Danish Crown, the largest pork processing company in Europe and the second largest in the world, teamed up with the Danish Meat Research Institute to put W8 Inox photoelectric sensors from SICK Automation through a series of practical tests spanning several years – and has now classed the sensors as ‘slaughter-proof’.
Prepared for launch jointly by Danish Crown and SICK, the W8 Inox is a family of high-performance sensors of compact design with chemical and thermal material resistance, and high ingress protection. Practical tests were carried out in conjunction with the Danish Meat Research Institute and the photoelectric sensors from SICK passed with flying colours.
Cleaning and hygienic processes test sensors to the limit
Cutting and processing machines in the meat industry generally have to be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to prevent hygiene risks from meat products becoming contaminated with microorganisms, spores, or inorganic residues. The agents used for cleaning and disinfecting the machines include acidic, chlorinated, and chlorine-alkaline foam cleaners, as well as disinfectants containing hypochlorite or peracetic acid. In addition, this type of work often involves use of pressure washers to remove any adherent contamination. The W8 Inox miniature photoelectric sensor is designed specifically for long-term availability. The sensor housing made of 1.4404 (316L) stainless steel to provide the maximum amount of corrosion resistance. The plastics used for the operating elements and the front screen feature extreme material resistance as well. Moreover, the structure and design of the W8 Inox also contribute to the long term availability of the sensors. Together, the housing, cover, operating elements, and front screen, form a strong and leak-proof unit in accordance with enclosure rating IP69K.
M12 male connector and 300 mm connecting cable prove particularly popular
At Danish Crown and other meat processing companies, the sensor variants with M12 male connectors and 300 mm connecting cables are popular because they allow the electrical connection (which can be of critical importance from the point of view of leak tightness) to be installed outside of the area where pressure washers are used in close proximity to the area for cleaning.
Retrofitting made easy
Depending on the detection task, various photoelectric sensors are available, all of which are suitable for use with the M3 mounting kit. As well as being compatible with the entire W8 Inox product family, this kit is also used as standard by manufacturers of meat processing machines and systems, meaning it is easy to switch over to sensor technology from SICK.
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