September 21, 2021
54 plants are to be modernised, to upgrade Vaillant’s production of hot water storage cylinders to state-of-the-art electrical and safety technology. The safety design for cylinder production was to incorporate a barrier-free solution for two older production lines, combining safety with efficiency. The loading and unloading area presented a challenge, as it was to be free of any disruptive structures.
Safety that's almost artistic
On the basis of the hazard assessment Pilz developed an unusual safety solution using the light curtains PSENopt II. The individual positioners are accessible from three sides and secure cylinders of various sizes, which are fed in manually and via crane. Pilz supported the modernisation process in a spirit of partnership, from the hazard assessment, safety concept and safety design through to system implementation. The solution was found during a joint workshop: the light curtains PSENopt II were tilted ninety degrees, the transmitter was embedded horizontally into the floor and the receivers were installed on the ceiling. That way it was possible tor the exchange between human and machine to be free from barriers, without compromising safety. The safe configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2 manages all the safety-related signals. Should a plant operator interrupt the light beams transmitted from the floor or step on one of the upstream pressure-sensitive mats, PNOZmulti 2 will trigger an immediate safe stop of the hazardous movement – with no barriers in sight!
The benefits at a glance
Allows older production lines to be operated safely and in compliance with the standards for further years to come
Barrier-free safety solution offers higher productivity and greater freedom of movement for operators
Based on the configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2, expansion modules can be used to extend the system individually
CAMBRIDGE, Ontario, Aug. 24, 2021 – Beckhoff Canada opened a Western Region Sales and Training Centre in the technology-rich Vancouver area to increase sales development and market share growth. The 2,950-square-foot office is in Tower 1 of the prominent Metrotower Office Complex in downtown Burnaby, British Columbia. 
AutomationDirect has added a new series of Contrinex M18 photoelectric sensors to their ever-growing selection of discrete sensors, as well as a new sensor tester used with various sensor types to verify operation in the field.
Whether the utility provides electricity, gas, water, or sewage treatment, management has a duty to protect employees by providing a safe work environment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the job in the facility and in the field. However, despite various PPE options, many utilities fail to supply or specify important lighting tools – namely headlamps. Unfortunately, the lack of suitable headlamps can lead to serious, even deadly accidents, in hazardous locations.
Download projects without any software
The new motion monitoring module PNOZ m EF 1MM2DO from the configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2 now also offers cascading and delayed shutdown functions in the field of safe motion monitoring. By monitoring up to eight safety functions on one axis, the new motion monitoring module provides efficient drive applications, thereby protecting both capital goods and the machine.
