Have you optimised the actuator selection according to your air network pressure?
Ascertaining the compressed air network pressure is critical to optimising the sizing of pneumatic actuators. Industrial applications commonly use 5.5 or 6 bar systems as they are believed to be the most economical in general terms. However, where higher pressure is supplied a smaller actuator
purchasing cost and a reduction in energy wastage. If the plant is running on a lower pressure a larger size actuator is required to ensure that safety factors are not compromised.
In some circumstances it can be more cost- effective to install a local pressure booster to supply air to the actuator, rather than running the entire system to deliver at the actuator’s pressure rating. Our downloadable Process Valve Automation Tool helps customers to select the right actuator and valve combination for each given pressure across a range of suppliers and manufacturers.
www.festo.co.uk/paa
What are the options for achieving greater control?
Some processes require precise control of function is not enough. We therefore need
to consider modulating options. The market offers many electro-pneumatic positioners with numerous features which are capable of operating in the toughest environments as standard. However, ATEX compliance comes at a price. If your operation is not subject to extreme conditions then a cost effective alternative might be the CMSX from Festo, which has all the core control functionality
that more expensive positioners include. If
control valve with analogue sensor box is an adequate and low cost option.
What is cheaper: Namur mounted single solenoid valves or valve terminals?
A valve terminal can supply multiple process
connectivity built in. Specifying valve terminalsreduces wiring requirements. In addition, valve terminals give visual status
manual override at a convenient location
which make commissioning and maintenance much easier because the controls are readily accessible. All these advantages sound expensive, but basic valve terminals can be very cost effective depending on the number of valves to be controlled. Savings can be even
wiring, loop-checks and start-up or even maintenance are taken into account. We have consultants who evaluate these options daily
best choice.
Are pneumatics and slow process valve movements compatible?
Using blasts of air can initiate very quick changes to the state of equipment and this is not something that is always welcome in
regulate speed and smoothness of operation is therefore important. Flow control valves
the inlet air might lead to slip stick effect, the throttling of the outlet air can cause unwelcome side-effects. For instance, where single-acting actuators are used with a state- of-the-art Namur mounted solenoid valve the rebreather function will essentially make the valve faster. The main purpose of the rebreather function is to supply the spring chamber with clean process air instead of dusty and humid environmental air, reducing wear and corrosion. The correct way slow
control plate, which is available with one way or two way control.
Any other considerations?
Lubrication of moving parts is necessary to make sure that the pneumatic valves and actuators continue to give optimum performance. Traditionally this has entailed an ongoing maintenance requirement to check and top up lubricating oils; which not only has lifetime cost implications but also some environmental issues associated with it. Modern pneumatic systems for industrial applications now feature lifetime lubricants to offer trouble-free operation throughout their design life. The only challenge is to remember not to introduce any oils at all!
If you are looking for cost effective automation solutions we can help you understand the choices available and the implications for cost and performance. We offer individual components such as process valves, valve terminals and electrical peripheral equipment, ready-to- install solutions and control cabinets as well as control panels and controllers. Get in touch and see how we can help.
Festo Ltd
T. 0800 626 422 E.
Info_gb@festo.com
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