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Automation Technologies 5/2014

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Automation Technologies 5/2014

Waste recycling: Migros

Waste recycling: Migros Zurich relies on sensor technology Stefan Diepenbrock Returning, sorting and recycling packaging materials is a must today - even for retailers. These materials often include used PET bottles and containers as well as large quantities of cardboard packaging. Sensors can help with the operation of the necessary recycling plants. Author: Stefan Diepenbrock, Manager Public Relations at Baumer in Frauenfeld, Switzerland About Company name: Baumer Group Established: 1952 Headquarters: Frauenfeld, Switzerland Turnover: CHF 400 m (2011) Employees: 2,300 worldwide Products: sensors, encoders, measuring instruments, and components for automated image processing Genossenschaft Migros Zurich ranking among the largest retail companies in Switzerland operates a recycling plant which enables resource-friendly disposal of enormous amounts of packaging waste. In doing so, they rely on Baumer optical sensors. A total of 60 Smart Reflect sensors and five O500 sensors support the functional safety of the largely automated sorting and waste disposal system. The Baumer Group is a manufacturer and developer of sensors, encoders, measuring instruments, and components for automated image processing. The company offers intelligent solutions for factory and process automation and a wide range of related products and technologies. 3,500 pallets of packaging waste Six days a week from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., approximately 200 trucks transport about 3,500 container pallets of packaging waste from the Greater Zurich area to the plant. Placed on pallets, these containers run through the extensive paths of the sorting system and are automatically emptied. In the final step, the empty “collapsible containers” are also automatically folded up, stacked, and palletized. Before the sorting system was put into operation, this had been an entirely manual process that not only took much longer but was also real “hard work”. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES 5/2014

Sensors and Measurement 02 The light barriers don’t need reflectors 01 The sensors operate flawlessly despite heavy soiling No reflector needed Given the enormous amounts of PET and cardboard waste processed here, one thing is almost unavoidable: heavy soiling of the plant by paper dust or sticker residues from PET containers. The Baumer Smart- Reflect ONDK laser sensor fills the bill in these conditions. The retro-reflective sensor does not require a separate reflector. Instead, a closed light beam is set up using a random machine part. The sensor is reliably tripped as soon as an object is physically interrupting the light barrier. At Migros SmartReflect is used for detecting pallets as they move through the sorting system. No reflector being required saves all the cost for installation and set-up. Above all, a vulnerable element prone to damage by soiling in the sorting system‘s harsh environment is eliminated. This is confirmed by André Römer, Facility Services Manager and Project Manager at Migros Zurich: “Baumer SmartReflect sensors operate flawlessly and we haven‘t had any trouble so far. The great advantage of these sensors is that no reflector is required, yet we can still enjoy all the benefits of a retro-reflective sensor.” Sensors with range of 8,000 m In addition, the photoelectric O500 sensor is installed in the bins for overfill protection. Here, this retroreflective sensor with PinPoint LED from the Next- Gen series by Baumer has been playing to its strengths. As measured by its dimensions, the O500 boasts a range of 8,000 mm. What’s more, the O500 features qTeach, a convenient and wear-free teach procedure. Teaching of the sensor is just by the touch with any ferromagnetic tool, e.g. a screwdriver. photographs: teaser fotolia www.baumer.com 03 Sensors detect pallets in the sorting system

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