Intrinsic-safety market growing; using networks/buses

Growth rates for products used in intrinsically safe applications are projected to be much higher in North America than in Europe from 2001 to 2006, according to a new market study, "European and North American Markets for Intrinsically Safe Equipment," by Venture Development Corp. Total shipments delivered to North America are expected to grow at a 6.

By Staff December 1, 2002

Natick, MA – Growth rates for products used in intrinsically safe applications are projected to be much higher in North America than in Europe from 2001 to 2006, according to a new market study, ‘European and North American Markets for Intrinsically Safe Equipment,’ by Venture Development Corp.

Total shipments delivered to North America are expected to grow at a 6.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from about $191 million in 2001 to $261 million in 2006. Shipments to the more mature European market are expected to increase by a more modest 3.4% per year from $403 million to $475 million during the same period.

The study found that intrinsic-safety protection is displacing a traditional preference for explosion proofing in North American applications. The study also revealed a significant trend in implementation of intrinsically safe solutions toward the use of intrinsically safe networks/buses.

Projected growth in intrinsically safe network/bus products

Intrinsically safe network/bus interface products Projected shipment from growth rates 2001 to 2006 Projected shipment from growth rates 2001 to 2006
Europe North America
Distributed/remote I/O 6.0% 10.0%
Field devices* 8.4% 11.8%
*Includes I/P converters, operator interface displays/monitors/terminals, solenoid valves, and transmitters for flow, level, pressure and temperature.
Source: Control Engineering with data from Venture Development Corp. (Natick, MA), www.vdc-corp.com .