Numerous industrial processes have an inherently risky potential. Special pressure switches support the safety of individuals and the environment. Example: the vulcanisation of tyres for automobiles. To monitor this technique, leading manufacturers utilize the model MW switch from WIKA with SIL 2 rating.
Why such a pressure switch is necessary for safety in this application is shown by way of a consider the process: In a steam-heated press, the raw tyre is first filled with hot water to adapt it to the inner form 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. Along the way, by adding sulphur, the tyre is given its elastic and robust final shape. However, when there is no appropriate monitoring, overpressure can occur in the curing press unexpectedly. If this happens, the chance of boiling hot steam escaping is high. To rule out this occurrence, tyre manufacturers generally use pressure switches to ensure 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 main one hand, they intervene in case of overpressure, and alternatively, they control the internal interlocking of the curing press to avoid it from opening accidentally before vulcanisation is completed. The process is finished the moment a preset pressure value is reached. Then your pressure switch lifts the lock. This mechanism is constantly in motion in high-throughput automatic tyre production. Consequently, the switch is continually being loaded. Consequently, it must have an extended service life at this critical point. Premature wear would otherwise result in an unscheduled shutdown of the plant.
Lowest failure probability
Tyre manufacturers therefore require pressure switches with distinct robustness and safety. For this reason, WIKA is rolling out the model MW pressure switch for safety-relevant applications such as for example 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 can be SIL 2 certified. Thus, the expected service life is about 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 highest performance level ?PL e? (lowest failure probability).
Microswitches, also with argon filling
All model MW instruments have microswitches that switch electrical loads around 250V AC, 20 A directly. For Embarrassing , 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 example in PLC applications, there is a variant with gold-plated contacts.
Retrofitting existing plants
The model MW safety pressure switches from WIKA are also suitable for retrofitting. Regarding 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 operate new machines with improved safety technology. The regulation is supposed to prevent risks of danger in the long term.
Note
Further information on the model MW pressure switches and their safety features are available on the WIKA website. In case you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
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