Door Industry Journal - Summer 2016

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk industrial doors VITECTOR Introduces New Non-Contact Door Safety System FRABA VITECTOR, a leading manufacturer of safety devices for automatic doors and other types of mechanical equipment, has introduced its new RAY-NC non- contact sensor system. Being sold in the UK by GfA UK Ltd the new system travels with the door edge and detects obstacles in the path of the moving door before any physical contact occurs. RAY-NC complies with the requirements of EN12978 and can be installed as an alternative to sensing edges, light curtains and other entrapment protection devices. It offers a convenient, safe and cost effective solution for new doors or retro-fitting existing installations. The RAY-NC features two optical modules, a transmitter and receiver that would typically be installed on opposite corners of a large automatic door. When the IR light beam between these two devices is interrupted, a warning signal is passed to the door’s control system to stop the motion of the door and avoid a collision. “So-called pre-travelling photo eyes or non-contact systems for obstacle detection are not uncommon” explains Andre Quaiser, Business Unit Manager for VITECTOR. “However, with conventional systems, unless the transmitter has a narrowly focused light beam, light reflected from nearby surfaces can ‘fool’ the system so that it fails to detect an object in the path of the moving door. With our new system, an advanced software algorithm differentiates between directly transmitted light and reflected light so that there is much less chance of failing to recognize an obstacle.” The new intelligent sensor approach allows the use of a relatively broad IR beam (+/- 10 degrees). This reduces the need for critical alignment of the transmitter unit when the system is installed and makes the system more tolerant to random motions of the beam due to vibrations in the door. As a result, installation of the RAY-NC system is quick and easy for new doors or gates, or as a retrofit for older equipment. Quaiser continues: “Some older door installations require a significant contact force between the door edge and an obstacle before a warning is triggered. Workplace safety rules coming into effect in Germany and some other jurisdictions put an upper limit on the permissible force, which could lead to doors failing mandatory safety inspections. Retrofitting these doors with a non-contacting RAY-NC system is a good way of ensuring that they are able to remain in service.” The RAY-NC optical transmitter and receiver modules are designed to extend below the lower edge of a vertical- moving door while it is open, and then retract into protective housings when the door reaches the floor or ground. The operating range is 10 metres, enough for most wide commercial and industrial doors. VITECTOR RAY-NC systems are suitable for outdoor use: all components have a protection rating of IP65 and an operating temperature range of -20 - 55ºC. For more details about the RAY-NC contact GfA UK Ltd on 01926 452452 or visit www.gfa-elektromaten.co.uk . 77 THE door industry journal summer 2016 VITECTOR RAY-NC non-contact sensor for industrial doors VITECTOR Ray-NC sensor in action