EnergAir has encapsulated all the elements of its compressed air energy saving strategy into a new glossy A4 brochure entitled 'Intelligent Compressed Air Control For Industry'.
EnergAir has encapsulated all the elements of its compressed air energy saving strategy into a new glossy A4 brochure entitled 'Intelligent Compressed Air Control For Industry'. The brochure breaks down the process of energy saving into its key activities, with the aid of dedicated loose-leaf data sheets. These explain fully what is required at each key stage and how EnergAir can provide it.

The five data sheets build upon the information provided in the main 'mother' brochure.

The latter outlines the economics of energy saving with compressed air, citing relevant facts such as: compressed air generation accounts for 10% of industrial electrical consumption, and: levels of wastage are so substantial that energy savings of as much as 35% are achievable.

With the case for energy saving made, Data Sheet 1 advises how to go about quantifying the possible savings for a particular installation through the use of data logging and statistical analysis.

This means determining the efficiency of a compressor installation in terms of its off load, non-productive, running its facility for pressure optimisation and the effective utilisation of the equipment.

Data Sheet 2 takes the system user from logging and analysis to the actual management control of compressor installations.

It highlights the range of intelligent control options - Pressure Optimisation, Control Optimisation and Leakage Optimisation - offered by EnergAir's Enercon S series controllers to optimise system characteristics and reduce the energy costs associated with compressed air systems.

The third data sheet in the series homes in on the fact that compressor installations which require energy efficient improvement show a major opportunity for inverter drive systems to eliminate off-load running.

The drives in conjunction with a centralised management system will almost completely eliminate off load or non-productive running (i.e the motor is running but air is not being compressed usually represents 50% of full load power) and the associated energy cost.

Round the clock communications are covered in Data Sheet 4, the ability of the Enercon system to provide the user with the benefits of 24hour system monitoring and automated response.

EnergAir's 'S Series' communication package, when installed and connected to a phone socket, performs the function of a 'virtual service provider' permanently on site.

The EnergAir system can be used to automatically alert any designated person, or a company's nominated service partner, in the event of a 'service due' condition or a fault.

Completing the series, Data Sheet 5 is an actual example of the benefits of EnergAir's service in operation.

The example is taken from the pharmaceuticals industry and highlights savings of GBP26,000 per annum and pay back of under 12months for the EnergAir equipment installed.

Festo is to participate in this year's PPMA exhibition and is launching a number of products, including its latest Valve Terminal designed specifically for the food industry
Festo is to participate in this year's PPMA exhibition and has selected the event as the launchpad for a number of advanced products, including its latest Valve Terminal designed specifically for the food industry. Top of the bill on Festo Stand No. 531 will be the new CDVI (Clean Design Valve Island) integrated valve terminal offering food-grade hygiene compliance, wet washdown capability, resistance to cleaning agents and direct machine mounting outside of the control cabinet for easy access.

This exciting new product was developed in conjunction with one of the world's leading liquid packaging companies.

Other new products on show include a record breaking fast switching valve range featuring faster ejects and higher cycle rates, and an exclusive servo pneumatic system for predictive volumetric filling.

In addition to its new product introductions, Festo will be also showing its impressive dynamic automation models that demonstrate pneumatic and control technologies - including the new CDVI terminal - in real application examples.

In support of its broad range of specific components and systems solutions, Festo food and packaging industry specialists will be on hand for the duration of the event to discuss automation issues and offer impartial advice to visitors.

With other exhibits, the company will also highlight its continuing commitment to best-in-class applications, documentation and specialist training services.

Perfect for large installations and machines, Asco/Joucomatic's new Valve Connection System links actuators together in an easy, quick and economical way
Asco/Joucomatic introduces a connection system for actuators and solenoid valves. The Valve Connection System, VCS, comprised of a connector for each valve/actuator, a 2-wire profiled cable (the VCS line) and an interface, links actuators together in an easy, quick and economical way. The VCS is perfect for large installations and machines as up to 127 connectors for spool valves with two solenoid coils each (bistable valves) and up to 254 sensor inputs can be connected with a single cable, spanning a length of up to 2.5 km.

Automatic feedback of the control signals provides for a high degree of data protection.

With the VCS all types of valves (pneumatic valves, hydraulic valves and general purpose valves - water valves, gas valves, oil valves etc.) can be connected together.

Furthermore, spool valves can be used in the VCS individually or several can be linked together to form valve manifolds.

Fieldbus systems (eg Interbus-S or Profibus-DP) are used more and more in installations and machines to connect inputs and actuators to a controller (PC or PLC).

The VCS has been designed precisely with this in mind.

The VCS interface acts as a communication centre for a PLC, a field bus and up to 127 VCS connectors.

In a loop structure, data from the field bus passes through the interface and is transmitted to the valves via the VCS line.

The corresponding feedback from digital inputs (limit switches) is transmitted over the VCS line to the interface and from there to the fieldbus system.

All valves and actuators with their VCS connector are referred to as participants.

These participants are connected to each other and to the VCS interface over a 2-wire profiled VCS cable which supply them with electric current and data.

Each VCS connector fitted onto a valve is clamped onto the 2-wire profiled VCS cable.

When the lid of the connector is closed, the vampire-type plug automatically enables immediate contact with the wires of the VCS cable.

The participant is connected.

No tools are needed to fasten the lid.

The VCS system eliminates the need for cable stripping or fastening.

Each VCS connector is equipped with a data repeater valid for a distance of up to 20 m between two valves.

In addition to the technological features such as automatic cutting and vampire-type plugging, all the electronics used to extract data from the valves and to transmit input data from the sensors are integrated in the VCS connector, thus rendering it intelligent.

This is due to a newly developed, economical, compact-sized, ASIC electronic component at the heart of the VCS's electronic system.

The standard version of the VCS interface includes a VCS power pack.

Depending on the number of valves in the loop and its size, additional VCS power packs can be clamped directly onto the VCS cable to provide for appropriate power output and to compensate for any eventual voltage drop.

In order to ensure maximum transmission protection, the VCS line is structured as a loop, with the last valve in the line connected back to the VCS interface.

The advantage of a loop system is that the data transmitted is then fed back to the VCS interface and analysed.

The output is switched only after the transmitted data and the feedback data are fully compatible.

Faulty data blocks are thus detected and the transmission is repeated.

The valve actuators only operate when the transmitted data and the feedback data are verified as being the same.

The loop structure provides for automatic addressing: each valve is automatically recognised by its position in the loop.

As time consuming manual addressing is unnecessary, double assignments are thus avoided.

The VCS system's 'brain' is its interface which controls data transmission from the fieldbus to the VCS line.

In accordance with the fieldbus system used, the VCS interface is equipped with a corresponding fieldbus module.

These modules are available for standard protocols, such as Profibus-DP, Interbus-S, DeviceNet, etc.

Data for each participant in the loop is transmitted over the VCS cable in the form of a differential signal.

A complete data cycle is processed within approximately 3 milliseconds via the protocol and 127 connectors.

Each VCS connector has an auto-diagnostic feature enabling error indication.

As a result low voltage, overheating and short circuits can all be detected.

The VCS interface also has comprehensive error analysis function with LEDs to display status and error of the fieldbus system or the VCS line, as well as the address of a faulty valve connector.

Furthermore, the VCS interface is provided with a RS-232 interface which can be connected to a PC.

Even without a fieldbus, the system can be started up and analysed with the display software provided.

The following functions are activated via a PC: valve output setting, reading of sensor input and analysis information, verification of the configuration.

The output current is limited to 100 mA per valve coil.

All valves with a 15 mm connector mounting surface and 2 watts max can be directly supplied.

In order to supply valves with higher power ratings, 15 mm x 22 mm adapters to DIN 43650 B and 15 mm x 30 mm adapters to DIN 43650 A are also available.

Power is supplied to the VCS through the standard VCS cable and an additional power cable.

Contact of the power cable is established with the vampire-type plug when the lid of the connector is shut.

The VCS connector is supplied with a second cable (24 V), intended mainly for valves with a higher power consumption.

Power up to 1.0 Ampere (24 watts) are thus available for valve outputs.

The power cable offers another advantage.

Valves can be disconnected with an emergency switch.

The inputs, however, are still supplied with power through the VCS cable and transmission of the input status to the VCS interface remains uninterrupted.

This power cable allows the scope of application of the VCS to be extended to almost any standard valve in pneumatic and fluid control technology.

Norgren's brand new product catalogue, 'Pneumatics 2001', is now available. The new catalogue introduces 20 new Norgren products.
Norgren's brand new product catalogue, 'Pneumatics 2001', is now available. It has been launched simultaneously in Europe, Asia and the Pacific Region and is available in nine languages. The new catalogue introduces 20 new Norgren products.

Stars of the new products section are the soon-to-be launched SMART Cylinder, the programmable pressure control valve VP51 and Pneufit C composite push-in fittings.

On over 500 full-colour pages Norgren presents the complete spectrum of its pneumatic components.

Most products are available by overnight delivery from local distribution centres.

As well as products information, help in designing a pneumatic system is provided in the 'Golden Rules' section of the catalogue.

Advice on how to correctly size and calculate pneumatic components is given, conversion tables help with the comparison of different measurement standards and special attention is paid to the correct sizing of cylinders including loading calculations for the Lintra range.

In addition, Norgren will produce special editions of the catalogue for China, Brazil and the USA.

This will take into account the different standards and measurement systems used in these countries.

New product updates will be published as supplements keeping the catalogue up-to-date.

Tyco Valves and Controls have launched their new PremiAir pneumatic actuator, designed to provide reliable, compact and economical valve operation.
Tyco Valves and Controls have launched their new PremiAir pneumatic actuator, designed to provide reliable, compact and economical valve operation. While PremiAir was designed mainly for ball valves, its optimum design is suitable for all types of quarter turn valves. PremiAir's simple and lightweight construction makes it suitable for use in even the most demanding applications.

Utilising the double rack and pinion concept and delivering reliable, linear torque output, PremiAir is available in either double acting or spring return configurations within the same compact body design, eliminating the need for bolt-on spring packs.

The aluminium body of the PremiAir is hard anodized internally as well as externally, thereby minimising any potential for internal corrosion, which is one of the prime causes of performance deterioration in pneumatic actuators.

Externally, the actuator is provided with an Electrostatic Powder Coating (ESPC) finish, which provides excellent durability and environmental corrosion resistance.

For highly corrosive or hygienic services, such as saline atmospheres, high humidity zones or caustic wash down areas, for example, a Special Nickel Protection (SNP) finish is available which provides a uniform deposit of Nickel to both internal and external body surfaces.

PremiAir's list of features includes adjustable travel stops on all models to enable precise travel setting in either direction for all types of quarter-turn valves.

PremiAir's over travel adjustment is 5deg +/- 1deg, while under travel adjustment is at least 20deg.

Precision-engineered pistons incorporate Devlon V(tm) wear pads and bearing rings, and the piston is fitted with both top and bottom bearings to ensure optimal performance over an extended product life.

PremiAir's long end cover bolts ensure that springs (where fitted) are fully relaxed before the covers can be removed - a safety feature which bypasses the need for special tools to be used during disassembly.

Featuring an anti blow-out pinion drive that is positively retained within the body and cannot be inadvertently ejected by the air supply pressure, PremiAir also boasts a detachable air connection plate between the actuator and accessories, enabling the replacement of a single, inexpensive component in the event of damaged connection threads.

PremiAir actuators are designed to be directly mounted onto valves in accordance with EN ISO 5211 preferred dimensions.

Conformance to this standard also ensures standard mounting bracket compatibility.

The modular construction of PremiAir actuators enables easy attachment of a wide range of accessories, as mounting detail is in accordance with VDI/VDE

Engineers can now access 2D and 3D drawings of Norgren's core products quickly and easily via the Internet without the need to download any software.
A revolution is sweeping towards computer aided design in pneumatics. Design engineers can now access 2D and 3D drawings of Norgren's core products quickly and easily via the Internet without the need to download any software. Visitors to www.uk.norgren.com can view and manipulate a model of any component or mounting to ensure it is exactly what they want before downloading it into their own CAD software.

The free service is available now, and models of all Norgren actuators are on line.

Models of the remaining product ranges will follow later.

Ivor Oakley, Norgren's electronic communications manager, said: 'This exciting development provides design engineers with speed and convenience.

By linking a CAD engine to our website we can provide design engineers with an instant source of up-to-date models, 24 hours a day.' Engineers can rotate, zoom and pan the model on the screen and bring their designs to life even faster by using the service, which also offers: • parametric CAD modelling • a choice of native file formats including DWG, DXF, STEP, Pro-E, CATIA and IGES • interactive online CAD viewers that require no downloads • part configurator enabling quick selection of CAD models This is the latest web-based service offered by the company.

In 2000 Norgren launched its e-commerce webstore service and 24 hour online technical support facility.

Users of the new CAD service can easily access the webstore and technical support online as well as useful information about Norgren's product offering and frequently asked questions.