Festo’s Pneumatic Safety Solutions: CIP Safety Module and Valve Terminal Integration | Doskee Automation

CIP Safety Module: Connect Directly, Skip the Safety I/O Block

Festo has introduced an innovative suite of pneumatic safety products, including its new CIP safety module, that ensures the safe operation of pneumatic systems and lowers the risk of injury and system and product damage. These safety solutions are compatible with the top industrial Ethernet protocols — EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT — giving them near-universal application.

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

Integrated Pilot Control and Pressure Monitoring

The CIP safety module can also work with an integrated pilot air control valve for redundant shut-down of directional valves, along with an integrated pressure sensor to monitor pilot air. These components are compatible with the 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 from the start. VTUX valves feature negative overlap spools that allow safe exhausting of compressed air even when a valve spool is in an indeterminate position, avoiding hazardous residual energy. Festo will continue incorporating additional safety features as the platform matures.

Valve Terminal Safety for Automotive and Beyond

For automotive customers using safe I/O blocks such as Allen-Bradley ArmorBlock Guard I/O modules, Festo offers its CPX platform with the VTSA-F-CB valve terminal. Controlled by an external safety controller, this solution delivers three safe zones at up to a CAT3, PLe, SIL3 safety level for safe-switch-off and prevented-unexpected startup, plus soft start / quick exhaust options.

For applications outside the automotive industry that also use safe I/O blocks, the MPA-S valve terminal supports safe zones with power supply modules, soft start / quick exhaust options, and pilot air control valves. This solution offers up to a CAT2, PLd, SIL2 safety level for safe-switch-off and prevented-unexpected startup.

The CPX-AP-A Automation Platform

Festo’s new Automation Platform (AP) CPX-AP-A provides I/O and interfaces to the VTSA, MPA-S, and VTUX valve terminals. The backplane performance of this new system handles 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 the CPX-AP-A, safety with valve terminals can be supported: 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.

Doskee Automation specializes in industrial automation and pneumatic components, offering selection and sourcing support for Festo valve terminals, CIP safety modules, safety valve terminals, and related pneumatic products. If you’re evaluating machine safety ratings (CAT/PL/SIL), integrating safety valve terminals, or designing pneumatic safety circuits, please contact us for selection guidance and a quote tailored to your safety requirements.

Reference: Adapted from PneumaticTips “Festo introduces a robust suite of pneumatic safety solutions” by Mary Gannon (2024-11-18)