New functional safety solutions improve productivity in food processing

New functional safety solutions from Sensata Technologies, a world-leading manufacturer of sensors and encoders for industrial applications, are helping to improve productivity and enhance safety in food processing plants by allowing the machine parts to be cleaned down without having to stop the run.

One of the most time-consuming tasks in food production is having to stop and clean down a machine before switching to a different product line, a process that can take a full day. Machines have to be stopped to protect employees from the dangers of moving parts and other risks, including blades and cutters. With new Functional Safety control solutions from Sensata, however, it is possible to operate the equipment at a slow but safe pace throughout the cleaning cycle.

The solutions within the Functional Safety system include Sensata’s Safely-Limited Speed (SLS) and Safe Direction (SDI) controls. Both allow the equipment to be running continuously and slowly in a controlled and safe fashion, to enable workers to continuously clean the equipment as it moves, thereby ensuring they can access all parts of the equipment easily and efficiently.

Where such systems are already in operation, the changeover time has been reduced to as little as two hours. The improved production uptime and availability of equipment more than meets the cost of upgrading to a Functional Safety system.

Encoders within Sensata’s Functional Safety solutions range include the DSM5X Series safety encoder to detect rotary speed and position. Manufactured in stainless steel and robust in design, the encoders are also IP69K compliant for the ultimate protection against the ingress of high-temperature steam and high-pressure water – essential in wash-down scenarios.