Visit the Machine Building Systems web site

Interlocks safeguard Heathrow construction

A Castell Safety International product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 7, 2003

A concrete mixing plant used in construction projects at Heathrow Terminal 5 has been fitted with a trapped-key interlocking system from Castell.

A concrete mixing plant used in construction projects at Heathrow Terminal 5 has been fitted with a trapped-key interlocking system from Castell.

Compactors Belgium, which is based in Herentals, near Antwerp, has supplied a twin plant for the production of paving-quality concrete for Terminal 5's runways and taxiways.

Compactors decided to rely on a mechanical means of granting access to the plant after many of the tongue switches previously fitted to its equipment seized up as a result of prolonged exposure to dirt or cement dust.

"Given that this is such a prestigious project, we didn't want to run into the same problems that tongue switches had caused us in the past", explains Eric Broes, Compactor's Technical Manager, who was responsible for overseeing the plant's installation.

The plant features two solenoid-controlled KSSE20 electrical switches and four AI access interlocks.

"This system is rigid and reliable", continues Broes.

"We have been so impressed with its durability and simplicity that we now fit one to every mixing plant that we produce".

Whenever an operator wishes to carry out cleaning or maintenance work on the plant, they first switch off the main power supply.

Depressing the KSSE20's pushbutton then energises the switch's solenoid and illuminates an LED to confirm that either one or both of its trapped keys can be removed.

Rotation and removal of one or both keys alters the condition of the machine's electrical supply to a safe condition, while also granting access to one or both sides of the mixing plant.

The plant's access doors can only be opened once the electrical supply has been switched into a safe condition.

Not what you're looking for? Search the site.

Back to top Back to top

Google Ads

 

Contact Castell Safety International

Related Stories

Contact Castell Safety International
Newsletter sign up

Request your free weekly copy of the Engineeringtalk email newsletter ...

Visit the Machine Building Systems web site

Articles by product category

All suppliers A - Z

A Pro-talk Publication

A Pro-talk publication