DART — Dynamic arc recognition and termination intrinsic safety without the power limits

Intrinsic safety is a worldwide-accepted type of ignition protection, which offers many advantages over other types of ignition protection. The dynamically acting intrinsically safe energy supply concept DART is a means of facilitating considerably higher direct power, with simultaneous intrinsically safe energy limitation through rapid disconnection. This article explains the principle of operation of DART as well as two areas of industrial application. It also illustrates the essential technical safety aspects necessary for the demonstration of intrinsic safety and explains the impact of these on the relevant international standards. In conclusion, practical areas of application in the process industry are examined.