Parker launches world's first clean-line pneumatic cylinder for food applications

Unlike traditional cylinders, where sensors are typically located in grooves formed in the cylinder extrusion, creating traps for liquids and debris, the new P1D cylinder has a smooth design that conforms both to the criteria established by the EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group) and to EN 1672-2:2005. This enables the P1D to be used in areas where equipment has to be suitable for intensive cleaning and resistant to a wide range of potentially aggressive substances.

This has been achieved by the development of innovative sensor technology that allows sensor system to be integrated into the internal profile of the cylinder. This new sensing technology is based on a thin and robust multi-layer strip, running along the length of the cylinder. The strip comprises a flexible conductive magnetic foil positioned above, and separate from, a potentiometer formed from two longitudinal circuits. A permanent magnet mounted around the circumference of the piston is then used to draw the conductive layer into contact with the potentiometer so that the exact position the piston can easily be established as it moves.

The sensor strip is fed directly to a logic and software PCB, again positioned within the cylinder profile, with a single stainless steel M12 connector and food-industry approved TPE seal providing a link to external control devices. These include an optional handheld programming unit or a conventional PLC, enabling the system to setup and subsequently reconfigured remotely, without the need to access machine components.

Parker will be supplying the P1D with the facility to establish up to four position signals, which can be set anywhere along the stroke length and changed as required; there is also scope to increase this number in future. These pre-sets can be used to determine factors such as piston position or for enhanced control of machine sequences, deceleration of pre-start of other machine movements. Parker will also supply cylinders preconfigured, to help design and production engineers reduce installation times still further.

The new P1D cylinder is fully sealed, has been tested and approved to IP67 and where applicable meets IP69K specification; it is also constructed to ISO 15552 dimensional standards, enabling it easily to be changed for existing devices. Additionally, Parker has refined the external surface extrusion and end caps, to ensure that the P1D is self draining and that the ingress of contamination is prevented, even when subjected to regular washdown.

The P1D is available in bore sizes from 32mm to 125mm with a stroke length of up to 500mm, can be supplied without the sensor system and is backed by Parker’s global network of customer and technical support centres.