Numerous industrial processes have an inherently risky potential. Triggers support the safety of people and the environment. Example: the vulcanisation of tyres for motor vehicles. To monitor this process, leading manufacturers utilize the model MW switch from WIKA with SIL 2 rating.
Why such a pressure switch is essential for safety in this application is shown by a consider the process: In a steam-heated press, the raw tyre is first filled up with warm water to adapt it to the inner form of the press. Then, consuming pressures of around 24 bar and temperatures of 150 �C to 170 �C the vulcanisation itself occurs. Along the way, with the help of sulphur, the tyre is given its elastic and robust final shape. However, if you have no appropriate monitoring, overpressure may appear in the curing press without warning. If this happens, the danger of boiling hot steam escaping is high. To eliminate such an occurrence, tyre manufacturers generally use pressure switches to ensure the safety of the procedure.
The model MW pressure switch with SIL 2 rating has been developed for safety-relevant applications, such as for example tyre vulcanisation.
Control of overpressure and interlocking
The instruments fulfil two functions simultaneously: On the main one hand, they intervene in the event of overpressure, and on the other hand, they control the inner interlocking of the curing press to prevent it from opening accidentally before vulcanisation is completed. The procedure is finished as soon as 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. Because of this, the switch is continually being loaded. Consequently, it will need to have an extended service life at this critical point. Premature wear would otherwise lead to 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 in accordance with 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 in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1 by an external certification resulted in the best performance level ?PL e? (lowest failure probability).
Microswitches, also with argon filling
All model MW instruments have microswitches that switch electrical loads up to 250V AC, 20 A directly. For certain applications, microswitch versions with argon filling offer an additional boost to safety and service life. The gas reduces oxidation, protects against corrosion and prevents sparking. For low switching powers, for instance in PLC applications, there is a variant with gold-plated contacts.
Retrofitting existing plants
The model MW safety pressure switches from WIKA may also be suitable for retrofitting. In the case of tyre vulcanisation, they are able to therefore help adapt existing installations to the specifications of DIN EN 16474, which was amended in 2015. This standard obliges tyre manufacturers to operate all new machines with improved safety technology. The regulation is intended to avoid risks of danger in the long run.
Note
Further information on the model MW pressure switches and their safety features are available on the WIKA website. For those who have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
Also read our articles
SIL-certified: Functional safety with mechanical switches
Mechanical pressure switches: So how exactly does one set the switch point?

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