ISTEC Speed Monitoring Systems: The Most Advanced Overspeed Protection for Rotating Machinery

Rotating machinery is crucial in various industries, from power generation to oil and gas. Ensuring their safe and reliable operation is of paramount importance, particularly when it comes to overspeed protection. ISTEC speed monitoring systems from Prei Instrumentation provide state-of-the-art overspeed protection and speed monitoring, ensuring compliance with industry-leading standards like API 670.

With the SpeedSys® tachometer series, ISTEC delivers advanced signal conditioning and conversion, offering highly accurate outputs for further processing. Unlike traditional mechanical overspeed protection, modern electrical overspeed protection provides greater reliability, scalability, and economic efficiency.

This article explores how ISTEC speed monitoring systems address the growing demand for SIL-certified overspeed protection, reduce downtime, and offer a modular approach that enhances safety while minimising complexity.

The Core of Overspeed Protection

Industry standards require overspeed protection systems for rotating machinery. However, a common misconception is that more complex systems do not always mean better protection.

Many overspeed protection systems integrate extensive monitoring and diagnostic features, which increases system complexity, error sensitivity, and maintenance requirements. These added functions require frequent proof-testing, leading to increased downtime and production losses.

A modern approach focuses on separating the core protection layer from additional monitoring functions. By designing an overspeed protection system with a single focus, reliability improves while the plant’s technical and economic burden is reduced.

ISTEC SpeedSys® systems follow this principle, offering a simplified yet highly effective overspeed protection system.

Increasing SIL Demands in Speed Monitoring Systems

In recent years, the demand for SIL-certified (safety integrity level) overspeed protection systems has increased significantly. Both OEMs and end-users require SIL-rated protection solutions for highly critical and less demanding applications.

Separating overspeed protection from monitoring makes it easier to certify systems at higher SIL levels while keeping costs reasonable. This also allows a wider range of rotating machinery to benefit from advanced overspeed protection.

The SpeedSys® series offers solutions for both SIL 2 and SIL 3 applications, providing industry-leading safety standards in a compact and scalable design.

Functional Proof-Testing and System Longevity

Every safety system requires regular proof-testing to ensure continued functionality and compliance with SIL certification standards.

However, as system complexity increases, the proof-test frequency also rises, leading to more potential downtime and increased operational costs.

By isolating the protection function from monitoring, modern ISTEC speed monitoring systems enable longer proof-test intervals compared to traditional rack-based systems.

In fact, some systems can achieve proof-test intervals that match their entire lifespan, particularly when certified by design rather than proven in use.

• This results in:
• Reduced downtime
• Lower maintenance costs
• Enhanced system reliability

Modular System Architecture for Cost-Effective Protection

Many traditional overspeed protection systems feature a rack-based architecture, making them financially inaccessible for smaller or less critical machinery.

A more modern, cost-effective approach is the use of transmitter-based systems, which offer:

• Lower installation costs
• Modular and scalable design
• Suitability for a wide range of rotating machinery

With this approach, a transmitter-based system can be used:

• As a stand-alone solution for smaller applications
• In a 2oo3 voting structure for large-scale turbomachinery

This flexibility ensures that ISTEC speed monitoring systems can be implemented across a broad spectrum of industrial applications.

SpeedSys®: The Future of Speed Monitoring and Overspeed Protection

The SpeedSys® series by ISTEC represents the next generation of overspeed protection systems, delivering state-of-the-art safety and performance in a compact and reliable package.

SpeedSys 200

• Designed for less demanding SIL 2 applications
• Provides reliable core overspeed protection
• Features low-impact installation

SpeedSys 300

• Designed for critical SIL 3 applications
• Ensures maximum safety and reliability
• Meets the highest industry safety standards

Both systems offer advanced signal processing and conversion, ensuring highly accurate outputs for further integration into machine control systems.

With SpeedSys®, overspeed protection is no longer limited to large-scale industrial applications—more industries can now benefit from advanced safety solutions.

FAQs About ISTEC Speed Monitoring Systems

What are ISTEC speed monitoring systems?

ISTEC speed monitoring systems are advanced overspeed protection solutions designed to ensure the safe operation of rotating machinery by monitoring and controlling speed levels.

Why is overspeed protection important?

Overspeeding can lead to mechanical failures, equipment damage, and safety hazards. Proper speed monitoring and overspeed protection prevent these risks and ensure compliance with industry standards like API 670.

What is the SpeedSys® series?

The SpeedSys® series includes SpeedSys 200 (SIL 2) and SpeedSys 300 (SIL 3) overspeed protection systems, offering accurate speed measurement and safety features for a wide range of rotating machinery.

How does SpeedSys® compare to traditional protection systems?

Unlike traditional rack-based systems, SpeedSys® offers a compact, cost-effective, and modular solution that provides high-end protection without unnecessary complexity.

What is the advantage of a transmitter-based overspeed protection system?

A transmitter-based system is:

• More affordable than rack-based systems
• Easier to install and integrate
• Scalable for different machine types

How does SIL certification impact speed monitoring systems?

SIL certification ensures that overspeed protection systems meet high safety and reliability standards. SpeedSys® offers both SIL 2 and SIL 3 certified solutions.

How often do ISTEC speed monitoring systems require proof-testing?

Thanks to their simple and robust design, SpeedSys® systems have long proof-test intervals, reducing maintenance costs and minimising production downtime.

Can SpeedSys® be used for small and large machinery?

Yes, SpeedSys® is designed to be modular, making it suitable for small-scale rotating equipment as well as large turbomachinery with 2oo3 voting structures.

Does SpeedSys® integrate with existing control systems?

Yes, SpeedSys® features advanced signal conditioning and conversion, allowing it to be easily integrated into existing machine monitoring and control systems.

What industries benefit from ISTEC speed monitoring systems?

Industries such as power generation, oil and gas, manufacturing, and process industries benefit from SpeedSys® speed monitoring and overspeed protection solutions.

Contact Prei Instrumentation for details

ISTEC speed monitoring systems from Prei Instrumentation provide the most advanced and reliable overspeed protection for rotating machinery. With the SpeedSys® series, industries can now achieve:

• State-of-the-art speed monitoring and overspeed protection
• Reduced downtime and maintenance costs
• Scalable solutions for both small and large machinery
• Compliance with API 670 and SIL-certified safety standards

By choosing ISTEC speed monitoring systems, companies ensure the highest level of safety, efficiency, and operational reliability for their critical rotating equipment.

Contact Prei Instrumentation to learn more about this game-changing solution and how it can transform your operations.