Protecting machinery against hazardous conditions

The Proton advance solenoid interlock from Mechan Controls has been designed for use on machines where hazardous conditions persist, even after the machine has been stopped. The robust design and heavy-duty solenoid can withstand up to 2000N hold force and energise under a lateral load, it is reported.

The internal specifications meet the requirements for CAT4, SIL3 and have been designed to maintain PL-e, even when connected to a safety relay or PLC. The unique mounting holes allow for easy installation on 3-faces, said to be ideal for both hinged and sliding door applications.

“The Proton R-Type offers protection against manipulation, interference and defeat, making it ideal for use in high-risk applications,” says the company. “The Proton’s unique coding technology allows for 4 billion possible codes. Should either the locking part or the actuator part be lost or damaged, the teach-in facility allows for unlimited re-teaching.”

Failsafe design

The spring-loaded actuator means the Proton excels at misalignment tolerances. It’s failsafe design also includes a uniquely coded RFID signal (4 billion codes), so only when the actuator plunger and RFID signal are satisfied will the Proton operate. The Proton R-Type uses RFID technology that meets the requirements of type 4 high level coding in accordance with EN ISO 14119

The Proton R-Type solenoid interlock features volt-free contact output technology. Each switch includes 2 normally open and 1 normally closed outputs designed to be connected to a Mechan Safety Relay (SRL-1 or EM1 & ESM) or any Safety PLC. The Proton R-Type includes 6 LEDs, three on each side, that display the same data and provide visual diagnostics for ALL states of the device. The Proton R-Type is designed to work with safety relays that have a low inrush current.

LU2 air-operated locking units

The Mechan stainless steel PLU2 air-operated locking units are “a complete, fail-safe system designed to lock a gate or access lid securely until it is safe to enter”, states the company. It incorporates both a bolt position sensor switch and a Mechan RFID switch to sense when the locking bracket is in position. The bolt must be in the out position and the locking bracket in place before the machine can be re-started.

The PLU2 has a 4000N locking force. PLU2 incorporates dual channel technology with an RFID Actuator to fulfil Cat4, SIL3, Ple, as well as type 4 high-level code according to EN ISO 14119.

The PLU2 is designed to work in the harshest of environments – for example, concrete mixers, heavy doors or any locking applications that require a holding force equal to or less than 4000N.

PLU2 Features:

• 4000 Newtons holding force
• Shot bolt for door locking
• Shock and vibration proof
• Quick-fit pneumatic connections
• Tried and tested in harsh environments
• Fail safe totally sealed cylinder
• RFID technology
• Robust and reliable design
• Complies with EN ISO 14119 high level code.

Proton-R Features:

• Uniquely coded RFID technology (4 billion possible codes)
• Maintain PL-e
• Advanced LED diagnostic display
• 2000 Newton holding force
• Ball style actuator for larger misalignment tolerance
• Complies with EN ISO 14119 high-level code
• Shock and vibration proof.