Film Extruders and Converters Investing in Corona Treater Safety Features for Operators and Productivity
Manufacturers looking for an edge in performance and safety are taking advantage of innovative machine guarding and electronic controls to make changeovers faster and to protect operators.
Enercon’s VP Technology Brian Croke says, “Enercon works with film extruders & converters to provide the level of technology that is appropriate for their operations. From simple guards and doors to more complex integrated circuitry, we help them ensure operator safety while providing productivity advantages during setup and operation.”
Machine guarding protects operators from pinch points as found with rotating ground rolls and nip rolls. It is also used to ensure operators are unable to get close to the voltage present when corona is discharging, or the system is electrically engaged. With a few additions, the safety guarding can also be used to shorten changeover time.
| Some of the options Enercon offers on new systems and for field retrofit include: | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Metal Plates | Positioned at potential pinch points where a door is not possible. Requires a tool to remove. | |||||
| Fixed Guard | Prevent operators from accessing the station and coming into contact with pinch points and active system voltage. Requires a tool to remove. | |||||
| Sliding Door | As above, but enables operators access when needed without tools | |||||
| Interlocked Sliding Door | Enables operator access by putting the system in a safe state when the door is opened. | |||||
| Interlocked Sliding Door with Locking Feature | Puts the system in a safe state prior to opening the doors and allows access only when the system is in a safe state. | |||||
| Safety Pull Cord | Allows operators to put the system in a safe state by pulling the cord | |||||
| Stack Light | Inform Operators of Current Operating Condition | |||||
Custom Safety Options Available
Enercon can integrate guarding options with your power supply and drive cabinet. In these scenarios operators can turn the system off locally, without needing to go to the power supply and perform lock-out/tag-out protocols to turn off the system. This can save time during changeover when operators need to make adjustments to segments or thread up new material.
Get in touch with an Enercon Guarding Application Specialist to see which options are appropriate for your next corona treater station or your existing models.
