February 2010
Industrial safety specialist Fortress Interlocks has introduced an ATEX Certified, explosion protected safety switch key station. The CPS4STOPXP key station is designed to release keys which can be used to control mechanical door locks that provide access to machinery and process lines operating in potentially explosive environments. Both the switch and the door locks are suitable for use in zone 1 and 2 environments such as those found in the chemical and petrochemical, paint, pharmaceutical, flour, powders and mining industries; the electrical parts are ingress protected to IP67.
Explosion Protected Safety Switch Key Station From Fortress Interlocks
The heavy duty CPS4STOPXP safety switch key station is explosion protected, available with up to a maximum of 5 safety key adaptors. By turning the first key the machine is isolated and the other 4 keys are released. These keys can be used to open a maximum of 5 ATEX Certified ‘DM’ mechanical door locks that give access to the safeguarded area. Restarting the machine is only possible when all keys are back in the CPS4STOPXP key control station. This interlocking system complies with the ATEX Directive, meeting the European Hazardous Location Designation: EExd IIC T6 category II2 GD, SIRA 00ATEX 1037X. Sealed to IP67 and IEC 60529 it is protected against corrosion, water, dust and oil.
The CPS4STOPXP features dual channel safety circuits with positive break switches. It is manufactured from stainless steel and zinc alloys for smooth and reliable operation.
The CPS4STOPXP is part of the Fortress range of amGard products that combines both trapped key interlocking and switch technology to control access to dangerous machinery thereby safeguarding personnel from injuries and significantly reducing damage and down time
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January 2010
The Fortress Interlocks design team has worked closely with ABB to develop an interlock suitable for use on the SACE Emax circuit breaker. Fortress has considerable expertise in designing complex switchgear interlocking schemes and the Breaker Lock forms an essential part of a sequential interlocking system that ensures the safe operation of switchgear.
This new lock is added to the existing range of switchgear interlocks. Fortress can supply interlocks to suit all makes and model of switchgear.
The lock is constructed of zinc alloy with internal contact surfaces made of stainless steel. It is heavy duty and suitable for high frequency applications, tested to a million operations. Fortress Breaker Locks offer in excess of 200 000 non-masterable combinations; although a limited number of masterable locks is available for some applications.
The key moves the spindle clockwise with smooth and effortless rotation, and the key is freed at the 12 o’clock for ease of operation. A spring-loaded stainless steel dustcover is available for the standard locks as an extra; customers have the option to buy a low profile key designed to fit under such covers.
The ABB Breaker Lock from Fortress Interlocks is designed for use with the entire Sace Emax range.
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September 2009
Fortress has introduced the Slide Latch to its eGard range of modular safety interlocks that regulate access to dangerous machinery.
The new eGard Slide Latch is a robust door locking device, for both hinged and sliding doors, that features an integrated tongue so it can be used in conjunction with key modules, safety switches and machine control functions. It is equipped with a self aligning actuator which works with the head bridge to realign the gate to increase robustness, allowing a misalignment tolerance of +/-7.5mm vertically and +/- 5mm horizontally. The Slide Latch handle has a built in lever to release the door lock and allows reliable actuator operation in combination with all door locking eGard configurations. The Slide Latch can easily be mounted onto current eGard configurations by simply mounting the head bridge on the existing head module.
eGard Slide Latch
The eGard Slide Latch is available in two versions, either with or without an internal release function that can unlock the door from the inside and prevents the operator from re-locking themselves back in; the machine can only be restarted from outside the guarded area.
The eGard Slide Latch provides easy handing and secondary action for locking and unlocking doors to safeguarded areas. It can be used in conjunction with all other eGard door locking configurations and is suitable for use in applications up to SIL3 (EN/IEC 62061), Category 4 and PLe (EN/ISO 13849-1).
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September 2009
Safety Specialist Fortress Interlocks has engineered the DM-I Door interlock that features an internal release mechanism that allows exit from a dangerous area even when the door is locked.
The DM unit is mounted on the outside of the guard allowing normal entry and exit using a Fortress Key. The DM-I unit is fitted to the doorpost and allows operators to enter through one access point and exit through another in multi-access applications. The DM-I features a large red button and depressing the button releases the door, even though the DM unit is still locked. The action also breaks dual safety circuits wired to the safety system of the machine to ensure it stops. Once the operator has exited, the machine cannot restart until the DM-I has been reset; the DM-I latches back in place and the machine is able to restart.
The DM-I unit can be mounted on a variety of panel thicknesses. Locks are available as standard DM units which can go up to 10 modules, or fully stainless steel, DMS, which can hold up to 5 modules; both feature +/-5° fine adjustment.
The DM-I is part of the mGard range of robust mechanical trapped key products, a completely modular system where individual modules can simply be added or removed. Suitable for use in applications up to SIL3 (EN/IEN 62061), category 4 and PLe (EN/ISO 13849-1), mGard is ideal for use in harsh environments.
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July 2009
Fortress Interlocks has introduced a modular Emergency Stop (E-stop) into its eGard range of access and control products. The E-stop module can simply be combined with any controls, switches and/or interlocks of the eGard range such as single LEDs, pushbuttons and key switches. The E-stop can also be used with AS-i systems and connection to an AS-i monitor means that programming complex functions can be completed through a single monitor and the system cannot be modified without security passwords.
eGard is a modular system that simply clips together and provides a vast number of options including the addition of stop and start switches, indicator lights or gate switch modules and designed to fit straight on to a standard extruded aluminium machine guarding without the need for additional brackets. Ease of installation of the modules and unit, and an internal network that is self-configuring, provides huge cost savings to the specifier on wiring and installations. All eGard configurations can be easily connected to PLCs and mimic panels, or used on an AS-interface network.
Configuring E-stop functions in combination with other safety or control equipment through just one connector provides a cost effective and aesthetically pleasing safety system.
eGard is suitable for use in high risk applications up to SIL3 (EN/IEC 62061), Category 4 and PLe (EN/ISO 13849-1). For more information on the configurable E-stop please visit the company website at www.fortressinterlocks.com
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June 2009
Fortress Interlocks has developed a safe access system designed to protect workers when accessing sludge centrifuges that are used in waste water treatment plants to remove excess fluid by spinning at high speed. Voltage switching units and safety key interlocks protect workers by limiting access to the centrifuges until it is absolutely safe to do so.
Fortress’ interlocks guard access covers on sludge centrifuges and are integrated with voltage switching (VS) units that calculate when the machine has run down; each access door has its own corresponding Fortress lock. The VS units monitor the back-EMF on the windings of the machine’s motor, in addition to any shorts or open circuits, and only when the centrifuge has come to a complete stop can the interlock keys that open the access points be freed. Workers can then use these keys to unlock the covers and gain access to the centrifuge machinery for operations and maintenance.
The benefit of such an operation is the significant time savings that could be made by reducing machine down-time to an absolute minimum whilst providing maximum safety and efficiency.
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February 2009
Fortress Interlocks has expanded its eGard range of safety interlocks with 2 new modules that allow the customer to purchase a version to suit their sourcing or sinking current system needs.
Those customers who have a programmable logic controller (PLC) unit that operates sinking current can now get the new BD and BE modules from Fortress that interface with the sourcing PLC input cards and operates with all standard eGard core modules. The BD module has the capability to handle 2 I/O and the BE modules can handle 8 I/O; both are TUV* approved.
eGard is a fully modular system that can control access to hazardous machinery via gate switch and trapped key technology and can also include simple machine or access controls such as push buttons, e-stops and lamps. eGard can connect to PLCs and mimic panels, or can be used on an AS-interface network.**
The beauty of eGard is its flexibility; modules and features can constantly be added or removed. eGard combines the functionality of trapped key interlocking with practically any combination of gate switch and/or control modules in one flexible unit. It simply clips together and is easily installed. Its corrosion resistant body is designed for Category 4, high risk, applications and complies with international standards.
*Technische Überwachungsvereine (Technical Inspections Organisation)
**AS-interface (AS-i) is a new cabling system that allows machinery safety equipment, such as access gate switch interlocks, to operate in parallel with standard machinery controls on a single network with a common communication protocol.
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October 2008
Fortress has introduced new Dustcovers for use with its mGard range of industrial safety interlocks. The Dustcovers are available as standard or padlockable and fit over the lock preventing build up of dust and debris that could prevent the internal lock mechanism operating correctly.
Designed to fit the CL(S), ML(S), BL(S) locks, the Dustcovers are stainless steel and spring loaded, featuring a robust clamp inside that grips the lock body. They can be mounted either vertically or horizontally and the large polished front surface provides room for customer text.
Padlockable Dustcovers are available featuring two padlock holes that accept padlocks from 3-8mm and are also compatible with Fortress scissor hasps with multiple padlockable holes. This extra lock-out feature prevents any un-authorised operation of the lock whilst keeping the interlock free from debris and in good working order.
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October 2008
Fortress Interlocks has introduced the Lockout Scissor Hasp for use in locking off dangerous machinery in the workplace.
Employees who use the lockout-tagout safety procedure can lock multiple padlocks onto the scissor hasp to secure dangerous machinery, preventing anyone powering up the machine while personnel are inside. The 316 stainless steel scissor hasp accepts up to 3 padlocks from 3-8mm and can also be daisy-chained with extra hasps should more personnel require entry.
The scissor hasp is particularly useful when there is a variable number of people requiring access to the safety zone or where equipment has to be locked off unexpectedly or for long periods of time. The machine can only be restarted when all employees are safely out of the hazardous area and have unlocked and removed their padlocks from the hasp.
In addition, the scissor hasp can be used in conjunction with existing trapped key interlocking, providing a flexible and safe environment for workers in industrial areas. The Fortress Lockout Scissor Hasp is available for use with padlockable dustcovers which protect the internal lock mechanism by preventing the build up of dust and debris inside the lock. An optional cable attachment is also available to anchor the scissor hasp.
Either solely for use with lockout-tagout, or in combination with trapped key interlocking, the scissor hasp is a versatile accessory that helps ensure employee safety.
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May 2008
ATM Automation has chosen Fortress Interlocks to safeguard workers at its Robotics manufacturing plant in Blaby, Leicestershire and on ATM robot cells at all customer sites where they are designed to ensure cells are safe for operators and meet all safety legislation.
Fortress’ eGard interlocks protect a robot cell. When an operator wants to gain access he must turn and remove the key from the unit holding the door closed. This action shuts down the power to the protected area and allows operator access. Once inside the operator is protected as no one can restart the system while he is inside.
In addition, by inserting the door key into two key switches inside the cell, the operator can manually control the robot at a reduced power allowing programming and teaching of the robot without risk. Because eGard interlocks are completely modular Fortress has also integrated the emergency stop button onto the door interlock, removing the need for a separate e-stop button and cable.
Neil Baron, Control Engineer at ATM commented: “eGard protects our workers and customers from the potential dangers of the robot cells. As it’s modular, it gives us a lot of flexibility and we were able to design the exact safety system we needed. We can also easily add or change any modules in the future depending on our needs. We’re very happy with it.”
ATM Automation is one of the UK’s leading automation suppliers producing bespoke automation robotics for the manufacturing and process industries.
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