Danish Crown, the largest pig-slaughtering business in Europe and the second largest in the world, has worked with the Danish Meat Research Institute to put photoelectric sensors of the W8 Inox product family SICK through a series of practical tests over several years - and has now classified the sensors as slaughter-proof. 
W8 Inox Miniature photoelectric sensor
With the W8 Inox, Danish Crown and SICK have cooperated in launching a sensor series that is convincing in terms of compact size, sensor performance, chemical and thermal material resistance, and utmost leak tightness. Following the success of the practical tests with the Danish Meat Research Institute, Danish Crown has opted to use the W8 Inox for installation in its meat-processing machines.
Cleaning and hygiene processes test sensors to the limit
Cutting and processing machines in the meat industry are just some of the typical systems that have to be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to prevent hygiene risks resulting from meat products becoming contaminated with microorganisms, spore producers, or inorganic residues. The agents used for cleaning and disinfecting include, among others, surfactant-containing, acidic, chlorinated, and chlorine-alkaline foam cleaners, as well as neutral disinfectants containing hypochlorite or peracetic acid. In addition, this type of work often involves use of pressure washers to remove any adherent contamination. In order for the sensors to stand up to these ambient conditions, they must meet particularly high standards.
W8 Inox: The photoelectric sensor not cut up by anything
The W8 Inox miniature photoelectric sensor is designed specifically for long-term availability. The selection of the various materials is oriented consistently towards the environmental requirements. The sensor housing made of 1.4404 (316L) stainless steel provides a maximum amount of corrosion resistance. The plastics used for the controls and the front screen feature utmost material resistance as well. Moreover, the structure and design of the W8 Inox also contribute to the long-term availability of the sensors. Together, the housing, cover, controls, and front screen form a strong and leak-proof unit in accordance with IP69K. This enables the individual elements as a homogenous component to reliably withstand the aggressive external cleaning methods used on the systems.
Particularly popular: M12 plugs and 300-mm connecting cable
With Danish Crown and other meat-processing companies, the sensor variants with M12 plugs and 300-mm connecting cable are very popular. They allow the electrical connection (a potentially critical point concerning leak tightness) to be installed outside of the area where pressure washers are used in close proximity to the cleaning location.
Simple retrofitting possible
Depending on the detection task, various photoelectric sensors and proximity sensors are available, all of which are suitable for use with the M3 mounting kit with a distance of 25.4 mm between the holes. Compatible not only within the product family, this design has also been established as a standard among the manufacturers of meat-processing machines and systems. Thus, converting to slaughter-proof sensor technology from SICK is possible without any problems.
- Product information: W8 Inox miniature photoelectric sensor
- Product portfolio: Miniature photoelectric sensors
- Customer information: Danish Crown
