Industrial Automation Magazine India

Valve Position Feedback

Published on : Tuesday 30-11--0001

In industrial processes where liquids, air or gases are used, valves are needed for dosing and control. Pneumatic valve actuators are normally used for mechanical positioning. The valve position must be monitored electronically. Valve sensors are decisive factors for the safety, precision and reliability of the equipment.

efector valvis from ifm electronic has been designed for valve position feedback with the actuator in an upright position and up to a travel length of 80 mm. Using efector valvis means that mounting of several individual position sensors on the valve is no longer required. The system functions according to the inductive principle. It guarantees wear-free non-contact operation.

Thanks to a resolution of 0.2 mm the sensor detects even very small changes in the position of the valve. Thanks to three switching outputs, the efector valvis reliably indicates the position of the valve piston. Valve open, valve closed or a middle position, for example, for cleaning. Instead of the middle position, it is also possible to monitor seal wear. Three colour LEDs indicate which output is switched. Programming is done by pressing a pushbutton. It replaces mechanical adjustment to the valve position.

For various valve types

Thanks to various adapters, one sensor can be mounted to valves from different manufacturers, such as Alfa Laval, Bardiani, GEA, GEMÜ, Georg Fischer, Kieselmann, SPX/APV and Südmo. ifm's range of adapters covers approximately 80 % of the common valve types.

Integrated AS-Interface

For users with AS-i networks that already exist or are to be planned, ifm has developed efecor valvis type IX5030. This AS-i compatible feedback system can be connected to the yellow two-wire AS-i cable using a field module. A connection is particularly beneficial if feedback from several valves is required. This reduces wiring and costs.

Conatct:

ifm electronic India Private Limited, Kolhapur.

Tel: 0231-2672770.

Email: [email protected]