Modular air preparation system can be supplied fully configured from the most basic requirements up to specialist assemblies.
Automation specialist Festo introduced its latest modular air preparation system at the recent PPMA show. Called the Modular Series (Type:MS), the new system can be supplied fully configured from the most basic requirements up to specialist assemblies. Specific applications such as breathing air sets and the HACCP standards imposed upon food machine builders and equipment users can be fully met with custom configured modular systems specified by a single part no.

Optimised usage of compressed air is critical for the cost effective utilisation of pneumatics.

With stringent efficiency targets it makes no sense to waste energy with a one-size-suits-all approach.

By configuring an MS air preparation set from the wide range of modular elements it is possible to make considerable savings in compressed air costs.

Specific zones of machines can be supplied with the correct degree of filtration, dryness, lubrication and pressure.

Aimed at OEMs in particular, the modular MS Series permits multiple configurations to address all their requirements in a single air preparation range.

The range is also ideal for the end user market for plant upgrades, retro fitting either to replace outdated units or to bring the plant equipment up to the new ISO air quality standards.

The range includes an array of filter modules from the standard coarse 40_$B and L_(Jm for high flow rates down to a super-fine 0.01 '$B and L' (Jm micro filter, plus activated carbon filters to eliminate micro particulates and vapours.

A modular combination of units is delivered pre-assembled and tested from a single part number.

To re-order exactly the same configuration only the part number and description needs to be called up.

As ever, comprehensive Festo software is available free of charge online to assist with configuration and ordering.

Festo also offers the most popular preconfigurations as boxed set standards.

However, even the individual parts of these are configurable: they can be specified as functional 'blocks' in any order required.

Safety is also a prominent attribute of the MS Series.

A range of isolating valves feature padlocks; regulators can also be locked to prevent tampering and permit economies to be made - supplying only the pressure needed by a machine; and slow-pressure-build-up valves allow the machine to reach operating pressure in a controlled and safe manner.

With the latter devices, air bleeds into the system at start-up until the correct pressure is reached, at which point full pressure is switched in.

MS Series components feature high-grade aluminium die cast bodies - a material that is lighter, more corrosion resistant and produces more precise castings than zinc, which is traditionally employed.

In turn, this precision enables the diaphragms inside a regulator to be more sensitive.

Two family sizes of modular MS Series components are already available: MS4 and MS6, equating to a grid size of 40mm and 60mm respectively, though Festo reports that the range will continue to grow.

Costs for the OEM or end user are reduced over comparative air preparation equipment through highly competitive pricing, itself facilitated by advanced manufacturing techniques at Festo that drive production costs down, as well as savings available through fast and easy configuration, installation and commissioning - plus the Festo pre-assembled services.