SKORPION Trapped Key Interlocking with Key Exchange

Established in the United Kingdom in 2003 IDEM Safety Switches are the UK’s largest machine safety switch manufacturer.

Continually at the forefront of innovation within this market and in providing the “Next Generation” of machine safety IDEM developed and introduced the SKORPION Trapped Key Interlocking with Key Exchange system in 2016.

Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, SKORPION has been developed to provide extremely robust mechanical coded key safeguarding and interlocking for hazardous machinery. All components of the system are available in Stainless Steel 316 or mirror polished die cast metal options.

The system works on the principle of releasing coded mechanical keys in a pre-determined sequence to ensure machine power is isolated before any access can be gained to hazardous or dangerous machinery.

After the machine control has been isolated (first key turned in the system) the key from the isolator can then be used to release other trapped keys to enable access to the guarded areas.

After release of the first key (power isolation) safeguarding can be achieved without the need for electrical wiring, this makes the system ideal for use in harsh environments.

 

Operating Principle

A trapped-key guarding system relies upon the transfer of keys between a power isolation switch (or control switch) and a locking mechanism fixed on a guard.

The essential feature of the system is that a removable key is trapped either in the guard lock, or in the power isolation switch.

The interlock on the guard is arranged so that the key is trapped and can be released only when the guard has been closed and locked.

This allows transfer of the key from the guard to the power isolation switch.

Closing the switch traps the key, so that it cannot be removed while the isolator switch is in the ON position.

If there is more than one interlock then a key-exchange block is necessary, to which all keys have to be transferred and locked in before the access key, which is of a different coding, can be released for transfer to the other guard interlocks.

Where there is more than one access guard, the key exchange block will accommodate an equivalent number of access keys.

Where a number of operations have to be carried out in a pre-determined sequence, then the transferable key is locked in and exchanged for a different one at each stage.

Please see the example for a visual explanation.

The SKORPION system offers the end user a wide range of system components and an infinite number of key codes to create their own bespoke system.

Recent product introductions have expanded the system and now include the MX Key Exchange, more isolation options including solenoid control isolation switches and solenoid release interlocks with options for rear release escape.

SKORPION can provide the end user with the solution to many interlocking applications where typical solutions are not available or create a configuration headache.

 

Advantages

• No reduction of integrity due to the distance between movable guard and control system.
• High mechanical integrity, robust fixings and holdings suitable for all types of guards.
• Eliminates the need for electrical wiring to each movable guard.
• Available in Stainless Steel 316 – making it suitable when the movable guard is placed in harsh or hostile environments.
• Suitable for CIP and SIP cleaning processes and can be high pressure hosed with detergents at high temperatures.
• Can be used where the movable guard requires to be removed completely.
• All keys are coded in the factory and it is virtually impossible to override the system.
• A trapped key system provides a quick yet safe and reliable access to machinery.
• Use of a trapped key system can also prevent shortcuts and enforce a logical set of procedures that need to be satisfied.
• Until the isolator key is returned to its original position within the lock, there is no way to enable the machinery to be re-started.

IDEM Safety Switches are based in the North West of England and our machine safety switches which receive international recognition are shipped globally from the UK and from our USA base which services the North American market.

With huge investment in R&D and innovation we utilise the latest technologies to bring new switches to the safety market.

SKORPION is part of an extensive range of machine safety switches and IDEM’s Stainless Steel 316 switches are IP69K rated and cope easily with high pressure, high temperature wash downs making them perfect for the rigorous demands of the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

We are proud to manufacture in the United Kingdom and ensuring the safety of your personnel is important to us, you can be secure in the knowledge that every single IDEM product is manufactured, tested and approved to the latest safety standards.

For more information on the full range of IDEM machine safety switches please visit www.idemsafety.com or feel free to contact us on +44 (0)1942 257070.