the advantages of GSM/GPRS data communication in zone 1 or 2 hazardous areas for the first time. Designed as a quad-band device, the 9719 modem is suitable for use in process plants in virtually all world regions. Thanks to IP67 protection, the unit can be installed in outdoor areas without an additional enclosure. The SIM card holder and the antenna interface are intrinsically safe (Ex i), thus enabling users to safely change SIM cards or install antennas in hazardous areas. The modem is directly connected to a PLC, an Industrial PC or an OpenHMI via an RS232 interface. It comes with a wide range of functions which can be easily controlled via the same AT command set as conventional modems for standard industry applications. An LED display continuously indicates the modem status.
GSM/GPRS data communication has many uses in the process industry, e.g. monitoring unmanned pumping stations, remote tank farms or machines such as centrifuges or compressors. Users benefit not only from the fact that this communication technology is ideally suited for mobile applications: additionally, GPRS allows for the establishment of cost-efficient data connections which inform users about the status of plants or the fill level of tanks. Communication is thereby rendered independent from the infrastructure installed on location, and, unlike WLAN technology, no longer requires users to implement their own radio network. R. STAHL supplies two versions of the modem, one integrated into a stainless steel enclosure, the other featuring a GRP enclosure. This design facilitates installation in the field.

User Application of the Year

2009-03-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

Above Picture L-R
Moira Dickie (internal Sales)
Colin Payne (Sales Director)
Colleen Williams (Marketing Executive)
Chris Richards (Automation Specialist)

It is with great pleasure that I announce our award for "User Application of the Year" from HazardEx, presented to us by Pepperl+Fuchs.

The application was, "Variable frequency drives and centrifuges for Zone 1".

Firstly however ,I would like to congratulate the team at HazardEx for what was a great event. In particular the circulating logo - Fabulous! In all much better than the previous event in Peterborough and we look forward to seeing you all at next years event which I guess will also be in Harrogate. Apparently a great event only let down by the bar prices! But we will start saving now.

As for the VFD's well of course you know the R Stahl portfolio has no equal especially when we venture into bespoke systems. VFD's have many applications and until now rather limited in Hazardous Areas because of the heat they generate. So using coldplate technology, the CUBEX range of enclosures and some rather innovative cooling systems we at Stahl now have the answer to control your centrifuge / drive application

Thanks

Jonathan

2009-01-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

Hello All

Sorry about the delay in updating this blog but I have to say we had a very busy time leading up to Xmas and then the Christmas break was a whirl wind of good food, Friends, family and I have to amit to several hours watching lara croft on Tomb Raider! My Son's X box I have to say not mine. I think I might have being playing the game for all the wrong reasons!!

Any how, a big thank you to all our customers who made 2008 another successful year despite the lack of UK project business. And a very big thank you to all at R Stahl UK and globally who helped us.

So back to the promotional aspect of this blog.....

Does the picture above look familiar ? or Seen this somewhere before ?
Did you know that it is manufactured by STAHL ?
This is OUR unique 8-way Ex i / Ex e Field Device Coupler and despite what you might have heard it is ONLY available in the UK via ourselves.
As you may be aware, this allows FISCO (and other Ex i) Foundation Fieldbus and Profibus PA devices to be connected to the NON-IS Ex e trunk. Alternative versions are available as 4-way or for Ex e / Ex e applications.
Our FDC range offers the following fantastic features :
• Innovative power management (low inrush and “short-circuit” currents)
• Individual short circuit protection on each spur
• LED fault indication per spur
• Capacitive AND direct earthing facilities as standard
• Screw or cage clamp variants
• Switchable termination resistor on-board
• Wide ambient temperature range so suitable for most environments
• ATEX certified for Category 2 Gas and Dust locations
• Available with standard or bespoke enclosures

But it doesn’t stop there, STAHL are acknowledged as one of the leading manufacturers of Explosion Protected Switchgear, Lighting and Process Automation. This gives us a depth of knowledge and expertise which enables us to offer everything from a simple LED to a complete System Solution. It’s no wonder why some of the largest Companies involved in EEx processes specify STAHL.

Contact us and see what we can do for you today :

On Track

2008-11-27T01:49:00.000-08:00

Hello All

Well as the credit crunch spreads it's misery and transforms itself into a global recession and my wife moves from shopping at Morrisons to Aldi and I trade in my beloved land Rover for a uni cycle (half the global foot print of a mountain bike) - what next for R Stahl ltd?

I guess you may expect a diatribe of doom and gloom! However, good news - it is not as bad as you may think.

Certainly the oil price is dropping, but let's be honest the oil majors do not do their fiscal calculations based on $150 a barrel. I would hesitate to offer a figure here but its is significantly less and we are a long way from that figure now.

Demand is dropping around the World for Oil related products but demand is still there for Stahl product, and will continue to be so. If new builds are being delayed or cancelled this puts pressure on existing production plants and producers are forced to de bottleneck existing processes and improve efficiencies and continually - safety. And we are in a global position to help in this process.

As for Stahl, well demand for our products remains high, in fact as I write we are still recruiting for good internal sales staff to cope with this demand. Our strategy today is as always, excellent customer service and this is our daily challenge. To give our clients what they want, when they want it in a competitive manner.

Recently we have been talking with major end users in Aberdeen and their support contractors and far from gloomy the response from the Worlds Oil Capital (I should have written Europe but lets be bold!) is nothing but positive. As the global situation gets tougher those companies that focus on customer service with competitive solutions will perform well. The Stahl organisation will be one of those companies.

So, take a positive step and look at the web site below, browse through what the Stahl organisation can offer you!

http://www.rstahl.co.uk/

http://www.stahl.de/

www.stahl-hmi.com

www.tranberg.com

Jonathan

2008-11-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

OK, so I've copied the press release. Somewhat lazy I know but these products are just to impressive to be ignored.

Enjoy!

Keeping a keen eye on equipment and Ex-processesTurnkey surveillance systems for hazardous areas

Cologne – With their field-proven camera range, sophisticated software concepts and all the necessary accessories R. STAHL can provide system solutions for video surveillance of all kinds of plants and processes in hazardous areas. The hardware can easily withstand the rough conditions that prevail at typical locations, be it in chemical plants, on-shore or offshore or on board ships. Three mechanically robust cameras achieve IP68 throughout and provide reliable gas explosion protection. Each model has its own particular features:

Illustration: Several camera types, HMI systems, software solutions and accessories mean that R. STAHL can provide turnkey explosion-proof camera surveillance systems.

The AF80EX auto-focus camera with automatic heater and 18-x optical zoom, for example, is suitable for ambient temperatures of between -30 °C and +75 °C. Its waterproof, nitrogen-filled stainless steel housing has a special coating that makes it absolutely stainless – resistant even to aggressive saline air and spray. The exceedingly compact EC-710-090 on the other hand, with its diameter of only 55 mm, fits into the smallest spaces and is also protected against dust explosions. The EC-750 Dome camera, which is covered by a transparent dome, has a free horizontal panning range of 360° and can follow programmable positions and paths. All cameras can provide analog CVS (composite video signal) in full PAL - some also in NTSC - resolution. It can be used as part of an analog surveillance system for the direct view of a full screen, for recording or for a split-screen display from various image sources. Via a video server, the signals can also be converted into digital video data an fed into an Ethernet to be used and evaluated in various ways with the aid of a computer. Alternatively, the Dome camera is available with an IP interface for digital networks. A suitable software solution is available for every type of requirement, purpose or size of a surveillance system. R. STAHL's proprietary SMART Display software has been optimized for smaller configurations and can produce images for real-time surveillance with a maximum delay of 150 milliseconds on an HMI display, where it can easily be operated via a touch screen. Complex surveillance systems can be implemented for any number of cameras with the ProBox 5/10/15 package or the ProBox Enterprise Edition. This solution has an inbuilt motion detector and can inform those in charge via e-mail, text message or the OPC or SNMP network protocols in case of an alarm. R. STAHL develops and supplies complete turnkey surveillance solutions. In addition to the cameras, video servers and the ready-to-run, preconfigured software these systems also include all necessary accessory components, such as cables, switches and terminal boxes, as well as joysticks and keyboards for the remote control of the cameras.

R Stahl take EEx product to Ireland

2008-11-07T01:48:00.000-08:00

Hello

On Sunday the 5th of October Stewart Birrell (RSM Ireland) and myself hooked up the exhibition vehicle and set off for Ireland.

The trip had all been arranged by our excellent agent and partner Douglas Control and Automation http://www.douglas-esl.ie/ We headed off to Holyhead and caught the ferry to Ireland on which was a fine day with a calm crossing.

I would like to thanks all of those who took the time to come out in the cold (wasn't that bad) and have a look at our products and spend some time with us.

Special thanks to Declan lordan dlordan@douglas-esi.ie and Tom Mc Kittrick tmckittrick@douglas-esl.ie who did all the hard work. And most impressively gave us some good traditional Irish hospitality in Wooden Bridge. I think my liver is still in recovery. Great fun and many thanks!

Having spent a week touring around Ireland I would also like to promote Ireland as an excellent place to send some time. Particularly Avondale and surrounding area, magnificent!

Some pics for you to peruse above

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish the vehicle to visit your site

regards

Jonathan

Smile, You're on Camera

2008-10-27T02:33:00.000-07:00

Apparently Britain has 4.2 million CCTV cameras, that's one for every 14 people! So if you have that feeling while moving around the UK that you are being watched, well you probably are.

Another interesting aspect of this growth in cameras is that the former residence of Mr George Orwell, author of, "Animal Farm" has 32 CCTV cameras around it within 200 yds! Therefore, be careful what you write, it may come true!!

I have to say, the growth of CCTV does not bother me that much. At the ripe age of 43 with three children in tow and, "she who must be obeyed" watching my every move there is not that much scope for activities that would interest all these cameras. Apart of course from those on the M42 which do bother me and have occasionally snapped me and added to my accumulation of motoring offence points.

Now, R Stahl of course has a vested interest in Cameras but not the sort that will catch you dressed up as Carmen Miranda or robbing the local HSBC. (although as I write you may want to do them a favour and put some money in the vault as you leave) The cameras I want to tell you about are those from R STAHL HMI Systems GmbH.

With over 20 years of expertise in operating and monitoring systems for both Industrial and Potentially Hazardous Areas R Stahl really is in a prime position to answer your visual needs in arduous environments. Hazardous Areas are of course hazardous to human life - always state the obvious jp - so the fewer humans present the better and hence the upsurge in visual technology in EEx areas championed by R Stahl. Be your need Analogue CCTV or systematic access via IP networked camera systems R STAHL HMI has all the answers.

For more information please contact Matt Withington or Chris Richards here in the UK or visit our acclaimed site in Cologne www.stahl-hmi.com

And remember - each person in the UK is caught on camera 300 times daily!

Smile Please.

Exhibition Vehicle

2008-10-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Well finally our exhibition vehicle hit the road with its first outing at Foster Wheeler in Reading. The reception was fantastic and since then it has been to Norfolk, Suffolk and Ireland. The most rewarding feature of the exhibition vehicle is being able to touch and feel the equipment and with our own power unit operate most of the equipment too. For seasoned engineers and those learning about explosion protection for the first time the vehicle has a great impact.

If you want us to visit your site with the exhibition vehicle contact us at http://www.rstahl.co.uk/

We have lighting, panels, control boards, distribution boards and lots of other kit inside. Our future plans include the addition of a fully functional automation package on board to demonstrate R Stahl's market leading position in this field

More soon

jp

Success at Conoco Phillips

2007-11-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

Conoco Phillips at Seal Sands have just ordered via EI-WHS Ltd and EMS Middlesborough a substantial amount of STAHL hazardous area electrical equipment for their stabilisation trains project.
The scope includes R Stahl 8146 type EExe distribution boards, EExe fluorescent lighting, EExe Sockets and plugs, EExe tank inspection fittings and some EExe high pressure sodium fittings.

A substantial order for R Stahl ltd and one we feel grateful to have secured and I would especially like to thank all those involved, as it did involve many in our team. I feel, of course, a large advantage for R Stahl ltd has been the fact that we still engineer and assemble in Birmingham. A major advantage for us and our customers and one we shall fight to retain.

A very nice order as the year comes to a close, which reminds me we now have only 4 weeks until Xmas, we need at least another 12 weeks to get all the customers orders out of the factory before we take a well earned break!

If you wish to know more about this project or any of our products - just ask

Jonathan

Illuminating Ideas

2007-11-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

Having just returned from a long trip to HQ, in Waldenburg Germany. I thought I would mention a rather exciting new product that has just been released.
Developed in conjunction with Diageo, it is currently used exclusively in the Whisky and Whiskey industries ( I know my stuff!) for illuminating exit routes and passage ways between the maturation racks.
The led units either 24v or 48 v ac/dc and connected to a power source via a ASI type cable. Run your cable and then connect your LED fittings wherever you prefer on the cable. All suitable for a Zone 2, Zone 21 and Zone 22 environment. Great!
Further to this we have also received our first non Whiskey / whisky related order. This time for a petrochem plant operated by BP. In this instance the product is providing lighting for some rather large columns on site.

So, I am thinking, is there more to this product than just hazardous area industrial type applications? As well as being explosion proof, tough and durable this small but powerful light fitting is also rather unique. Quick and easy to install, possibly ideal for bridges, towers or any large structure.

Any Architects out there interested in seeing this product ?

By the way the trip to Germany was long and arduous because of the flying. Flying used to be fun and rather exciting, now just another grind. My feet seemed to be the main concern this time at Frankfurt airport? Twice my feet were subject to the magic bleeping wand as I made my way to the departure gate and twice my shoes had to go through the scanning thing. All the more horrendous because I had forgotten my clean pair of socks as I packed to leave home so those on my feet had been turned inside out and were well past their best.
Euro Star to Stuttgart please, that would better!

Jonathan

Starting out!

2007-11-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

This is a my first attempt at a blog so I'll keep it short.

Explosion protection is my job. Representing R Stahl here in the UK but visible through this blog to the world. Currently the UK market place is incredibly busy and the reason for this blog is to tell you what we are doing, how we are doing and obtain some feedback from our audience and maybe encourage some debate about our products and the industry in general.

So if you have some questions or queries about explosion protection, R Stahl or the writer (blogger?!) then just ask.

What do we do - well - we design, manufacture and sell equipment safe to use in potentially explosive atmospheres. I.e for Oil Rigs, petro chem plants, pharmaceutical plants ...... virtually any environment where a potentially explosive atmosphere is present.

Due to the demand for oil related products we are currently very busy not just in our home market here in the UK but globally through the engineering and export houses we deal with here in the UK.

Many new products are available to the market place from R Stahl including,

EExd aluminium and stainless steel enclosures

Zone II LED light units ideal for confined spaces or illuminating exit routes

Field bus technolgy products

Thats it for now

Jonathan