Pfannenberg’s PATROL PA X 20 Series – Highly Effective Alarming for Loud Industrial Environments

In many industrial areas the of use for signaling devices is associated with adverse environmental conditions. In louder and wider surroundings (e.g high ceilings, crane operations…) a strong sounder combined with a flashing light can ensure your personnel safety.

PATROL PA X 20 – Strong 120 dB (A) Alarm Device

PATROL Flashing Sounder

Pfannenberg’s PATROL PA X 20 Flashing Sounders offer an enhanced level of signaling by combining strong visual and a 120 dB (A) audible alarms. Such devices are particularly well suited for environments with high ambient noise levels or when the use of hearing protection may hamper a sounder’s effectiveness.

These Flashing Sounders are equipped with Electromagnetic sound capsule technology which means that the acoustic signal includes a share of low frequency side bands for excellent sound penetration of walls and doors for highly effective alarming.

When do you need a PA X 20 Flashing Sounder?

Pfannenberg offers Industrial Sounders ranging from 100 to 120 dB (A). Our 120 dB (A) sounders are considered as “Highly Effective Alarming” and have been designed for Industries with loud ambient noise level (I.E. Steel mills, shop factory floor, etc…).

Knowing that every 3dB is a doubling of sound intensity, the difference between a 100 and a 120 dB (A) sounder is huge and need to be taken into consideration when planning an alarm system. 

For a same Ambient Noise Level, a 120 dB Signaling Device will not offer only 20% more coverage than a 100 dB one but a lot wider area.

EXAMPLE:

The following diagram shows the real coverage (the area in which the required sound pressure level is achieved ) of Pfannenberg sounders with a specific ambient noise level:

> 80 dB Sound Pressure Required
> 70 dB Ambiant noise 
(plus 10 dB offset)

This diagram clearly shows that, for this specific environment, a 120 dB sounder (PA 20) will offer a 10 times better coverage (100 m) than a 100 dB sounder (PA 5 – 10 m).

In this example, the 120 dB(A) sounder performance is immediately apparent and allows to define how much devices are required based on the area to cover.

PA X 20 Flashing Sounder Specifications

Pfannenberg’s  Flashing Sounders are designed as integrated flashing sounders, rather than combining a sounder with a bolted-on flashing light. The lens cover is large, highly visible, and available in a variety of colors. The xenon strobe flash tube contains no filament to break and is secured by a steel clamp to further protect it from abuse. Users can choose from a wide selection of acoustic tones which are electronically self-generated – and since there are no moving parts, the device’s reliability is enhanced for critical applications. The housing is manufactured from a UV-resistant and flame-retardant polycarbonate/ABS blend and is offered in red or grey to meet application requirements and building decor.

Technical Data:

  • 120 dB (A) at 1 m SPL (nominal) with superior low frequency sound penetration
  • 80 alarm tones with 4 stages, selectable via internal DIP switch
  • 1 Hz single flash xenon strobe, 15 Joules
  • Internal volume control
  • IP 66 PC/ABS blend housing
  • Light is pre-wired to a common terminal strip for ease of installation
  • 10.6″ (270 mm) h x 8.4″ (214 mm) w x 7.1″ (181 mm) d

Coverage area for Required Sound Levels of 80, 85 and 90 dB (A) and clear lens:

These figures shown are mainly for a quick orientation. For an individual and precise interpretation please use  PFANNENBERG SIZING SOFTWARE (PSS)


Pfannenberg is proud to increase Industrial Safety with its robust, field-proven, visual and audible signaling devices for alarm, warning, and indication. Our business philosophy – Protection for man, machine and the environment.

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Pfannenberg’s Signaling Solutions Provide Efficient, Safer Environment for Overhead Cranes

Pfannenberg’s PATROL & PYRA Modern Industrial Audible and Visual Signaling devices that preserve lives and prevent injuries are vital for critical Industrial Safety!

The Challenge…

One of the largest independent rail car repair shop networks in North America wanted to create a safer environment for their employees. They needed a way to alert workers to the presence of their 25-Ton overhead cranes as they moved near their work area. They approached their material handling partner to help them create a safer environment.

The Solution…

Having had experience with Pfannenberg signaling products the material handling company presented the customer with a  PATROL PA 10 and a PYRA PY X-M-10 to go on each of their two overhead cranes. The recommendation for two devices is to offer a visual and audible warning as the cranes are in motion.

To ensure the best solution, our PATROL PA 10 audible alarm was chosen because it offers the ability to produce 80 different alarm tones with 4 stages. A unique tone was chosen for each crane so the workers can distinguish one from the other without being distracted from their work.  This creates not only a safer environment, but also a more efficient one.

After the horns and strobes were installed, their customer offered the following:

“We currently have two 25 Ton bridge Cranes at our facility, it is a very loud and has low visibility. Our workers were having a hard time seeing the cranes move and also could not hear them either. Pfannenberg’s lights and sounders were recommende to be installed on our cranes as an audio/visual warning system so our workers would be aware of the crane movement. This system has accomplished this task.” – Rail Repair Shop


Pfannenberg is proud to increase Industrial Safety with its robust, field-proven, visual and audible signaling devices for alarm, warning, and indication.

Click here to learn more about our Signaling Technologies

PYRA® Flashing Strobe Lights & Sounders – Bright Versatile Alarms that Installs Anywhere

Pfannenberg range of PYRA® Flashing Strobe Lights and Sounders are the best solution for many applications worldwide. Due to the large signaling coverage provided by Pfannenberg’s alarms, the amount of signaling devices required is significantly reduced. This supports an application that is economical while ensuring industrial safety.

Pfannenberg range of PYRA® Flashing Strobe Lights and Sounders offers:

  • Visible field of 180° x 360°
  • Surface or flush/panel installation
  • Extremely robust enclosure for any outdoor and indoor applications
  • Mounting atop metal conduit with standard 1/2 NPT compression fitting

Extremely Bright Strobe Lights

Signaling devices with XENON technology, such as Pfannenberg’s PYRA® series (PYRA® X-SPYRA® X-M and PYRA® X-L), as a rule cover a wider area than comparable products with different technologies and installation locations. Flashing beacons utilize glass tubes filled with xenon gas to produce a bright flash of light when energized.

A typical flash rate is once per second – but this can vary by device. Units with multiple flash capability offer a variety of flash sequences and rates.

Ranging from 5 to 15 Joules, the PYRA® flashing lights belong to a new generation of powerful signaling devices which are convincing because of many advantageous product features.

For example:

PYRA–M Flashing Strobes (5 or 10 Joules)

These devices have a ratio between the signaling range and the power consumption which is more than twice as good as that of LED-based lights.

PYRA flashing light sounder

These devices reach a huge visual 3D-coverage area, which is more than double that of the 10 Joule flashing light.

Modern Alarms for Industrial Hazards

Pfannenberg’s PYRA visual and acoustic signaling devices can easily be installed on existing systems. Satisfying numerous alarm, warning, and indication requirements, including: machinery operating status, process monitoring, system startup, and building or area evacuation due to fire, toxic gas leak, spills, or intruder alert. These devices offer extensive certifications including UL and CE in support of worldwide requirements. They also include a standard 10-Year Warranty, guaranteed to protect man, machine and the environment.

 

Pfannenberg 3D Coverage – When Alarm notification Planning Becomes Easier and more Reliable

A Holistic Approach to Alarm Notification Planning

With Pfannenberg’s 3D-Coverage approach, the design of alarm and warning notification systems becomes easier and more reliable. The methodology takes advantage of effective performance in a given space rather than relying solely on nominal output data presented in typical specifications.

The goal of 3D-Coverage is to provide a visual representation of the effective range of the signaling device, lending justification to its successful implementation in the defined space. This valuable approach helps planners define alarm systems which guarantee effective safety warnings to personnel.


Pfannenberg shows what Signaling Devices can Achieve

The information traditionally found in technical data sheets does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the actual performance of a product in a given space. In an innovative approach, 3D-Coverage provides designers and safety officers with information about the size of the area effectively covered by a signaling device.

Perceptibility Counts

The major benefit of 3D-Coverage is that it takes factors such as ambient noise level and light intensity into account, focusing on the extent to which signals can be guaranteed to be heard and seen – an essential requirement for safe signaling solutions.

Ideal Sizing

By utilizing the 3D-Coverage concept, properly sized signaling devices are specified to ensure safety to personnel under the ambient conditions present – often leading to the most cost-efficient system in terms of number of units and installation expenses.


The differences in actual performance

3D-Coverage reveals the differences in actual performance which previously were not detected until it was too late. A frequent reason for dangerous under-sizing is the assumption that sounders of the same performance class have identical transmission characteristics in a given space. The adjacent diagram shows how very different the effective performance can actually be

Why Pfannenberg Signaling devices are better

The performance of many sounder designs focuses on their capability in the axial (forward) direction, while inadequate output levels in the radial direction (side and downwards) is often overlooked. With the optimized design of Pfannenberg sounders, the sound propagation is distributed over a wider area in all directions.

Contact us for more information!

 


Example: Spatial Performance for Audible Notification

The perception of acoustic signaling devices is determined by many factors. In particular, ambient noise and the use of hearing protection must be taken into account. 3D-Coverage shows why.

 

Ambient Noise can influence Safety

Whether or not the audible signal from a sounder is successfully perceived is not just dependent on the output sound level generated and technology used to create the alarm signal. Ambient noise levels and sounder placement location are crucial elements that should not be overlooked.

The adjacent example illustrates the effect on coverage volume of an 100 dB(A) audible signaling device due to a 10 dB(A) change in ambient noise level. Increasing from 75 dB(A) to 85 dB(A) shows that the warning signal will not be successfully perceived.

The 3D-Coverage values show that the effective covered area is significantly reduced when the ambient noise level rises. If the alarm system designer does not take all aspects into consideration, the consequences can spell danger for people in the surrounding area.


Effective Coverage – Guaranteed

Every aspect of the alarm system design process is susceptible to errors. Incomplete system requirements, inattention to environmental factors, insufficient product specifications, and lack of actual signal coverage dimensions can all contribute to an inadequate safety mechanism. The 3D-Coverage approach planners users avoid errors and achieve the optimum solution.

1. Defining Requirements

Various standards and codes are in force which influences the planning of signaling solutions. However, many of them are merely superficial.

For example, the EU Machine Directive stipulates that machinery manufacturers must put in place suitable measures to minimize the risks of operating the machinery – but if signaling is a potential solution, there are no defined requirements for the performance of such devices. Since the machinery builder is responsible for mitigating operational risks, it is imperative to utilize signaling devices which offer sufficient effective coverage to operators and nearby personnel.

The 3D-Coverage approach gives them the answers needed to deploy adequate signaling to ensure that warning signals are perceived. With fire alarm systems, performance requirements for signaling devices have been formulated. To ensure adequate alarm perception, EU directives such as EN 54-23 require that ambient conditions within the space in which the signal is to be heard or seen are taken into consideration. Utilizing the 3D-Coverage approach, planners and system designers are not only assured of adequate notification appliance performance since they can also gain confidence in designing the most cost-effective solution.

2. Taking Environmental Conditions Into Account

Many harmful situations, including fire and gas leaks, chemical spills, machinery hazards, moving equipment dangers, and other workplace safety concerns can be effectively mitigated only when signaling systems are properly designed. An examination of the space to be protected produces vital information that must not be overlooked when planning for safety.

Where are people situated? What environmental influences and risks are they exposed to? What are the particular features of the building? It is essential that these issues be considered at the planning stage in order to ensure the safety of all personnel within the space in which the alarm signal must be seen and heard.

Unfortunately, in many circumstances, the environmental conditions surrounding the application are not thoroughly examined or understood. For example, an ambient noise level that is assumed to be lower than it actually is will inevitably result in signal tones that are difficult to hear or cannot heard at all.

When the 3D-Coverage approach is utilized, environmental factors are taken into consideration at the very start of the planning process. Not only does this represent a more cost-effective procedure, but more vitally, the resultant system design is safer for personnel and guaranteed to meet with final approvals.

3. Comparing Product Information

Information supplied on technical data sheets alone often results in unrealistic assumptions about the actual performance of signaling devices. Details such as the transmission distance and coverage envelope must be obtained if they are to be taken into consideration when planning alarm systems.

For the 3D-Coverage approach, Pfannenberg supplies transparent and unambiguous information about the performance of a product in a given space, taking into account defined environmental conditions

4. Ensuring Optimal Sizing

It is only when all factors, such as environmental influences, local codes and requirements, and true overall performance of the signaling devices to be used are understood, that a properly sized and effective alarm notification system can be designed.

Possible consequences of inappropriately designed signaling systems include under-sizing, over-sizing, safety to personnel, cost overruns, system non-acceptance, and loss of machinery and assets.

Under-sizing, or using too few or less-capable devices, can be the result of relying solely on published specifications for notification appliances and not taking environmental conditions into account. This can lead to a safety risk or non-acceptance of the system by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). When re-designs are mandated, costs will increase.

Over-sizing, or using too many devices, can unnecessarily raise costs for materials, installation labor, and maintenance. A holistic approach at the planning stage is the only way to ensure effective alarm notification, safety, and design efficiency. With 3D-Coverage, Pfannenberg emerges as the logical choice for helping planners and system designer fulfill these requirements.


The Advantages

3D-Coverage offers transparency in an area where incorrect assumptions and ambiguous performance values can have dangerous consequences. Because it delivers explicit data, 3D-Coverage provides certainty for those involved in creating signaling systems and safety for personnel who occupy spaces in which these systems are used.

Clear information about the coverage volume
3D-Coverage focuses on how signals are perceived in a given space. For example, by aking ambient noise into account, 3D-Coverage offers reliable data about the effective coverage area provided by an audible notification appliance.

The ideal solution for safety signaling
With explicit information about the effective coverage volume, 3D-Coverage provides maximum reliability in both the type and quantity of visual and audible signaling devices selected for alarm systems.

Confidence in design, costing, and acceptance
With 3D-Coverage, the optimum signaling systems are assured, leading to immediate acceptance and avoidance of potentially costly redesigns.

Prevents incorrect sizing
Using 3D-Coverage, system planners and designers are assured of using the proper number and type of signaling devices that are needed in order to safely warn personnel of dangers in the entire notification space.

Getting it right the first time
When systems are properly designed from the beginning, unforeseen and costly redesigns and delays are avoided. 3D-Coverage ensures that projects are properly designed.

Protecting man, machine and the environment
The safety of personnel and operating systems are crucial to the success of any organisation. 3D-Coverage makes it easy to be certain that protection systems are effective and efficient.

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Pfannenberg’s Air/Water Heat Exchangers withstand dust, dirt, and even sterile environments

Pfannenberg’s Air To Water Heat Exchangers offer a solution to fix your thermal management problems in washdown areas, areas with high amounts of particulate or even sterile environments.

Built for both harsh and sterile environments:

The sealed cabinet provides contaminant-free component cooling without adding heat to the local environment. It provides an excellent economic solution where plant water is available or when used in conjunction with a process chiller.  It’s sealed design and available stainless steel, NEMA Type 4/4X construction provides a maintenance free solution with no exposed fans or maintenance of filters required.

With IP 56 protection, our Air To Water Heat Exchangers satisfy the toughest environments. They are available with a corrosion protected hood in brushed stainless steel with epoxy-coated copper pipes and condensers; they offer reliable protection against alkaline solutions and acids. As a high-temperature model, they are also suitable for use in hot environments with temperatures ranging up to 140 °F (60 °C).

Customized solution for Pharmaceutical Industry

Customer Requirement

A system integrator contacted Pfannenberg looking for a thermal management solution for their customer’s plant expansion project. The original design called for building a control panel with supported thermal management for a pharmaceutical application. The challenge was that this system would be located in a Class I, Div II environment, meaning the enclosure and components had to be explosion proof. To remain competitive in price, the system integrator needed an alternate solution to an explosion proof AC unit.

The Pfannenberg Solution

Our engineering team worked closely with the system integrator to develop a solution. The pharmaceutical plant did have water available (60°F at 7gpm flow) and there were no size constraints. Our solution was a customized PWS Air/Water Heat Exchanger.

The solution included:

  • Increasing the overall envelope of the panel
  • Mounting a customized PWS Air to Water Heat Exchanger directly inside the panel
  • The enclosure remained sterile and explosion proof because everything remained inside the cabinet

Customer Benefits

Installing the thermal management product inside the enclosure meant reduced installation and maintenance costs for the customer. In addition the end user also saves money as their available water is used to cool the enclosures. The Air to Water Heat Exchanger provides sustainable efficiency and reliable performance in harsh environments.