Sil rated actuators

[igloo93]

How does a pnuematic actuator become sil rated. Can anybody advise is there a standard specification the product must perform to ?
Are there any products currently carrying the sil rating/

 

[gerhardl]

.. a half answer is better than none.

Written SIL certification rules exists of course. I know of existing German produced solenoid valves, tested and approved after German /European rules for this (Make:Norgren / Herion).

If the same test can be utilized or have been done for pneumatic actuators: unknowned by me.

 

[terje61]

If a manufacturer wants his equipment to become SIL rated he has to prove to a third party company (typically TUV Rheinland or Exida) that his equipment has very low failure rates and can be qualified to IEC 61508 / 61511.

There are several ways of proving this to the TPI. Best thing to do is show them undisputable field data. Alternatively you can do laboratory test (as done by Norgren/Herion) but they are often not very representative.

If you would like to certify your equipment, the best thing to do is make an appointment with one of the above companies. (Be carefull, because not all Exida offices or TUV companies employ SIL experts - I have also seen very crappy safety certificates.) You can discuss with them what would be the best route to certification. An explanation is given by Exida on the following webpage.:

http://www.exida.com/applications/sael/index.asp

Here you can also find a list of certified equipment.

Regards,
Terje