Emergency stop regulations – a hydraulic solution

17 June, 2015

The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC 2nd Edition 1.2.3.4 states that ‘Machinery must be fitted with one or more emergency stop devices to enable actual or impending danger to be averted’. This Directive and regulations for specific industries are filtering through to hydraulic applications from fishing boat winches to car transporter ramps.

Different approaches

There are, of course, different ways of approaching the problem. With hydraulically operated machines, controlled by a mobile valve, a separate solenoid ‘dump’ valve can be incorporated in to the circuit. However, this often means extra pipework and an additional return connection.

Hydraulic Projects Ltd., the UK manufacturer of the Hy-Pro control valve ranges, provides a solution for the vehicle recovery market. To minimise costs and reduce pipework, an unloader valve has been incorporated into the Inlet section of the modular Hy-Pro V4-40 (G3/8) and V5-60 (G1/2) valve range.

Manual override

This solution has the advantage of a discreet manual override screw that will restore hydraulic power in the event of electrical failure. When incorporated into an Estop electrical circuit, it will provide a Stop Category 0 in line with BS EN 60204 -1; ‘stopping by immediate removal of power to the machine actuators (uncontrolled stop)’.

Available with N.C. or N.O. options, 12 or 24 VDC 24W continuously rated coils with an IP65 rated Hirschman connector, the module uses stainless steel components and finishes suitable for harsh environments.

With a minimal pressure drop, 210 bar working pressure and 60 L/min flow capacity the Emergency Stop Module will provide an economic, tidy solution for other machine designers and rebuilders, when specified in a Hy-Pro modular valve assembly.

New fishing boat regulations

Recently, new regulations in the fishing boat industry have introduced an E Stop requirement for net and pot winches and forestry equipment is likely to follow suit.

www.hypro.co.uk