Device platform in WASH-DOWN and HYGIENE design - For plant design in compliance with hygiene standards

Wherever food, beverages, pharmaceutical products or even cosmetics are produced, processed or packaged, there is an underlying requirement for plant and machinery to be designed to comply with stringent hygiene requirements. Leuze electronic has launched a new series of sensors featuring a WASH-DOWN and HYGIENE design which are capable of withstanding the increased frequency and intensity of stipulated cleaning and disinfection cycles.

In addition to the standard sensors it supplies as part of its 3B series for dry applications, with its new 53 and 55 series Leuze electronic has developed a scalable housing technology which uses V4A stainless steel, making it particularly well suited to withstand intensive cleaning and disinfection processes. The new sensors comply with the requirements of ECOLAB, IP67, IP69K and additionally Leuze’s own self-imposed Cleanproof+ standard, which requires Leuze electronic to expand the scope of its testing to include additional substances and exposure to higher temperatures.

The essential differences between the 53 and 55 series lie in their subjection to different CleanProof+ testing processes and in parts of the otherwise identical housings. For the HYGIENE design sensors of the 53 series, the standard CleanProof+ tests are extended to include exposure to gassing with hydrogen peroxide and wipe-down tests using alcohol (70% proof). The differences in the housings have to do with their fixture methods. Series 55 WASH-DOWN design sensors can be mounted in the same way as conventional devices with fastening holes prepared for M4 threads. The cable or plug connection is also comparable to standard versions, but is designed to permit disinfection and is also diffusion sealed. The HYGIENE design variants come without the fastening holes, but with a fitting at the cable terminal acting as a gas-tight adapter.

The new sensor platform from Leuze electronic provides identical functional scope for all three versions (Standard, WASH-DOWN and HYGIENE design) with similar device dimensions, making available a standardized, easy-to-integrate sensor solution to the plant and machine engineering sector. The choice of designs allows the ideal model to be picked in line with the anticipated cleaning requirements. For users, the “standardized“ functional capabilities of the different models also help to cut down on the amount of necessary testing and documentation.