Saltwater in ports, vibrations aboard ships, explosion risks on oil rigs, corrosive and abrasive bulk goods in handling plants: the ambient conditions typical for maritime engineering and port technology make high demands on the switching devices required to safely automate and monitor the processes involved.
The steute business division Controltec has therefore developed – and will present at the SMM – a wide range of heavy-duty switchgear for just such challenging conditions. Focal points at the fair will include robust emergency pull-wire switches for safeguarding conveyor systems and extensive hazardous zones – also available with Ex protection –, anti-two-block switches for ship and port cranes, as well as vibration-proof sensors. These sensors are demonstrably highly reliable and extremely durable, even when permanently exposed to vibrating ship engines.
The majority of products within this range are DNV-certified for use in complex and challenging maritime environments. The switching devices additionally feature an anti-corrosive design and a wide temperature range as far down as -60°C, depending on the product series. Position switches are frequently used in maritime engineering and port technology, and in Hamburg steute will be presenting multiple series which can be adapted to individual use cases thanks to a choice of actuators. High protection classes up to IP 66/67 and dimensions conforming to EN 50041 and EN 50047 are standard, as is certification for Ex zones 1 and 21 (gas Ex and dust Ex).
At the SMM, steute Controltec will also be offering a sneak preview of a future expansion to its product range: a prototype of the new RF 99 series. These wireless position switches have been developed specifically for use in adverse environments and have one crucial advantage: for signal transmission they do not require any cables susceptible to wear and tear or other mechanical damage. Instead, a wireless technology is implemented which is both robust and tried-and-tested – steute has been deploying this concept successfully for years.
In combination with a water-resistant, corrosion-resistant and shock-resistant thermoplastic enclosure, the RF 99 is set to become a particularly resilient solution for maritime applications. Additional information about this new product series will be available to visitors at the steute Controltec booth.
steute Controltec at the SMM: Hall B6, Booth 137