ABB has designed a three-position device for Food and Beverage applications which enables operators to safely undertake production inspections.
Operators can use the ABB HD5 three-position device to safely enter the hazardous area for troubleshooting, reducing the need to shut down production equipment. It can also be used for programming and test running in situations where no other protection is available or feasible.
Elias Agrell ABB Global Product Specialist said: “ABB is the industry leader in safety because of innovations like the HD5. Previously it has been problematic for the Food and Beverage sector to use such a device during inspection due to the harsh environment. We developed the device with Food and Beverage customers in mind, so that they also could let their operators safely inspect the process up close.
“We are proud that HD5 has been awarded the GIT Security Award 2021 in the ‘Safety and IT-Security for Automation, Cyber Security’ category. Every detail in its ergonomic, resilient and flexible design improves maintenance and makes safety simpler for customers in demanding and fast paced sectors.”
The HD5 three-position device can be installed at the entrance point of any hazardous area where production is taking place. The operator presses the device into the middle position and picks up the HD5 control. Depending on the application, the machine will run at reduced speed when the device is activated. The door to the hazardous area can then be opened without the machine stopping. The operator can safely enter and inspect the running process of the equipment, but if the operator releases or presses harder on the three-position device, the machine function will stop immediately. A home position sensor can also detect when the device is removed from its holder and prevents other operators from over-riding the control of the machinery.
HD5 has an IP65 rating, but should condensation form inside the device during temperature changes in wet and humid environments, it has an anti-condensation membrane that lets the moisture out but prevents it from coming in.
Producers can use the HD5 in splash zones or food contact areas without worry of contamination of foodstuffs. The device has a hardened PPH (polypropylene homopolymer) plastic housing, approved for contact with foodstuff and is resistant to the Food and Beverage industry’s most used cleaning fluids and chemicals.
Fiberglass reinforcement makes the device more robust and minimizes the risk of stray plastic particles entering foodstuffs. The HD5’s smooth ergonomic design ensures there are no places for dirt or bacteria to accumulate. The device’s laser markings replace stickers to eliminate additional contamination risks.
ABB’s designers worked with customers during development to make the HD5 easy to use, offering the option of a fully integrated flashlight and additional programmable options to suit the users’ requirements.
For more information, visit https://new.abb.com/low-voltage/products/safety-products/safety-control-devices/three-position-devices
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 110,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
ABB’s Electrification Business Area is a global leader in electrical products and solutions, operating in more than 100 countries, with over 200 manufacturing sites. Our 50,000+ employees are dedicated to delivering safe, smart and sustainable electrification. With ABB AbilityTM enabled digital solutions at its core, our portfolio protects, connects and optimizes the flow of electrical energy for smarter electricity distribution for utilities, industry, buildings, infrastructure and mobility. For more information visit https://go.abb/electrification.
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