Safety in Electrical Devices in the Healthcare Sector
To prevent hazards for patients and medical personnel, electrical devices in the healthcare sector must meet special requirements. Therefore, REO offers standard-compliant devices specifically for this sector. For example, by complying with the EN IEC 60601-1 standard, REO makes an important contribution to the safe use of electrical components. Steve Hughes, Managing Director of REO UK, explains the EN 60601-1 standard and how it contributes to the safety of patients and nursing staff: “The EN 60101-1 standard is the first part of a group of standards that includes the essential performance characteristics, electromagnetic compatibility, and safety of medical devices and systems. This applies to all devices that either transmit or filter energy in the care of patients. This includes a wide range of devices, such as patient monitors, infant incubators, and heart defibrillators.” EN 60101-1 is the general basic standard for devices that always applies when the device falls within the general scope. However, it is the responsibility of REO designers to understand which secondary and special standards also apply. EN 60601-1-x, for example, is a standard that contains several specific standards that relate directly to the safety of medical devices. For example, EN 60601-1-3 refers to the secondary standard for radiation protection in diagnostic X-ray equipment, which ensures that radiation exposure for patients and operators is kept as low as possible without jeopardizing the benefits of the radiological procedure. The standard-setting institutions continue to develop the standards in a way that is close to reality. With the EN 60601-1-2 standard, which regulates the basic safety and essential performance characteristics of medical devices and systems in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances, modern smartphones, laptops and other devices with wireless mobile communications are taken into account. EN 60101-2-x includes a series of standards that apply specifically to different types of medical devices. EN 60601-2-8, for example, contains the specific requirements for the basic safety and essential performance characteristics of therapeutic X-ray equipment operated in the range of 10 kV to MV. Failure to comply with these standards poses a risk of injury when using mains-powered diagnostic, measuring and treatment equipment, as well as when electrically conductive fluids are present for the patient or nursing staff. These are then due to leakage currents resulting from improper grounding and inadequate electrical insulation. Special products from REO This means that virtually any device intended for use in a medical environment must be isolated from the mains. Most medical devices are manufactured and tested to be equipped with an isolation transformer, depending on the device class (Class 1 or 2), which offers more safety, less noise and better power quality. To ensure this for more and more manufacturers of medical devices, REO has focused on the development of a range of isolation transformers that are specifically designed for the high demands of the medical sector. REOMED II is the latest generation of medical isolation transformers that enable most Class 1 devices to pass the “electrical” side of the EN 60601-1 medical standard. It uses polyurethane-coated toroidal cores, which are more efficient and radiate less electromagnetic fields than other designs. The electrical safety testing of electronic devices remains an important part of the overall validation of medical devices. The EN 60601-1 standard is complex and compliance often requires additional consideration. However, relying on the experience and expertise of REO AG is the first step towards a reliable and safe product.
REO AG Draws a Positive Balance from the First Virtual In-House Exhibition
In 2021, REO AG presented itself to the public for the first time with a new digital trade fair concept. Both REO and its customers followed the start of the trade fair with excitement. “With the new trade fair, we wanted to offer everyone interested the opportunity to get in touch with us and experience the latest developments from our company, despite the current Corona-related restrictions”, summarizes Matthias Erdmann, Head of Marketing at REO AG, and adds: “Of course, we were very pleased when hundreds of visitors were on the stand simultaneously in the first few minutes after it was activated.” During the trade fair, visitors from all over the world were able to visit the digital trade fair stand at their own pace and without restrictions, regardless of time and space, and get in touch with REO. Virtual avatars of REO AG employees guided visitors through the product worlds and underlined the future orientation and degree of innovation of the new technology. The feedback from visitors was consistently positive, so a continuation in 2022 is as good as certain. Erdmann says: “We believe that a hybrid solution of leading trade fairs and digital in-house exhibitions represents the future. That’s why we are already working on the further development of our virtual trade fair.” Are you interested in the upcoming virtual REO trade fair? Then sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date.
Your REO AG Wishes You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The year 2021 is rapidly drawing to a close and has demanded a lot from us all. The continuing Corona pandemic, the end of which is not yet in sight, and the particular challenges in the global supply chains have made solid planning difficult, left many uncertainties and burdened us all professionally and privately. All the more reason for us to look forward to a promising year 2022 together with you and to use the Christmas season to take a break in the circle of our loved ones and recharge our batteries. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Your REO AG
REO AG Active as a Sponsor of the Deutschlandstipendium in 2021 – Festive Award Ceremony in the Historic Stadthalle Wuppertal
Together with Ms. Isabell-Kathrin Nave, an electrical engineering student, we are delighted about her sponsorship as part of the Deutschlandstipendium. The scholarship, made possible by REO, is aimed at particularly gifted and high-achieving students. However, the scholarship was awarded not only on the basis of first-class grades, but also on the basis of social commitment, special personal achievements and the social and family situation. This holistic understanding of the concept of performance in the Deutschlandstipendium opens up educational opportunities for young talents and is an investment in the future for REO AG. In addition to its own training programs, which include offers such as dual studies or the supervision of final theses in addition to classical training, REO sees the many years of commitment to the Deutschland scholarship program as a first-class opportunity to get in touch with the skilled workers of tomorrow. As REO AG sees its commitment as a socially important task, it is continuing the tradition of awarding scholarships despite the ongoing Corona crisis. This year, in particular, against the background of the difficult conditions under which students throughout Germany are suffering. REO AG congratulates Ms. Isabell-Kathrin Nave and wishes her all the best for her future studies. We will continue to follow the career of the talented young woman with pleasure. More information about the project can be found on the website of the Bergische Universität in Wuppertal. Pictures of the successful scholarship award ceremony on November 5th, 2021 in the historic Stadthalle Wuppertal can be found at: https://www.stipendien.uni-wuppertal.de/de/deutschlandstipendium/stipendienfeiern/stipendienfeiern-202122.html
REO Silicone Coating in Railway Technology
From the icy regions of Russia to the hot desert landscapes of Africa, our railway components are in daily use under the most adverse weather conditions. Durability and reliability are two of the fundamental characteristics of REO components. To provide the necessary outdoor protection against pantograph abrasion, brake dust, metal abrasion, snow, and ice, our components are silicone-coated in addition to impregnation. This allows manufacturers to expose the components, enclosed (IP20), to unfiltered cooling air. A great advantage regarding the flexibility of railway designs. From pollution degree PD3A, REO relies on this insulation system. The silicone coating is applied using a dip coating process, which requires special precautions in handling. Therefore, REO carries out this process only under strict consideration of the necessary safety measures, so that the impacts on both humans and nature are reduced to a minimum. REO offers the silicone coating as REO Extreme or REO Mix and Match. Please contact us. We would be happy to advise you on the optimal application of the coating that is right for you.
REO Develops and Manufactures Customized Magnetic Components for Battery-Powered Trains or Battery Locomotives.
For almost 100 years, REO has been both a reliable partner and a driver of technical progress. In the field of railway technology, another logical development is now taking place: moving away from diesel propulsion towards electrified trains and locomotives. Currently, diesel locomotives are used for shunting operations, on routes generally without overhead lines, and for work on the rail network where the overhead line network is disconnected from the power supply for safety reasons. For a timely implementation of emission-free rail transport, the locomotives must consequently be replaced by electric locomotives, powered by hydrogen or from a battery storage. REO is working with international partners to convert existing trains in the sense of the circular economy and at the same time enable completely new designs. The first magnetic components, which are line reactors, chopper reactors, sine filter reactors and Transformers from REO, are scheduled to be ready for operation as early as 2021. With its developments, REO is driving the minimization of emissions. If you also have projects for the electrification of existing components or would like to develop new electrically operated systems, our customer advisors will be happy to assist you.
REO AG Launches Virtual REO Fair 2021
Solingen, November 22, 2021 – REO AG today officially launched the first virtual REO Fair 2021. Visitors can expect a selection of current products, numerous new exhibitors, and a comprehensive insight into REO’s product world and technologies until December 17, 2021, at www.messe.reo.de. “The initial visitor numbers are very promising, and the feedback has been consistently positive”, notes Matthias Erdmann, Head of Marketing at REO AG. He adds: “the step into the digital world was a logical consequence for us given the current situation. We are pleased to be able to quickly, conveniently, and securely connect with customers and interested parties from all over the world with the help of innovative technology.” REO AG, headquartered in Solingen, particularly focuses on the REOUNITY product areas for drive technology and REOVIB for automation technology at the virtual fair. Visitors can experience the products in detail and without time pressure. Modern animation technology also helps to understand the inner workings of the products. In addition to the products themselves, deeper insights into REO’s technologies and developments are provided. These include REO-patented liquid cooling of components, potting technology, and the use of protection classes. A trade fair highlight: digital avatars of senior REO employees and board members provide important guidance in choosing the right product and insight into the respective company divisions. Jennifer Baatz, production site manager at REO Kyritz, presents drive technology products. These include chokes, EMC filters, braking resistors, and current transformers of various performance classes. Jörg Rohden, Member of the Executive Board of REO AG, presents the REOVIB product line; first and foremost, the innovative REOVIB MFS 368. Since its product launch in 2020, the MFS 368 has taken a leading role in networked, digital production in global competition. Furthermore, the Smart-MIC phase control with LED display and mains voltage compensation is presented. Jörg Rohden also provides insight into the latest developments in Industry 4.0. These include IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and the possibilities of efficient and networked production. In this context, REO Digital Connect 4.0, a REO start-up that exclusively deals with digitalization and device communication, presents itself. Further information on products and technologies is provided by datasheets and the opportunity to get in direct contact with REO AG customer advisors. Visitors to the virtual REO Fair 2021 also have the opportunity to meet Philip Twellsieck, CEO of the fourth-generation family-run REO AG. In his contribution, Philip Twellsieck explains the company philosophy and guidelines according to which REO AG has successfully positioned itself internationally. The virtual REO Fair 2021, an international in-house exhibition for inductive and resistive components and systems, will take place until December 17, 2021. It can be accessed at www.messe.reo.de in both German and English. Admission is free. Further appointments for discussions can be arranged at any time using the contact forms.
Brake Resistors Support Electric Vehicles in Harsh Environments
REO UK, a specialist in electric vehicles, recently supplied water-cooled braking resistors for an electric vehicle designed for harsh environments. The standard BWD 158 braking resistor series converts conventional diesel-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into electric vehicles and uses water-cooled resistors for the braking system. This new offering complements the REOHM range of inverters, which have been developed using state-of-the-art technology to meet the diverse needs of engineers. The standard BWD 158 series, designed for continuous power up to 5000 W, was selected due to its high overload capacity – up to 33 kW – and its low surface temperature, which can be below ambient temperature in certain applications. EVs are suitable for operation in areas where low surface temperatures are required, such as in ATEX environments. In such environments, EVs are often preferred over ICE vehicles to minimize the risk of explosion. “At REO, we believe that not all brake resistors are created equal,” explains Steve Hughes, Managing Director of REO UK. “In harsh environments, it’s crucial to choose a brake resistor that offers better dynamic performance and effective heat dissipation.” REO’s indirect cooling system ensures that coolant and electricity remain completely isolated, but as a separate safety feature, the resistors can be operated for a certain period without coolant flow. During this time, an internal thermal switch can be used to safely and controllably shut down the system. Several factors can influence the optimal placement of the thermal switch, such as potential overload conditions, mounting, and ambient conditions. REO engineers can determine the best installation location and temperature for the thermal switch using precise modeling. Furthermore, the resistor is located near the vehicle’s driver, so unwanted cabin heating is not an issue. Another advantage is that the water-cooled resistor is practically inaudible due to its encapsulated design, unlike conventional resistors, which can generate audible noise at harmonic frequencies of the DC ripple current. This can cause problems in areas where they are in close proximity to people and personnel. “We are always abreast of the latest requirements, and the low surface temperature of our products, combined with the high IP65 protection rating, allows for use in certain ATEX environments”, Steve continues. “Operational safety and application efficiency are our main priorities, which drives us to constantly research and develop our offerings.” Another advantage of the highly efficient cooling system is that the resistors can operate in close proximity to other components and that the resistors themselves are approximately 80 percent smaller than conventional resistors. The BWD 158 series is very compactly built and particularly robust against dust, liquids, and sludge. For more information about REO’s brake resistors and other products for electric vehicles, please visit our website.
Strong in Local Markets: more and more Manufacturers are Relying on REO AG as a Supplier
The electrification of our world is progressing rapidly. As a supplier of inductive and resistive components, we are at the forefront and accompany our customers on their journey to make our world cleaner, safer and simpler through progress. However, for many manufacturers, the fundamental engine of this progress, production, has stalled: due to the Corona-related turbulences on the world market, as well as increasing resource scarcity, production is delayed and entire production lines have to be shut down. Delivery delays or failures are the annoying consequence of missing components. The reason for this is usually a portfolio of reliable suppliers that is too small. At this point, more and more manufacturers are building on the expertise of REO AG. Through worldwide representation and a history of almost 100 years, we are well connected. In India and the USA, for example, we operate our own production sites in addition to a local sales organization. Our branches know the local markets and create short supply chains as well as direct sources of supply to ensure the best possible availability even in difficult times. Play it safe and get a non-binding consultation on how REO AG can expand your supply chain.
The First Virtual Trade Fair from REO – Sign up and be there!
From November 22, 2021 to December 17, 2021, our virtual trade fair will feature numerous new exhibitors and provide insights into REO AG’s modern product world and technologies, such as liquid cooling. In addition to drive technology, showcasing Chokes, EMC filters, braking resistors, and current transformers of various power classes, a main focus will be on the REOVIB product line, especially the innovative REOVIB MFS 368 with active PFC and full-text LCD. In this context, REO Digital Connect 4.0 presents the possibilities of networked, digital production and device communication to match Industry 4.0. Register today for the REO virtual trade fair. Registration is free and non-binding. Those registered will receive a link to the virtual trade fair on the day the trade fair starts. Further discussion appointments can be arranged at any time using the contact forms. We look forward to seeing you!