Autarker Saubermann

The new impulse valve of the JSXF-P SmartVent series does away with an external control box thanks to the integrated controller, can control up to 31 remote units with a base unit, and impresses with high performance while maintaining low energy consumption. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Cross-industry development of dust-laden exhaust or ambient air streams occurs during industrial or combustion processes. These are cleaned using various filters to reduce the burden on the environment and health. For filter regeneration using jet-pulse cleaning, impulse valves are used, which typically require an external control unit. To avoid the space consumption resulting from this, SMC has now developed an autonomous impulse valve with integrated control unit: The JSXF-P SmartVent series. With one base unit, up to 31 remote units can be controlled – a concept that is unique in Germany. In addition to compactness, simplified installation and control, users benefit from a high peak pressure with low consumption, reduced cycle times, and a flow rate increased by 40 percent compared to the previous model.

What began in Prussia in 1895 with the "Technical Air Guidance" and still lives on today in the administrative regulation "TA Luft" is the responsibility to protect people from excessive dust exposure. Nowadays, bag, cassette, ceramic, or sintered metal filters ensure that dust is removed from the exhaust air of industrial plants in numerous processes. To maintain their lifespan and cleaning performance, these filters must be regularly regenerated. This is achieved by impulse valves through jet-pulse cleaning: a short compressed air burst in the opposite direction of normal cleaning, which frees the filters from their dust load – the filter cake. So far, the impulse valves required an external control unit, which not only consumes a lot of space but also leads to high wiring effort. The automation specialist SMC has therefore developed the JSXF-P SmartVent series: Thanks to an integrated controller that manages up to 31 remote units, no external control unit is needed – a concept unique in Germany.

More independence and high flexibility

The JSXF-P SmartVent series features an integrated controller (control board), allowing users to independently adjust impulse duration, cycle frequency, and impulse sequence precisely as needed. For example, the ON time can be set in ten stages (from 100 to 234 ms) and the OFF time in 16 stages (4 to 29 ms). Up to 31 remote units can be controlled via one base unit. This not only eliminates an external control box, significantly reducing space requirements, but also decreases installation, wiring, and overall process control effort. The new autonomous impulse valve thus offers a simple plug-and-play system that can be integrated into existing systems quickly.

Only a connection wiring for power supply is needed, which runs directly from the base unit to the remote units. For electrical control, the base valve can be selected with or without a differential pressure sensor connection option – optionally for the ON side or rotated 180°. Three versions (clamp connection, pipe connection, and direct mounting) and thread types (Rc, NPT, G) are available for installation. Connection sizes 3/4" (20A), 1" (25A), 1 1/2" (40A), and 2" (50A) complete the high flexibility in installation.

Powerful and energy-efficient at the same time

Thanks to the increased impulse efficiency of the JSXF-P SmartVent series, the same results can be achieved with a smaller valve size, whereas comparable solutions require larger valves. The flow rate is also 40 percent higher than the previous SMC model. Operating pressure ranges from 0.1 to 0.9 MPa, and media temperature can be between -40 and 60 °C. Overall, users benefit from comprehensive flexibility and versatility to adapt to various working conditions.

Despite its high performance, the series consumes 35 percent less compressed air than the predecessor VXF2 series due to a 45 percent shorter OFF response time. This not only reduces cycle times and increases productivity but also lowers compressed air consumption. The result: reduced costs and lower CO2 emissions. Thanks to the use of high-strength elastomer and a springless design with an integrated membrane in the valve, the JSXF-P SmartVent series has a lifespan of at least ten million cycles – an additional cost and resource-saving benefit. When combined with a differential pressure sensor, filter clogging can also be detected, further reducing energy consumption and early identification of air contamination and potential fire hazards.