Festo Pneumatic Safety Solutions: CIP Safety Module, VTUX Terminal and CPX Platform for SIL3 Safety

Festo has introduced a comprehensive suite of pneumatic safety products, including the new CIP safety module, designed to ensure safe operation of pneumatic systems and lower the risk of injury and system and product damage. Festo pneumatic safety solutions are compatible with the top industrial Ethernet protocols — EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT — giving them near universal application.

CIP Safety Module: Direct Controller Connection, No Separate Safety I/O

The new CIP safety module connects directly to the safety controller with no need for a safety I/O block, which simplifies wiring and can reduce cost by eliminating the requirement for separate safety I/O. The module offers one safe zone for up to CAT4, PLe, and SIL3 safety levels for two safety sub-functions: safe-switch-off and prevented-unexpected startup.

The CIP safety module can also work with an integrated pilot air control valve for redundant shut-down of directional valves and an integrated pressure sensor to monitor pilot air. These are compatible with Festo MPA-S and VTSA valve terminals. The CIP Safety module will be available in 2025.

VTUX Valve Terminal: Safety by Design

Festo’s new flagship valve terminal, the VTUX, has been designed with safety in mind. VTUX valves feature negative overlap spools that allow for safe exhausting of compressed air in case a valve spool is in an indeterminate position. Festo will be incorporating additional safety features as the platform matures.

Automotive Solution: CPX + VTSA-F-CB

For automotive industry applications using safe I/O blocks such as Allen-Bradley ArmorBlock Guard I/O modules, Festo offers its CPX platform with VTSA-F-CB valve terminal. This solution delivers three safe zones controlled by an external safety controller. The VTSA-F-CB offers up to CAT3, PLe, and SIL3 safety levels for safe-switch-off and prevented-unexpected startup, with soft start/quick exhaust options available.

General Industrial Solution: MPA-S

For applications outside the automotive industry, the MPA-S valve terminal can also support safe zones with power supply modules, a soft start/quick exhaust option, and pilot air control valves. This solution offers up to CAT2, PLd, and SIL2 safety levels for safe-switch-off and prevented-unexpected startup.

CPX-AP-A: Next-Generation Automation Platform Safety

Festo’s new CPX-AP-A Automation Platform provides I/O and interfaces to VTSA, MPA-S, and VTUX valve terminals. The backplane performance of this system can handle modern requirements for speed, capacity, security, and safety. The CPX-AP-A can also run in a hybrid mode that allows for remote and distributed valves and I/O. With either the CPX or CPX-AP-A, both systems can monitor pilot air pressure and voltage of each safe zone, and provide feedback data used with safe instructions within the safety PLC.

Visit Festo at www.festo.com for complete specifications and certification details.