GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms and MTL Instruments Group (acquired by Cooper Industries in February 2008) announced that GE Fanuc will acquire assets of the MTL Open Systems Technology (MOST) product lines. These include the MTL8000 general purpose I/O, intrinsically safe I/O, SafetyNet system and process control technologies. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

With SafetyNet technology, one logic solver provides a SIL 2 approved solution, and a second redundant controller can be added for increased system availability.

MTL originated the MTL8000 through an agreement with ABB in 2001. The product lines are designed for deployment in hazardous areas (Division 2/Zone2 or Division 2/Zone 1) common in industries such as oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical and other heavy process segments. Included are SIL2, IEC 61508 compliant safety-related products, including process shut down (PSD), emergency shut down (ESD), and burner management systems.

“When GE Fanuc launched its Proficy Process Systems last year, we took an open approach toward supporting fieldbus technology and I/O,” says Steve Ryan, GE Fanuc director of process solutions. “The addition of the MTL8000 line of I/O re-emphasizes our commitment to providing our customer with the freedom to choose the I/O, safety, and process control strategy that best meets their needs.”

A brief podcast interview about the acquisition with Craig Thorsland, manager of Proficy solutions marketing for GE Fanuc, can be accessed at www.controleng.com by typing “Listen In” into the search engine.