Economical and environmentally friendly: The PF2M7 flow switch combines performance with low energy consumption

The digital flow switch of the PF2M7 series saves costs thanks to low self-energy consumption, offers a very precise and extensive range of flow measurements – and thus ensures greater sustainability. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

An efficient flow of gases not only determines the productivity of processes but also the costs incurred. Additionally, lower energy consumption is not only economically significant – environmental protection concerns also take high priority. With the new PF2M7 series, SMC offers a flow switch that, besides its low energy consumption, works especially environmentally friendly and cost-efficient thanks to a wide range of flow measurement ranges.

Across various industries, numerous processes involve gas media: from welding machines to leak testing devices to blow-off pulses. Precise measurement of flow rates is crucial for process efficiency and cost-effectiveness. SMC, the specialist for pneumatic and electrical automation, has developed the PF2M7 series, a digital flow switch that impresses with lower power consumption and an extensive nominal flow range. It is also compact, compatible with various media, features a two-color, rotatable display, and can be integrated into Industry 4.0 applications via IO-Link.

Economical meets high performance

The electrical supply for the digital flow switch of the PF2M7 series for the switching output variant ranges between 12 and 24 VDC (± 10%); the IO-Link version is powered with 18 to 30 VDC (± 10%). The maximum current consumption is only 35 mA – the predecessor PFM7 had a maximum of 55 mA, representing a reduction of about 36% in direct comparison. The lower power consumption is a key factor, reducing both electricity costs and overall consumption, contributing significantly to sustainability.

Despite its low power consumption, the PF2M7 series offers a wide range of applications. The nominal flow range is from 0.01 to 100 l/min with a flow ratio of 100:1, covering a broad spectrum of flow measurements. At the same time, pressure loss is extremely low: at a flow of 1 l/min, the maximum pressure loss is 6 kPa (with an inlet pressure of -70 kPa) and less than 1 kPa (with an inlet pressure of 750 kPa). For a flow of 100 l/min, the values are around 7 kPa (with an inlet pressure of 70 kPa) and under 5 kPa (with an inlet pressure of 750 kPa). Leaks that can cause up to 20% of the generated compressed air to escape – leading to unnecessary costs in the billions – are easier to detect thanks to measurement accuracy. This saves energy and costs and ensures optimized processes.

Slim, lightweight, and flexible

The housing has been redesigned by SMC engineers: With a height reduced by 4.5 mm and a length shortened by 4.7 mm, the PF2M7 series is a true lightweight at 40 g – 27.3% lighter than its predecessor. In addition to various connection options, such as plug connections with diameters of 4, 6, 8 mm or internal threads with Rc1/8, NPT1/8, G1/8 (or 1/4 each), the different mounting options on DIN rails or panel mounting offer users high flexibility. The display can also be rotated 180° to facilitate reading when mounted upside down. Furthermore, the choice of media – from dry air and nitrogen (N2) to carbon dioxide (CO2) and argon (Ar) – enables a wide range of applications.

Industry 4.0-ready

The two-color LCD display directly on the flow switch shows not only the current flow rate (l/min) and the zero-point switching range but also the cumulative flow. Thanks to IO-Link compatibility, device data can be read out and device settings can be adjusted remotely via fieldbus and an intermediate IO-Link master. A diagnostic bit embedded in the cyclic process data facilitates the detection of device issues, enabling predictive maintenance. Additionally, a bypass construction on the sensor increases resistance to moisture and foreign particles, improves sensor accuracy, and reduces susceptibility to malfunctions.