Operate cleanly, safely, and efficiently in the field of Life Science

The directly actuated 2/2-way solenoid valve of the JSX series from SMC offers flow rates of optionally 5 l/min (JSX10), 15 l/min (JSX20), or 25 l/min (JSX30). (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

The pilot-controlled solenoid valves of the JSXD series are optionally available with housings made of stainless steel, aluminum (for nominal sizes of 10 mm), brass, and bronze over 1 inch. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

The LPV tube pinch valve from SMC features a compact width of only 20 mm, reduces power consumption to up to 2.0 W, and ensures high hygiene safety, for example in analytical devices or liquid filling systems in the medical industry. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

The ionizer IZF10R in blower version from SMC reliably reduces static charge with its four adjustable flow stages, even with light workpieces or challenging space conditions. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

The compact cooling and temperature control units of the HEF series (formerly INR) save space and also protect the environment thanks to their refrigerant-free Peltier design and quiet construction. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Medical technology occupies a special position across industries: the components used here are subject to the highest demands in terms of cleanliness and safety. At the same time, the topic of energy efficiency is increasingly coming into focus. How users can fully meet the requirements here is demonstrated by SMC from November 14 to 17, 2022, at the Compamed in Düsseldorf, the world's leading trade fair for medical technology. The specialist for electrical and pneumatic automation will present, among other things, robust solenoid valves, energy-saving tube pinch valves, gentle ionizers, and climate-conscious cooling and temperature control devices.

Following the great success of the 2021 fair, according to the Compamed report, visitors to this internationally leading supplier trade fair for medical technology will again find fully booked halls this year. Among the exhibitors in Düsseldorf will be SMC: the leading manufacturer, partner, and solution provider for pneumatic and electrical automation technology will showcase new innovations from its comprehensive product portfolio in Hall 8b, Stand H04. Highlights include the durable solenoid valves of series JSX/JSXD/JSXM, the media-separated and energy-efficient tube pinch valves of series LPV, the gentle ionizers of series IZF10R that reduce static charge, and finally, the environmentally friendly cooling and temperature control devices of series HEF (formerly INR) in Peltier design.

Valves for versatile applications

When solenoid valves are used under adverse conditions, they must have high corrosion resistance. Precisely for this purpose and to be well-equipped for a wide range of tasks, SMC presents the robust solenoid valves of series JSX/JSXD/JSXM in Düsseldorf. The 2/2-way solenoid valves are reliably usable in harsh environments thanks to protection class IP67 or IP65 (models with DIN connector), have a 14% lower power consumption (compared to series VX2), and are about 25% smaller and 30% lighter than existing models. From the directly actuated series JSX to the pilot-controlled series JSXD and the modularly connected series JSXM, they are suitable for a variety of tasks in the life sciences sector.

For controlling media in analysis devices or liquid filling systems, tube pinch valves are used, which separate the medium from the internal parts of the valve. Users can achieve maximum efficiency with minimized valve width and low energy consumption with the series LPV, which SMC will present at the fair. The integrated energy-saving circuit ensures that the power consumption is only 2.0 watts (with outer diameters of 3 and 4 mm). Due to the absence of dead volume, the medium to be controlled does not come into contact with the moving parts of the valve — an advantage in terms of hygiene, but also because of the reduced pressure drop.

Thorough and gentle discharge

Electrostatic charging is also a problem in medical technology: materials can stick together, become contaminated, or be damaged. To reliably eliminate static buildup even in tight spaces, interested parties can find a solution at SMC booth H04 in Hall 8b. With the IZF10R series blower ionizer, not only can static charge be quickly dissipated. Thanks to the four adjustable flow levels, users can precisely adapt the flow to the weight of the workpiece to be discharged or the distance to the work area. Additionally, the necessary maintenance of the electrodes is indicated both by an LED display and an output signal.

Environmentally conscious temperature control

In confined spaces such as laboratory environments, temperature regulation is a challenge — also due to possible noise pollution. SMC demonstrates how to do this excellently at Compamed 2022 with the cooling and temperature control device of series HEF (formerly INR). With a temperature stability of ±0.1 °C, users can rely on a temperature setting range from 10 to 60 °C, with cooling capacity up to 220 W and heating capacity up to 500 W. The compact design, measuring only B130 × T150 × H210 mm, ensures a noise level of only 58 dB during operation — in the lowest operating mode, the value even drops to just 37 dB, roughly the noise level inside a library. Thanks to the Peltier variant, the HEF series even eliminates the need for refrigerants, enabling climate-friendly operation.