Quick coupler is food friendly

August 2007 Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors

The stainless steel version of the BradConnectivity Ultra-Lock connection system from Woodhead is specifically designed and engineered to meet the stringent sanitary requirements of food, beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturers. This system has been designed for the connection of sensors and control devices features and features unthreaded stainless steel connectors, IP69K protection and patented 'push-to-lock' technology for faster, easier and more secure connections.

The company pioneered this threadless connection system, which is used to quickly and securely connect sensors and control devices used in plant floor automation systems, such as conveyors and robotic bottling and processing lines. The M12-compatible system comprises a series of integrated distribution boxes and cord sets built on Woodhead's patented push-to-lock technology. This enables fast, easy installation without turning the coupler. Control system assemblers simply push down to connect and pull up to disconnect. This reduces assembly time and effort and minimises assembler fatigue. Ultra-Lock connectors stay fully mated, even under the stresses of machine vibration and cable pulls, eliminating the risk of intermittent connections.

The system's push-to-lock connectors are made of 316 stainless steel with an absolutely smooth surface to prevent the transfer of bacteria and/or contaminants during processing and equipment wash-down. Similarly, their secure fit and threadless design prevents the lodging of any foreign material within threaded grooves. The threading in traditional M12 connectivity systems is one of the main reasons why such quick-connect systems have not gained acceptance in the food and beverage industries in the past.

The typical compression seal used in threaded connectors is dependent on how tight the operator makes the connection - too loose can allow moisture to penetrate, too tight can cause damage to the O-ring seal, which can also let in moisture and create electrical difficulties. The Ultra-Lock O-ring seal is an IP69K-rated radial seal that is operator-independent and maintains a constant pressure seal against moisture.

The seals in this system have been tested to 10 MPa water pressure at close range, so they are able to withstand the frequent equipment wash-downs typical in food and beverage plants.

For more information contact Chris Huxham, Shorrock Automation, +27 (0)12 345 4449, [email protected], www.shorrock.co.za

Further reading:

Cables and wires for food and beverage
LAPP Southern Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The strict hygiene regulations for handling foodstuffs stipulate particularly complex requirements for electrical components. The cables and accessories used must withstand a wide range of chemical, thermal and mechanical loads, and also function perfectly at all times in refrigerated and damp rooms.

Read more...

---

Redefining mobility for fibre cabling
Legrand Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
As data volumes rapidly increase globally, specialists need to take an urgent look at IT and network infrastructure, with a particular focus on vital equipment like servers, racks and fibre cabling. The Legrand team believes that advanced fibre cabling solutions, which have been developed to simplify deployment, lower costs, improve performance and enable greater densities, will efficiently meet future capacity demands.

Read more...

---

High-speed data transmission
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Data protocols are constantly evolving to enable interoperability and reliable transfer of increasing amounts of data at the highest speeds between more and more connected devices. To address this technological challenge, Fischer Connectors is expanding its platform capabilities to meet the most demanding connectivity requirements for high-speed data transfer.

Read more...

---

Robust Ethernet cordset cables
Turck Banner Southern Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Turck Banner offers a product range comprising a wealth of different connectors and cables, including over 115 000 connection technology solutions with differing degrees of complexity.

Read more...

---

What you need to know when you start using hydrogen as your fuel source
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
OEMs are taking a more serious look at hydrogen options. Although much of the market is still focused on the potential of battery-powered vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a viable supplement that is better suited for longer ranges and faster refuelling.

Read more...

---

SEW-EURODRIVE closes the loop with complete panel solutions
SEW-EURODRIVE Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
In addition to its quality range of geared motors and related solutions, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa is ‘closing the loop’ of its products by offering customers electrical control panels as part of the package.

Read more...

---

Simplify control panel connections
Turck Banner Southern Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Panel builders have new tools for bringing power and signals back into protected areas with Turck Banner’s M8 and M12 receptacles.

Read more...

---

Control cabinet-free automation
Beckhoff Automation Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
As a replacement for the conventional control cabinet, the MX-System from Beckhoff offers some major efficiency advantages. It also provides a great deal of optimisation potential in terms of the increasing shortage of skilled workers and the expanding presence of DC supply networks across the industry.

Read more...

---

Cable protection for longer runs
igus Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Polymer energy chain manufacturer, igus has introduced a new lighter weight e-chain for cable management and protection applications with large unsupported lengths and high fill weights. This was previously the domain of larger, more expensive energy chains.

Read more...

---

Panel building should be streamlined
Schneider Electric South Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Data centres run critical applications, and require equipment and infrastructure that operate at 100% uptime, as any downtime due to faulty components could have catastrophic ramifications.

Read more...

---