Castell USA News - from Halma PR - visit www.castell.com

Chicago, Illinois (June 9, 2010) – Effective June 7, 2010, industrial safety specialist Castell will begin operating from its new US headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.
Moving from Erlanger, Kentucky to a more central location near a major transportation hub will allow the company to provide better sales and product support to its customers across the United States.

While existing phone and fax numbers will be in service in the near-term, customers are encouraged to update their records and begin using the new contact information below from June 7th.

Castell Interlocks Inc.
150 N Michigan Ave
Suite 865
Chicago IL 60601
Ph: 312-360-1516
Fax: 312-268-5174
Toll Free: 877.341.3075
Email: ussales@castell.com
Web: www.castell.com

Since the inception of the industrial safety industry, Castell has been a leader in trapped key interlocking technology, developing key interlocks, dock safety or lockout tagout products that keep pace with the needs of emerging markets and applications in all business sectors. Its products go beyond meeting legislation to create the safest working environments possible.

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New manufacturing approach dramatically reduces lead times
Erlanger, Kentucky (March 11, 2010) – Industrial safety specialist Castell has adopted a manufacturing process to improve efficiency and benefit the end-users, machine builders and distributors who use its safety interlocks. The company is the first in the interlocking sector to implement end coding, which allows standard products to be coded at the final, rather than initial, stage of production.

With Castell’s new end coding manufacturing process, stock safety interlocks can be fitted quickly, with the coded tablet (marked CAS) added as a final system design step.

End coding enables the company’s interlocks to be fitted uncoded to machinery and remain there until they are commissioned. The coding scheme can be changed right up until commissioning is accepted, when an authorized coding engineer codes the system. As a result, standard products can now be held as stock with distributors and machine builders, speeding up the supply chain.

The system relies on a coded tablet that is inserted into the lock. Once inserted, the tablet cannot be removed or recoded, which guarantees the integrity and safety of the system. Tablets can be provided within 24 hours of being defined and requested.

Since trapped key interlocks were first designed, the production of any system could not start until each code within the system had been defined. This created a number of potential issues. There was no flexibility during the commissioning phase for alterations once the locks had been fitted. Similarly, as each unit was individually coded at the start of the manufacturing process, replacement stock required a full set of duplicates to be kept as spares. Machine builders could not stock items and orders could only be placed once end-users had confirmed codes. The product was not readily available as a stock item either at distribution outlets or from the manufacturer. Essentially, each component was a special order and as such came with an extended lead time, no matter how frequently that product was used. Castell’s new end coding system changes all this with flexible and fast safety interlocking.

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Erlanger, Kentucky (August 18, 2009) – Equipment from industrial safety specialist Castell has been added to Tapeswitch Corporation’s product line up.  Castell’s portfolio of trapped key interlocks and loading dock guarding systems will now be available in the United States through Tapeswitch.

Castell’s trapped key interlocks ensure that personnel follow a predetermined sequence of tasks to control process risks and equipment hazards.  Valves, actuators, switches, doors and processes are physically locked in a state until the right key is used. By using a trapped-key system, the next step in any process can only be unlocked and started once the previous step has been completed and the appropriate key released, guaranteeing the correct sequence of events.

Trapped key interlocking can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as machine guarding, machine control, switch gear, valve interlocking, process control and most importantly, personnel safety. For instance: in a robot cell where the robot needs to be disabled for safe personnel entry, Castell’s trapped key products ensure that a key is only released once the robot has completed a full cycle. Once the key is removed, the robot is disarmed and the key is then used in the access interlock to obtain entry to the now safe hazard zone.

To promote safety at the loading dock, Castell’s Salvo system prevents trucks from driving away during loading or unloading.  The Salvo gladhand lock attaches to a trailer’s brake line, releasing a uniquely coded key.  In an automatic system, the key is then used in an exterior control panel, which disengages the automatic door interlock so that workers may begin safely loading or unloading.  Until the automatic door interlock is bolted again, the control panel will not release the key needed to open the Salvo gladhand lock, making it impossible for a driver to depart. 

Castell’s products complement Tapeswitch’s line of electrical and photo-electric safety equipment which features a wide range of switching and sensing products, such as safety mats, sensing edges and bumpers, touchpads, and safety controllers.

For more information on Tapeswitch’s new line of trapped key interlocks and extensive line of safety products, call 631-630-0442 or email blipsman@tapeswitch.com.
 
About Castell
Since the inception of the industrial safety industry, Castell has been a leader in trapped key interlocking technology, developing products that keep pace with the needs of emerging markets and applications in all business sectors.  Their products go beyond meeting legislation to create the safest working environments possible.  A member of the global Halma group, Castell has its US offices in Erlanger, Kentucky. 

About Tapeswitch
For the last 50 years, Tapeswitch (www.tapeswitch.com) has been a major player in the development and manufacture of sensors for safety applications, and currently has the widest range of safety mat, sensing edge, and sensing bumper products available anywhere in the marketplace.  In addition to Castell’s interlocking products, the company also offers complementary electronic devices such as safety controllers and light curtain safety systems.

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Cocktail reception planned for Tuesday, July 14
Erlanger, Kentucky (July 1, 2009) – Castell will be exhibiting safety interlocking products at the Air Pollution Control (APC) Roundtable and Exposition, July 13-14, 2009 at the Woodlands Resort & Conference Center (Houston, TX).  Castell’s range of heavy-duty interlocks promotes worker safety by preventing access to live electrostatic precipitators.

Strict safety procedures are essential when working with electrostatic precipitators.  Failing to isolate the LV/HV transformer prior to maintenance operator access can expose workers to charges of over 50,000 volts.  Each time internal access to a precipitator is needed, workers must follow the step-by-step process imposed by Castell’s trapped key interlocks.  Each step releases a key which in turn permits activation of the next stage in the process, making access to live precipitators impossible.

The company’s new end-coding system facilitates faster, more accurate delivery of interlocks.  When an order is placed, locks can be quickly coded with the customer requested three-digit alphanumeric symbol. A large robust key with a neoprene seal or a stainless steel dust cap resists the plugging common in the high fly-ash environment of a precipitator guard against mechanical lock failures.  The key is capable of transmitting much more torque to the lock than a standard pin tumbler key for ease of operation. 

In addition to the company’s product exhibit at booth 37, Castell will be co-sponsoring a cocktail reception on Tuesday, July 14.  For more details on the event, jointly hosted with GE Energy’s Precipitator and Fabric Filter Divisions, CoorsTek and Stein Industries Inc., visit Castell’s booth at the show.

For live demonstrations of Castell’s lock systems and end-coding process, visit Castell’s exhibit at the APC Expo. 

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Control equipment specialists have installed Castell on dozens of jobs over past two decades
Erlanger, Kentucky (May 20, 2009) – When it comes to choosing safety interlocking devices for its air pollution and thermal control equipment installations, Hamon Research-Cottrell trusts Castell Interlocks to deliver to deliver the quality, reliability and service required.  As one of Hamon’s carefully selected preferred suppliers, Castell interlocks have protected operators on Hamon’s equipment from extreme temperatures, high voltage and fall hazards for over twenty years. 

Hamon’s state of the art technology for electrostatic precipitators, fabric filters, dry desulfurization and wet gas scrubbing systems, like all equipment of its kind, require strict adherence to safety and maintenance procedures to safeguard personnel and equipment from human error.  Hamon selects Castell’s trapped key interlocks to force workers to adhere to a step-by-step process every time internal access to equipment is needed.  Each step releases a key which in turn permits activation of the next stage in the access process.  This system prevents access to live precipitators and other machinery that may be hazardous if accessed during operation.

“Castell is known industry-wide as a quality organization that designs and manufactures a superior product,” explained Hamon Project Manager Glenn Ostfeld.  “For this reason, Castell products are often specified by Hamon, who insist on only the best from its quality approved suppliers.”

Castell has earned its reputation by producing durable products that perform well in challenging locations.  Typical light duty locking devices, such as pin tumblers, are prone to plugging and performing poorly in “dirty” environments, such as precipitators with high amounts of fly-ash.  Castell’s lock mechanism avoids this problem with a sealing key and cap to keep out dust and debris.  This design, coupled with Castell’s robust, large handled key, guards against failures.  The key is capable of transmitting much more torque to the lock than a standard pin tumbler key for ease of operation and longevity of the interlocks.

In addition to producing products that meet Hamon’s requirements for reliable, tamper-proof safety systems, Castell has also delivered outstanding service over the course of their long standing relationship. 

“For example, on a recent project, the supply of key interlocks became a part of the project critical path.  Castell understood the importance of agreed deadlines and took immediate action to ensure on time delivery to the job site, which meant that Castell has certainly proved itself capable of meeting the high standards we demand and value,” said Ostfeld.

About Castell
Since the inception of the industrial safety industry, Castell (www.castell.com) has been a leader in trapped key interlocking technology, developing products that keep pace with the needs of emerging markets and applications in all business sectors.  Its products go beyond meeting legislation to create the safest working environments possible.  A Halma company, Castell has its US offices in Erlanger, Kentucky. 

About Hamon Research-Cottrell
With over 100 years experience in the air pollution control field, Hamon Research-Cottrell (www.hamon-researchcottrell.com) provides innovative state of the art air pollution and thermal control equipment to a wide array of industries.  The company is a worldwide market leading supplier of: dry and wet electrostatic precipitators; fabric filters; dry flue gas desulfurization systems; wet gas scrubbers; DeNOx, and urea to ammonia on-site generation equipment.  Hamon provides tailor made pollution control technologies to meet ever more stringent regulations, earning renown for the quality of its design, engineering, installation and after sales support.

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Trapped key interlocks prevent unauthorized access to hazardous areas
Erlanger, Kentucky (March 4, 2009) – Trapped key interlocks from Castell were chosen by China’s Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant to safeguard two new areas of the plant during a recent expansion project. 

Castell Safety Interlocks at China's Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant

Built in 1984, the Qinshan plant was China’s first domestically designed and constructed nuclear power plant.  Expansion of the plant began in 2006, and the second phase is expected to be complete in 2011.  When the project is finished, the total generating capacity of the plant will reach 2.6 million KW with an annual output of 18-20 billion KW/H.

When dealing with energy levels of this magnitude, safety is a top priority.  Castell supplied trapped key interlocking systems for the Number 3 and Number 4 units in the second phase of the project.  The interlocks were fit to the middle voltage switchboard and to the transformer system to create a reliable busbar and transformer interlocking safety system.

Castell’s trapped key interlocks force workers to adhere to a step-by-step safety process each time access to dangerous equipment is needed.  Each step releases a key which in turn permits activation of the next stage in the process.  This system ensures that contact with live transformers is impossible.

Castell’s trapped key interlocking systems are used globally in coal-fired power plants as a safeguard for lockout tagout procedures on and around electrostatic precipitators.

The durable Castell lock mechanism with sealing key and cap resists clogging for consistent performance.  Its robust, large handled key guards against failures.  The key is capable of transmitting much more torque to the lock than a standard pin tumbler key for ease of operation and durability.

The company’s new end-coding system facilitates faster, more accurate delivery of interlocks.  When an order is placed, locks can be quickly keyed with the customer requested three-digit alphanumeric code for fast order turnaround.

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Centrally control all aspects of lockout safety
Erlanger, Kentucky (November 7, 2008) – The Iso-Lok Doc Combo from Castell combines the features of a lockable document holder with those of a safety lockout station and group lockout box.  Securely keeping both the permit to work documents and lockout equipment in the same unit, all aspects of lockout safety can now be controlled and monitored from one central location.

Up to five Permit to Work documents can be safety stored in the strong, clear Perspex cover sleeve, and ten more in a compartment behind the unit. The strong, lightweight aluminum box backboard is designed to securely hold keys, padlocks and multi-clasps (up to 15 total).

Once a Permit to Work has been completed, it can be displayed in the cover sleeve. After the necessary padlock(s) for the job have been removed, the sleeve is then locked closed by up to seven supervisor’s padlocks. Once the intended isolation is in place, the padlock keys are dropped into the slot on top of the box. They will be securely held there until the work is complete – the supervisor then opens the Doc Combo again, and the lock-out can be safely removed.

The Doc Combo also comes with a pad of 10 Permit to Work documents, and can be arranged for left- or right-handed operation. The aluminum box is finished in a durable powder coating, has a tray for the dropped-in keys, and uses removable hooks to hold the padlocks inside.

The Doc Combo, and related lockout/tagout accessories, can be quickly and securely ordered from the Iso-Lok section of www.castell.com, or by calling 859-341-3075. 

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New system creates flexible safety zone around dangerous process equipment

Erlanger, Kentucky (August 13, 2008) – Traditional mechanical and barrier methods to machine guarding are only as safe as the people using them. With Castell’s new QuadCam system, sophisticated 3-dimensional imaging technology eliminates the potential for human error and tampering.

QuadCam’s 3D detection technology is able to identify objects and people moving in and around machinery, distinguishing between one, two or more persons with real-time tracking of all people within its field of view. Machinery can not be restarted until the entire detection zone is clear of unauthorized objects and people. The highly accurate detection system ignores background objects, avoiding nuisance alarms.

The flexible system allows users to define warning and shutdown zones. When the warning zone is breached, QuadCam quickly provides visual and audible warnings to workers, and can also provide a signal to slow machinery. If the person or object continues and enters the shutdown zone, the system sends a signal to halt the machinery. Warning and shutdown signals are sent within milliseconds of an intrusion, a fast response time that prevents accidents and equipment damage.

A single QuadCam imager is capable of protecting up to an eight foot by ten foot zone, when the imager is mounted at 11 feet. Up to ten imagers, creating ten protection zones, can be managed by a single QuadCam controller, monitoring up to 800 square feet.

The entire QuadCam system is designed for user flexibility. During initial installation, plug and go harnesses enable simple imager installation, wiring, and even relocation of imagers when necessary. Reconfiguring the system is simple via a windows based PC interface, and warning and shutdown zones can be quickly redrawn with the click and drag of a mouse.

Mounted high above the machinery, the imagers can view multiple potentially dangerous areas of human and machine interaction and are tamper-resistant. When maintenance is needed, the QuadCam provides fast machine access to minimize process downtime.

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MillerEdge completes loading dock portfolio with Castell’s Salvo drive-away prevention
Erlanger, Kentucky (July 11, 2008) – To increase customer support across North America, Castell has formed a new OEM partnership with MillerEdge to carry the company’s Salvo dock safety system. 

MillerEdge has 70 years manufacturing experience in commercial and industrial emergency stopping devices for motor driven doors and gates, as well as safeguarding products for perimeter, area, and machine guarding.  The company’s unique understanding of industrial door and dock safety challenges, coupled with its engineering capabilities, will bring experienced local contacts to Castell’s Salvo customers. 

MillerEdge will provide complete sales and service support for the Salvo product, which prevents injury and damage to loading platforms by making it impossible for trucks to drive away during loading or unloading.  Once the Salvo’s Glad Hand lock is attached to the truck’s brake line, ensuring that brakes are applied and trailer movement has stopped, a uniquely coded key is released.  The key is then used in either the automatic or manual door lock, which traps the key, and allows workers inside the plant to unbolt the lock and begin loading or unloading the trailer.  When work on the trailer is complete, the door interlock is bolted and the key needed to open the Salvo Glad Hand brake lock is released, making it possible for the driver to depart.

From its facilities in Jennersville, Pa. and Tempe, Az., MillerEdge’s engineering staff will provide on-site assessments and design engineering assistance to Salvo customers in the United States and Canada.  To contact MillerEdge, visit the company’s website www.MillerEdge.com, or phone (800) 220-3343.

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New end-coding technology cuts order lead times
Erlanger, Kentucky (June 19, 2008) – Castell will be exhibiting safety interlocking products at the Air Pollution Control (APC) Roundtable and Exposition, July 14-15, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Savannah (Savannah, Ga.).  Castell’s range of heavy-duty interlocks promote worker safety by preventing access to live electrostatic precipitators.

With precipitators carrying charges of over 50,000 volts, stringent safety procedures during routine maintenance are vital to prevent operator access prior to isolation of the LV/HV transformer.  Castell’s trapped key interlocks force workers to adhere to a step-by-step process every time internal access to a precipitator is needed.  Each step releases a key which in turn permits activation of the next stage in the process.  This system ensures that access to live precipitators is impossible.

The company’s new end-coding system facilitates faster, more accurate delivery of interlocks.  When an order is placed, locks can be quickly keyed with the customer requested three-digit alphanumeric code for fast order turnaround.

The durable Castell lock mechanism with sealing key and cap resists plugging for consistent performance, even in a precipitator’s high fly-ash environment.  This design, coupled with Castell’s robust, large handled key, guards against failures.  The key is capable of transmitting much more torque to the lock than a standard pin tumbler key for ease of operation.

In addition to the company’s product exhibit at booth 5, Castell will be co-sponsoring Family Fun Night Tuesday, July 15, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.  For more details on the event, jointly hosted with GE Energy’s Precipitator and Fabric Filter Divisions, CoorsTek and Stein Industries Inc., visit Castell’s booth at the show.

For live demonstrations of Castell’s lock systems, visit Castell’s exhibit at the APC Expo. 

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