Optimized process automation – intelligent and flexible

The digital flow meters of the PF3W711 series can measure water, Deionat, or aqueous ethylene glycol solutions with a flow rate of up to 100 l/min. The two-line display is rotatable and can show additional measurement values alongside the current flow rate. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Innovation Platform ACHEMA 2018: The international leading trade fair for the process industry in Frankfurt am Main is also focusing this year on flexible production. Within Industry 4.0, this is a central theme for SMC Germany, the leading manufacturer, partner, and solution provider for pneumatic and electrical automation technology. From innovative IO-Link technologies for flexible format changeovers to complete application solutions in process automation as well as in laboratory and analytical technology, the automation experts from Egelsbach will present a comprehensive portfolio for applications around clean rooms, high purity, FDA compliance, and liquid handling at their booth C42 in Hall 1.1.

More Comfort and More Safety

Details often make the difference – both in process automation and in SMC products such as the series PF3W711/ PF3W511. The reliable and robust devices measure water, deionized water, or ethylene glycol solutions precisely up to 100 l/min in applications and processes; the PF3W712 series even up to 250 l/min. The 2-line, rotatable display is easy to read in three colors and shows, in addition to the current flow rate, extra information such as cumulative values, media temperature, and maximum or minimum values – for comfortable and safe operation. Additionally, the series PF3W711 offers even more flexibility in installation, not only as a particularly compact sensor/display unit but also in a separate form as PF3W511. The advantage: as separate units, the sensors can be space-savingly installed in the field, and the displays at a central location – for example, in the control cabinet.

Reducing Static Electricity in the Tightest Spaces

Static electricity often causes problems in many processes, such as with adhering dust or plastics sticking together. It becomes particularly tricky when there is very little space to dissipate this charge. SMC presents the new ionizers in stand-alone design of series IZT. They are equipped with a separate controller. By decoupling the ionizer and controller units, the installation height is reduced by around 60 percent. The width of the new series with a separate controller is also reduced by over 31 percent to just 30 mm (IZT41). Additionally, four ionizers can be cost-effectively connected to a single controller.

Intelligent Interplay of Various System Components

Digitalization is also a decisive factor in chemical engineering, process engineering, and biotechnology for increased productivity, greater transparency, and higher-quality solutions and products. The IO-Link technology aims to support companies in leveraging the advantages of Industry 4.0 for their production and processes. The systemic approach presented by SMC at ACHEMA 2018 is based on an intelligent interaction of various components – requiring thorough system understanding, broad application know-how, and extensive experience in solving automation-related questions. As one of the few manufacturers worldwide, SMC develops and supplies complete IO-Link systems from master to actuator/sensor from a single source – also consistently in high protection classes (IP67).