Numerous industrial processes have an inherently risky potential. Special pressure switches support the safety of individuals and the surroundings. Example: the vulcanisation of tyres for motor vehicles. To monitor this technique, leading manufacturers utilize the model MW switch from WIKA with SIL 2 rating.
Why such a pressure switch is essential for safety in this application is shown by a look at the process: In a steam-heated press, the raw tyre is first filled with warm water to adapt it to the inner shape of the press. Then, under the influence of pressures of around 24 bar and temperatures of 150 �C to 170 �C the vulcanisation itself occurs. In the process, by adding sulphur, the tyre is given its elastic and robust final shape. However, when there is no appropriate monitoring, overpressure may appear in the curing press without warning. If this happens, the danger of boiling hot steam escaping is high. To eliminate such an occurrence, tyre manufacturers generally use pressure switches to guarantee the safety of the process.
The model MW pressure switch with SIL 2 rating has been developed for safety-relevant applications, such as tyre vulcanisation.
Control of overpressure and interlocking
The instruments fulfil two functions simultaneously: On the one hand, they intervene in the event of overpressure, and alternatively, they control the inner interlocking of the curing press to prevent it from opening accidentally before vulcanisation is completed. The procedure is finished the moment a preset pressure value is reached. Then your pressure switch lifts the lock. This mechanism is continually in motion in high-throughput automatic tyre production. Subsequently, the switch is continually being loaded. Consequently, it will need to have a long service life at this critical point. Premature wear would otherwise lead to an unscheduled shutdown of the plant.
Lowest failure probability
Tyre manufacturers therefore require pressure switches with distinct robustness and safety. For this reason, WIKA has developed the model MW pressure switch for safety-relevant applications such as vulcanisation. As a mechanical device, the model MW will switch without reliance on any energy supply, a significant safety aspect. A SIL 2 rating relative to the IEC 61508 standard certifies the functional safety of the pressure switch. Its operational safety is also SIL 2 certified. Thus, the expected service life is approximately 90,000 pressure cycles and switching operations. The risk assessment of the model MW relative to EN ISO 13849-1 by an external certification led to the best performance level ?PL e? ( Cripple ).
Microswitches, also with argon filling
All model MW instruments have microswitches that switch electrical loads up to 250V AC, 20 A directly. For several applications, microswitch versions with argon filling provide an additional boost to safety and service life. The gas reduces oxidation, protects against corrosion and prevents sparking. For low switching powers, for instance in PLC applications, there exists a variant with gold-plated contacts.
Retrofitting existing plants
The model MW safety pressure switches from WIKA may also be suitable for retrofitting. In the case of tyre vulcanisation, they can therefore help to adapt existing installations to the specifications of DIN EN 16474, that was amended in 2015. This standard obliges tyre manufacturers to use all new machines with improved safety technology. The regulation is intended to prevent risks of danger in the long run.
Note
More info on the model MW pressure switches and their safety features are available on the WIKA website. For those who have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
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