Achieving Compliance with Minimal Impact to Machine Operations

Intro

The client was required to update their stockyard machine to a machine anti-collision system. This system also required the machines to operate in close proximity with the reclaimer operating under the Stacker counterweight. The project scope included:

  1. Machine to Machine Anti Collision System design for 10 machines
  2. Whole AS61508 lifecycle management
  3. Rockwell GuardLogix PLC Development
  4. Functional Safety Validation Testing (Commissioning)
  5. Upgrades throughout the life of the system, including ethernet and processor upgrades.

The goal was to achieve compliance with the AS61508 standard, while minimising impact to normal machine operations and easily meeting ongoing proof testing requirements.

The results

MRA implemented a compliant functional safety system that operates as an overwatch to the normal control system, ready to provide machine protection if required.