Control unit with display IE-GuardFlex

for vizualization of process and manufacturing datacan trigger machine shutdownhazard monitoring solution

The IE-GuardFlex serves as the central control unit for 4B’s Distributed Hazard Monitoring Solution (DHMS). Utilizing industrial Ethernet technology, it connects to and monitors multiple machine-mounted sensors through 4B's leading IE-Nodes. The IE-GuardFlex system supports multiple machines, IE-Nodes, and sensors, and interfaces directly with machine MCCs to initiate a controlled stop upon detecting a hazardous condition. Typically located within the plant MCC and dust hazard “safe area,” the IE-GuardFlex connects via industrial Ethernet (CAT6 cabling) to IE-Nodes distributed to the monitored machines in the “hazardous area.” These machines can include bucket elevators, enclosed conveyors, open conveyors, chain conveyors, and roll stands. Various 4B hazard monitoring sensors connect to the local IE-Nodes, monitoring for conditions like belt slip (SlipSwitch, Milli-Speed), belt misalignment (TouchSwitch, Bulldog), bearing temperature (ADB, Milli-Temp), vibration (Milli-Vib), and blocked chute (Binswitch). The plant engineer can start the node search process using the intuitive GUI on the 7” color touchscreen display. Found nodes can then be configured, and sensors assigned to user-defined machines. The system allows for a 3-stage ALARM/STOP configuration per sensor, with output relays assigned to ALARM and/or STOP conditions per sensor or machine. Additionally, common ALARM and STOP output relays indicate if an alarm or stop condition is present on any connected sensors.