The EP3744 EtherCAT Box has four pressure inputs with integrated 6 mm fittings. The pressure is measured as the difference to the fifth pressure connection, which is fed via a hose into a protective housing for IP67 conformity. The measured data is provided in the form of 16-bit values which are transmitted in an electrically isolated manner to the controller. The measuring range is 0 to 1 bar, with a resolution of 1 mbar per digit.
This all adds up to a compact standalone device for the direct measurement and monitoring of pressure in the field. On the one hand, long routes or hose connections from the process to the control cabinet are eliminated. On the other, the frequently stipulated isolation of electrical and pneumatic systems is incredibly simple to achieve. Further advantages of this system integrated solution are the short reaction times due to local measurement using only one A/D converter, as well as the EtherCAT connection and additional digital I/Os making integration into the control system particularly efficient.
Detect and avoid leaks while reducing energy costs
In addition to control or regulation, analysis and diagnostics are indispensable wherever pneumatic systems are used. For example, the operating pressure can be monitored using the EP3744 EtherCAT Box and an altogether better transparency of the machine is achieved. A further important function is the avoidance of leaks, which reduces the costs associated with the generation of compressed air. Decentralised and system-integrated pressure measurement is also the ideal solution for the prompt detection and localisation of leaks.
The EP3744 can similarly contribute to a smooth workflow: for example, the vacuum necessary for the gripping process in automatic pick-and-place machines can be monitored without great expense. To do this, the EtherCAT Box only needs to be integrated into the compressed air supply of the suction gripper via a simple junction T-piece.
Read more...Cost-effective drive technology for low-demand applications Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
With the AF1000, Beckhoff now also offers a variable frequency drive presenting a cost-effective solution for basic drive applications, including conveyor systems, pumps and fans.
Read more...PC-based control technology for DNA tests in livestock farming Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
New Zealand has been at the forefront of technological development in agriculture for years. A recent example involves the use of SNPshot DNA tests, which harness the latest technology from Beckhoff to meet the needs of farmers who take samples in the field, and DNA laboratories that process the samples.
Read more...Controlling runtime and engineering with a leap in performance Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Beckhoff is enabling a real leap in automation technology performance with TwinCAT PLC++. Both engineering and runtime can be accelerated, while the well-known TwinCAT advantages of consistent integration, compatibility and openness continue to be delivered.
Read more...VEGA handles the pressures of water treatment systems VEGA Controls SA
Pressure Measurement & Control
A water treatment system for a major metropolitan area in the Midwestern United States demands careful monitoring and management of processes across its sprawling network. Choosing VEGA for its process automation needs meant more than just obtaining precise and reliable pressure sensors.
Read more...Innovative separation of recyclable materials Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A plant built by Belgian specialist machine builder, Absolem Engineering features an innovative process for separating recyclable materials. Using PC-based control from Beckhoff, a major problem has been elegantly solved - the generation of different signal sequences for the exact synchronisation of different camera systems.
Read more...Assembly line for the automotive industry Beckhoff Automation
Electrical Power & Protection
How do you design a new assembly line and go on to reduce the footprint of the concept by another quarter? And how can you later increase the productivity of this highly consolidated line even further? Canadian automation expert, Eclipse found the answer in Beckhoff’s linear XTS transport system. After the second modernisation, the assembly line could produce two different types of pumps on the same small footprint.
Read more...Open control system for retrofit of conveyor control system Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
For every online retailer, warehouse logistics is part of the critical infrastructure. An Australian office equipment supplier has retrofitted the warehouse logistics installation of its central warehouse, and replaced the proprietary decentralised controllers of the conveyor lines with PC-based control from Beckhoff, based on powerful EtherCAT communication.
printer friendly version