Castell USA News - a Halma PR news blog

Trapped key interlocks and lockout/tagout padlocks safeguard paper processing equipment.

Erlanger, Kentucky (May 15, 2007) – Castell will be showcasing safety solutions for the pulp and paper industries during the Pulp and Paper Safety Association Conference, June 10-13, 2007 at the Red Lion Jantzen Beach Conference Center (Portland, Ore.).  Castell’s access interlocks and lockout/tagout equipment increase safety in paper mill electrostatic precipitators, black liquor systems and other processing equipment.

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, preventing access to live precipitators.  In black liquor systems, trapped key interlocks can be used to physically lock ports after liquor guns are removed.  Spool pieces and associated control measures are integrated to assure the boiler is ready for water wash.

To satisfy the OSHA 1910.147 compliance issues, Castell also offers Isolok lockout/tagout products.  Padlocks, multiclasp locks, lockout bags, and storage solutions are available to secure circuit breakers, valves, live electrical installations and other hazardous equipment.  Trapped key interlocks are also an approved alternative under the ANSI-Z244 standard regarding the control of hazardous energy.

Available in brass or 316 SS, Castell’s products are designed to withstand the rigors of a pulp and paper mill.  A durable lock mechanism paired with a large-handled sealing key and cap provides protection in harsh environments and prevents the failure typically associated with other light-duty locking devices.

For live demonstrations of Castell’s lock systems, visit their exhibit at the PPSA show.  For information on the company’s full range of products, go to www.castell.com, or call 859-341-3075. 

Durable trapped key interlocks ensure precipitators are powered down prior to access.

Erlanger, Kentucky (May 4, 2007) – Maintenance on electrostatic precipitators can be dangerous if equipment is not first powered down.  Castell’s range of heavy-duty interlocks guarantees the safety of workers operating electrostatic precipitators by preventing access to live equipment.

The electrodes and collection plates in precipitators require maintenance to perform at optimum levels. With electrodes carrying a charge of over 10,000 volts, stringent safety procedures are vital if operator access prior to isolation of the LV/HV transformer is to be prevented.

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.

Typical light duty locking devices, such as pin tumblers, are prone to plugging and performing poorly in the high fly-ash environment within precipitators.  Castell’s durable lock mechanism avoids this problem with a sealing key and cap to keep out dirt or dust.  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.