ORCA HMI operator station

Increasing digitalisation and integration of production processes is generating information that needs to be available in the field and thus also in hazardous areas. This information includes system status, maintenance intervals and MES-relevant data. To meet this requirement, R. STAHL has launched its fully modular ORCA HMI operator stations. System operators in the process industry are given a good overview of the many types of process information generated by the system. The new ORCA device platform includes a panel-mount device with three different display sizes (12", 15" and 22"), and two E-Boxes for easy integration into the machine.

The new ORCA HMI operator station separates the display from the PC unit, designing them as click-fit modules for Zones 1 and 2 as well as Division 2. The components of a traditional operator system were split into two modules: an electronics box (E-Box) containing the computer or thin client and a display box (D-Box) with the multi-touch screen. These boxes can be freely combined, providing flexibility during maintenance and upgrades. The EasyConnect concept enables the display and electronics module to be separated in a few steps, without the need for disconnection of cabling, and the old E-Box can be replaced with a new, more powerful E-Box.

The ORCA HMI system also has flexibility during operations. A monitor interface has been integrated enabling users to directly connect a second screen to the HMI system. This dual monitor solution can be used to access and view two data sources in parallel. One monitor can be used to visualise the PCS and the other to display maintenance plans for the field devices, production resource management, project control or documentation. Machine data, maintenance, logistics and QM information can also be integrated. Process operators are thus informed promptly of any changes and anomalies and can then initiate appropriate safety measures.

The ORCA devices are robust, UV-resistant and, at the front, both GMP and cleanroom-compliant. The built-in modules have overall IP66 protection and can be installed directly in the hazardous area. For industries where authentication via fingerprint or face ID is often not possible because operators are wearing protective gloves and face masks, R.STAHL equips its explosion-protected HMIs with a contactless RFID reader, which reduces the time required for log-on and authorised access to control system, MES and other applications to a minimum.

R. STAHL also offers a migration concept for users of older operator stations. The optional Ethernet extender interfaces allow changing from traditional KVM systems to modern thin clients or KVM-over-IP, with the existing cabling infrastructure being retained. This enables migration to the new platform with a continuation of the already installed basis — ready for Industry 4.0 environments, virtual server structures and cloud automation.