New IO-Link master future-proofs pneumatic valve systems
November 2023Editor's Choice
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Emerson has introduced a new Class A IO-Link master that provides customers with a cost-effective solution for smart and analogue sensor connectivity on the AVENTICS Series G3 Fieldbus platform. The G3 IO-Link Master is suitable for machine architectures with many sensors and pneumatic valves, and where it is important to have reliable digital data communication between field devices, such as sensors and the machine controller. Application areas include automotive, tyre manufacturing, food and beverage, packaging, and metalworking.
IO-Link is an internationally standardised I/O technology (IEC 61131-9) for communication at the sensor/actuator level in machine control. During replacement, IO-Link devices can identify and configure themselves automatically, saving maintenance time. The IO-Link master provides pneumatic valve control through direct digital data communication with the machine controller. It offers event-based and I/O mapped diagnostics. Both are important predictive maintenance requirements for Industry 4.0 and IIoT applications.
By adding the IO-Link capabilities to its valve systems, Emerson’s customers can include multiple IO-Link masters on only one G3 Fieldbus platform, saving hardware costs and enabling its customers to be future-proof and positioned for Industry 4.0/IIoT application requirements.
Customers can cut costs by reducing the number of communication nodes. G3 IO-Link master is optimised for sensor-rich applications with eight Class A ports per module to support multiple IO-Link smart and standard analogue sensors. The IO-Link master can be distributed up to 30 metres away from G3. Together with the 20 metre IO-Link cable length maximum, the sensors can be located up to 50 metres in total from the G3 Fieldbus platform. As a result, material cost is reduced, and machines are more streamlined because fewer cables are required.
The IO-Link Master offers a complete Emerson solution. Customers can experience the benefits of integrating IIoT into their systems by connecting to the IO-Link-capable Series AV03/AV05 and 500 valve systems, Series EV12 and EV18 electropneumatic pressure regulators, Series 617 Sentronic LP and Series 614 Sentronic PLUS proportional valves, Series ECD-IV and ECD-LV intelligent compact vacuum ejectors, Series SM6-AL distance measuring sensors, Series ST4-2P magnetic proximity sensors, Series PE5 and PE7 pressure sensors, and Series AF2 flow sensors. In addition, Class B IO-Link solutions can be supported with an optional T-adaptor.
The G3 is the only fieldbus electronics platform for pneumatic valve systems that contains a graphical display used for configuration, commissioning and diagnostics. It offers improvements in performance, and reduces maintenance for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users alike. The G3 IO-Link Master can also be configurable with the G3 web server. With easy access to connections, the electronic platform is simple to assemble, install, commission and maintain. G3’s functionality allows programmable logic controllers to turn valves on and off efficiently, and to channel I/O data from sensors, lights, relays, individual valves or other I/O devices via various industrial networks.
Further benefits include compatibility with the full G3 range of valve interfaces, including Series 501, 502, 503 (ISO15407-2), 2035, 2002, 2005, 2012 and 511, 512, 513 (ISO 5599-2). The G3 IO-Link Master supports the widely used protocols EtherNet/IP DLR and PROFINET. Additional protocols are available upon request.
Compact valve position indicator Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson’s new TopWorx DVR Switchbox is an entry-level addition to the DV Series of valve position indicators. It combines a durable resin enclosure, compact size, and a patented cam design that provides a reliable valve position feedback for water and wastewater systems, food and beverage production lines, and industrial utilities.
Read more...Connecting every transport node RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Stockholm's bus system strategically links urban mainline, suburban mainline, non-mainline routes, community service buses and night buses. To acquire and process data from multiple sources and analyse onboard information on their moving buses, Transdev sought a dependable and powerful onboard computer. It teamed up with CatAB, Moxa’s local representative, known for delivering top-notch industrial data communication boards and equipment since 1988.
Read more...Local range of planetary units SEW-EURODRIVE
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
As SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa actively extends its offerings to customers, the SEW PPK and SEW P2.e industrial gearbox ranges are good examples of solutions that are well suited to the local business environment.
Read more...Case History 195: Unstable reboiler steam flow Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice
A high-pressure steam flow control in a reboiler on a column in a petrochemical refinery continually cycled when placed in automatic. Several attempts had been made to tune the controller, but these had been unsuccessful.
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.
Read more...Digital industrial platforms and why they are important
Editor's Choice
One of the most significant trends driving digital transformation is the emergence of digital industrial platforms. This article will briefly explore what digital industrial platforms are, why they are important, and how they might shape the future of industrial automation.
Read more...Celebrating 65 years: rebuilding and redefining its legacy
Editor's Choice News
Founded in 1959 by Neill Simpson, Axiom Hydraulics has grown into one of South Africa’s elite hydraulic companies. Over the past six and a half decades they’ve weathered many challenges, but none as devastating as the fire of 2023.
Read more...Young robotics team takes world title igus
Editor's Choice News
In an inspiring demonstration of innovation and teamwork, Texpand, a young South African robotics team, recently made history by winning the 2024 FIRST Tech Challenge World Championships.
Read more...SAIMC: It’s not black and white SAIMC
Editor's Choice SAIMC
Grey imports are a problem worldwide, not least in the automation industry in South Africa. The Supplier Advisory Council (SAC) operates under the umbrella of SAIMC, and is tackling this problem head-on.
Read more...Loop signature 25: Tuning part 3 - Results of tuning a particular simple self-regulating process by several different methods. Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice
A couple of SWAG methods of tuning were given in the previous Loop Signature article. I have tuned a simple self-regulating process using those methods, and two other tuning methods, one of them being the sophisticated Protuner tuning package, which is the system I employ. The tests were performed on a very accurate and powerful simulation package, and the results are compared below.
printer friendly version