Project planning solution over long distances

Secure transmission of data over fiber optic cables in a large pharmaceutical facility in Northern Ireland

Project planning

A large research-based pharmaceutical company that researches and develops vaccines expanded after the corona pandemic. A new, large pharmaceutical plant was built in Northern Ireland. Great work also means long distances, great distances. Beyond simple device technology, this also requires infrastructure and therefore a project planning solution.
The pharmaceutical company ultimately chose us because we not only build very good devices for hazardous areas, but also because project planning was the priority. Cameras need infrastructure. We built this infrastructure with our ExConnection Rails.
Our Ex-Connection Rails enable cameras to be connected via a single high-performance PoE network switch. Only a single cable comes out of the cameras. This is a big advantage over competitors who do not offer ExConnection Rails. With longer infrastructures and longer installation routes, they have to ensure that the power supply comes to the camera and the signal comes out. The Exconnection Rails enable the data signal to be converted from a copper-based network signal to an LWL (fiber-optical)-based network signal. The connection is possible over very long distances, regardless of media. The network connections can be implemented via fiber optic cable, copper-bound Ethernet or WLAN.
The Connection Rail series converts analog audio and video streams into digital network streams. The Connection Rails turn every camera into an IP camera. Interface drivers for the connection rails are available for all well-known camera models, making it possible to control dome or zoom cameras via Ethernet. Audio devices such as speakers, microphones or DECT base stations become VoiP servers through the Connection Rail.
Fiber optic signals (LWL signals) in hazardous areas are not safe by definition. Power can also be transmitted via fiber optics. For this reason, the standard DIN60079-28 was created, which only deals with the topic of light output in hazardous areas.
Our solution involves encapsulating the media converters for the fiber optic cable in a flameproof manner in the Ex-Connection Rails. The type of protection [op pr] is used there. There is also the option of using media converters that convert optically intrinsically safe signals [op is]. Our approval is structured flexibly so that both options can be evaluated and the corresponding marking [op is/op pr] can be shown on the operating documentation or the nameplate.
Fiber optic cables go into the corresponding infrastructure from the Ex-Connection Rails, which are usually fed with an operating voltage of 230V (mains power).
As part of the project, splice distributors were designed and delivered with the type of protection Ex-e (increased safety), which distribute several segment cables from a master cable to the respective Ex-Connection Rails.
With our project planning, a wide variety of network topologies with a wide variety of redundant systems, availabilities and bandwidths can be designed, planned and set up.

Testimonial

“SAMCON not only supplies device technology, but also the entire infrastructure, including the service packages: conception, detailed planning, project planning, commissioning, support.”