SICK's W8 Inox sensor declared 'slaughter-proof'

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 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 sensors that offers compact design, chemical and thermal material resistance and high impermeability.

Cleaning and hygiene processes test sensors to the limit

Cutting and processing machines in the meat industry have to be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to prevent hygiene risks resulting from meat products becoming contaminated with microorganisms, spores or inorganic residues. The agents used for cleaning and disinfecting the machines include surfactant-containing, acidic, chlorinated and chlorine-alkaline foam cleaners, as well as neutral 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 for long-term availability. The sensor housing made of 316L stainless steel provides a maximum amount of corrosion resistance. The plastics used for the operating elements and the front screen feature high material resistance as well. The structure and design of the W8 Inox also contribute to its long-term availability: together, the housing, cover, operating elements and front screen form a strong and leakproof unit in accordance with enclosure rating IP69K.

Electrical connection separate to cleaning area

At Danish Crown and other meat processing companies, the sensor variants with M12 male connectors and 300 mm connecting cables 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

Depending on the detection task, various photoelectric sensors are available, all of which are suitable for use with the M3 mounting kit with a distance of 25.4 mm between the holes. 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, enabling a simple switchover to SICK’s sensor technology.