Do not disturb: KEB offers on-site EMC service
Measurements, training and more on electromagnetic compatibility
If a machine unexpectedly stops working, troubleshooting not only costs time and nerves, but also money. One of the causes of the failure can be electromagnetic interference. This makes it all the more important to implement appropriate EMC measures and reduce susceptibility to interference. KEB Automation supports users with comprehensive on-site service for many EMC tasks in a particularly convenient and uncomplicated manner.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is one of the key aspects that must be taken into account when designing machines and systems. Legal requirements on the one hand and trouble-free operation on the other make EMC testing and other measures a worthwhile investment. Regulatory requirements alone dictate that interference emissions must be limited and, closely related to this, a minimum level of immunity must be ensured. It is precisely these deficiencies in immunity that can cause machines to malfunction.
When machine malfunctions occur
Drive controllers are tested extensively in KEB's in-house laboratory, but electromagnetic compatibility issues can still arise on the machine. In such cases, KEB offers an on-site EMC service. On request, KEB experts will visit the machine and plant manufacturer and carry out measurements of conducted and radiated interference, for example. The service also includes EMC optimisation of existing control cabinets and machines. "By professionally repositioning installed components or reworking the cable routing, we can usually eliminate faults on site. Our recommendation is always to consider EMC in advance of the design stage in order to avoid costly machine downtime. We provide our customers with advice and support during the planning stage,” says Dirk Erasmie, Head of EMC and Filter Development at KEB. The measurement results are then summarised in a report and can be used by the customer for their CE declaration. The advantage: the measurements are quick and easy to carry out, meaning that the machines can be made “fit" for the various EMC requirements in a short amount of time.
Radiated immunity focuses on external influences such as electromagnetic fields that can affect the operation of machines. “For conducted immunity, the machine must be hardened against bursts, surges and RF pulses. In these cases, we provide support in locating the sources of interference,” says Erasmie.
How to use the EMC on-site service
Whether measurements, training or EMC optimisation: KEB Automation has been advising plant and machine manufacturers on site for over 30 years on all questions relating to electromagnetic compatibility. In a initial consultation, your individual situation is assessed and the scope of work determined. You will then receive a personalised offer.
Not all services provided in the laboratory, for example, can be offered on a mobile basis without further ado, as the equipment required for the measurements would be too extensive for use in the machine hall. According to Erasmie, how quickly measurements can be carried out and completed depends on the extent to which EMC has already been taken into account in the existing machines. "In some cases, many EMC aspects have already been prepared, which simplifies the measurement. But there are also cases where electromagnetic compatibility has not been taken into account at all. I am thinking here primarily of older machines that have been continuously upgraded over time," says Erasmie. The effort required to solve the problem is correspondingly high. Training courses and consultation with KEB can help here and create the conditions for machines to be built smoothly and in compliance with EMC in the future.
Expanding EMC expertise
One-day training courses are also part of the range of services offered by KEB on site. In addition to the basics of EMC, the frequency inverter as a source of interference is examined in more detail and topics such as leakage current, EMC-compliant control cabinets and the reduction of harmonics are highlighted. Individual topics requested by the customer can also be integrated. At the end of the training day, the customer's machine is examined together, allowing the theoretical knowledge to be put directly into practice. The training courses enable participants to improve their understanding of EMC in a short period of time and subsequently make independent decisions in line with EMC requirements.