Acerca de la aplicación
Electrolyte filling is a crucial stage in the EV battery manufacturing process. During this phase, battery cells are filled with electrolyte under vacuum using a high-precision dosing needle. Since the electrolyte can react with moisture to form corrosive by-products, it is essential to maintain very dry ambient air during the filling process. The machine itself is large and includes several movable guards that provide access to different sections.
El reto
There is a risk of electrolyte leakage, and operators might need to inspect and maintain the machine. It is important to prevent anyone from getting trapped, either by preventing the movable guard(s) from closing or by having an escape release. However, in this case drilling a hole through the guard could potentially lead to leakage of flammable gases. The use of materials containing non-ferrous metals such as copper and zinc could also lead to potential battery contamination.
La solución
Fortress desarrolló un sistema de llave atrapada para permitir el acceso a 13 secciones de la máquina de llenado de electrolitos. La aplicación de una secuencia predeterminada de eventos permite el acceso al personal sólo una vez que la máquina ha llegado a una parada controlada. Se instalaron enclavamientos de acero inoxidable en cada punto de acceso. Las llaves de personal proporcionan un nivel adicional de protección contra arranques inesperados.
Proceso paso a paso
¿Por qué llaves atrapadas y acero inoxidable?
Trapped key systems are very versatile and allow the enforcement of a predetermined sequence of events. In this case personnel can only get access once the machine has stopped. Until all the keys are returned, power cannot be restored, and the machine cannot restart.
The stainless steel interlocks used:
- are compatible with the harsh environment of battery manufacturing applications
- reduce the risk of contamination by non-ferrous metals
- are mechanical and do not require wiring, simplifying installation
In addition, personnel keys provide an additional level of protection preventing movable guards from locking when personnel are performing tasks. Since in this case drilling is not feasible and an escape release is not a viable option, the solution provided meets the customer’s needs.
Soluciones alternativas
Esta solución resolvió con éxito un reto para un cliente concreto. Fortress puede adaptarse a configuraciones alternativas y/u opciones multirrango. Comparta con nosotros los detalles de su aplicación para que podamos diseñar una solución a medida que satisfaga sus necesidades.
