HDS: a new switch for heavy industry with international approvals

On the occasion of bauma 2019, the construction trade fair in Munich, the Schmersal Group presents its new series of HDS devices dedicated to heavy industry. For the first time, the modular series unites various functions on a single platform, which is thus suitable for the most varied applications. The new platform is based on the concept of a standardized housing, which comes in two variants: synthetic in thermosetting plastic or gray cast iron. The synthetic variant is resistant to aggressive media and is used, in particular, in the areas of port logistics or loading/unloading as well as in the agricultural industry, which processes fertilizers, minerals and phosphates – but also in many other areas of application. The robust gray cast iron variant is suitable for use in the mining industry as well as in the bulk goods and mining industries, for example.
Two basic variants are also available with regard to functions: EMERGENCY STOP, in the form of an emergency pull-cord switch, and position monitoring. The basic switch for position monitoring can be combined flexibly with different actuators. Typical areas of application are, for example, EMERGENCY STOP switching, monitoring of belt misalignment during handling of bulk goods, end positions in steel production or fill level in material silos.

The degrees of protection IP66 and IP67 meet the essential conditions for the use of the devices, even in the presence of extreme ambient conditions.
As an option, all basic variants can be connected to the Dupline installation bus or the AS-I-Safety-at-Work interface, allowing quick and easy interconnection of switches, daisy-chaining and better transmission of diagnostic data. Central connection terminals with “CAGE CLAMP” spring-cage technology reduce assembly times.

All devices meet the requirements that a safety contactor must meet. In addition, the HDS platform has numerous international approvals: CE (Europe), UL (USA), CCC (China), EAC (Russia), Ex, IECEx (explosion protection, international) and INMETRO (Brazil, South America). South).

“With the modular HDS platform, we have created a product that our customers can use with great flexibility for the most varied applications. In addition, the HDS platform can be used worldwide thanks to international approvals”, explains Udo Sekin, director of the heavy industry branch of the Schmersal Group. “This simplifies the worldwide marketing of plants in particular for machine builders. »

Typical areas of application are: - Emergency triggering of conveyors - Monitoring of belt offset from conveyors - Position monitoring in many processes in steel production - Filling level monitoring at transfer points or silos - Monitoring of conveyor belt breakage - Slack rope monitoring for cranes or transport devices