ATEX Retractor System TANKO-RT/-RTS
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Translation - Operating/installation instructions 2020/01
3 Design and Function
The spray head (all types) is connected to the piston rod by a disposable locking pin.
The device is made of stainless steel and has been developed, designed and built exclusively for
industrial and commercial use. Several versions of the device are available for different applications
and container dimensions.
3.2
General Function Description
The item numbers shown in brackets refer to the
Figure
7.5-1
: Internal Construction
; the letters
in brackets refer to the
Figure 3.1-1: General Construction
.
The basic principle of the retractor system is separation between the rest position (closed construction,
the spray head M is located in the hydraulic pipe N and therefore outside the container to be cleaned)
and cleaning mode (the spray head is extended into the container for cleaning). This movement is
actuated by a pneumatic cylinder (power cylinder P).
The power cylinder is locked in its rest position by a locking cylinder (L).
At the central bearing, a seal to the piston rod and the housing wall ensures a complete separation of
the actuator and cleaning areas.
The housing of the retractor system (hydraulic pipe) is permanently installed on the container that
needs to be cleaned. When closed (e.g. during the production process), the spray head (M) is in the
housing and creates a seal together with the container wall and the connector.
To start cleaning, compressed air is applied to the locking cylinder (L), which unlocks the power
cylinder (P). The operator's control system must ensure that the cleaning process can be started only if
moving installations in the plant that could collide with the operating area of the spray head, are in their
rest position outside the area of the spray head and are secured against being turned on again.
If this requirement is met, the power cylinder can retract the piston rod with the spray head attached
to it to the end position (signal from limit switch F) in the container. The cleaning medium that
subsequently flows into the hydraulic pipe is conveyed into the container via the spray heads.
This process uses the proven principle of the spate cleaner. The cleaning device sprays the interior
surface of the container with the cleaning agent. The material to be disposed of is loosened, dissolved
and drained away.
After completion of the cleaning process, the retractor system can be blown dry to remove any residual
fluid. The blow-out time should be 0.5 - 1 minute, and should not exceed 1 minute. The maximum
pressures for this (see
Table 3.3-3: Operating Parameter,
Hydraulic Side
) may not be exceeded. The
spray head then returns completely into the housing and an O-ring creates a complete seal to the
interior of the container. When the power cylinder reaches its end position (signal from the two limit
switches G1 and G2), the compressed air should be disconnected from the locking cylinder, which locks
the power cylinder.
The plant can then be restarted if the power cylinder is in “retracted” position (signal from both limit
switches G1 and G2) and the locking cylinder is in “locked” position (signal from limit switch K).
Locking cylinder L is single acting with spring return. This means that it is extended by compressed air
(power cylinder released, signal from limit switch J “unlocked”, retractor system can extend) and is
retracted by a spring when the compressed air is disconnected (power cylinder locked in top position,
signal from limit switch K, retractor system cannot extend).