Posted to News on 9th Oct 2017, 14:21
SICK IP69K light curtains designed for hygienic environments
SICK is introducing IP69K-rated versions of its deTec and deTem safety light curtains to provide robust options in hygienic processing environments with rigorous high-pressure, high-temperature wash-down procedures.
Protected by specially developed IP69K enclosures, the SICK deTec and deTem light curtains will not be compromised by aggressive regimes such as Clean- and Sterilise-in-Place (CIP and SIP). In addition, cleaning is quicker, easier and less costly than with mechanical safety protection such as access gates or safety fencing.
The IP69K light curtain enclosures are available pre-assembled with SICK deTec/deTem Core, type 4 and type 2 light curtains. Manufactured from high-impact plastic and stainless steel, the complete enclosure system and attached cable are certified to IP69k in accordance with ECOLAB and Diversey for protection against high-pressure/steam jet cleaning and can operate in temperatures from 55degC down to -30degC.
Dr Martin Kidman, SICK's UK machinery safety product manager explains: "Because the enclosure system is integrated with the light curtain, the entire system satisfies the IP69K rating and is certified against common cleaning processes according to ECOLAB and Diversey. It's a rugged and easy-clean design constructed using food-friendly plastics and stainless steel. There are no edges or gaps to act as dirt or bacteria traps and a venting system protected by a breathable, waterproof membrane, prevents misting, even across the -30degC to +55degC operating range.
"Uniquely, the SICK IP69K enclosure is customer-replaceable, so accidental damage to the enclosure is not too expensive. Ease and speed of cleaning reduces costs and downtime compared to mechanical guards and having the IP69K enclosure means that the light curtains have a long service life under difficult conditions."
With a diameter of only 50mm, the SICK IP69K light curtains are easy to locate in areas requiring hazardous point and access protection, even in cramped process production conditions. With fully pre-assembled devices, mounting, installation, commissioning and alignment are all quick and easy.
The SICK deTem4 and deTem2 Core multi-beam light curtains are available as 2, 3 or 4-beam systems with beam separations of 500mm, 400mm and 300mm, respectively. The deTem4 Core is a Type 4 device (IEC 61496) and offers protection up to PLe/SIL3 (EN ISO 13849/EN 62061), while the Type 2, deTem2 Core, offers protection up to PLc/SIL1.
SICK's deTec4 and deTec2 Core light curtains are available in protective field heights in increments of 150mm from 300mm to 1800mm with a choice of finger (14mm - deTec4 only) or hand (30mm) protection. The deTec4 Core is a Type 4 device (IEC 61496) and offers protection up to PLe/SIL3 (EN ISO 13849/EN 62061), while the Type 2, deTec2 Core, offers protection up to PLc/SIL1.
The safety light curtains provide protection against operator intervention with varying ranges up to 15.5 metres (deTem4 Core) and configuration and range adjustment is automatic requiring no additional set-up. Diagnostics is achieved through simple LED indication and additional functions can be implemented using external devices such as safety relays, the SICK Flexi Classic system or SICK's Flexi Soft modular safety controller.
For more information on the SICK IP69K light curtain enclosures or any of SICK's safety and protective devices, please visit www.sick.co.uk.
