Pressure Measurement & Control


Efficient measurement of compressed air using the EtherCAT system

November 2013 Pressure Measurement & Control

The EP3744 EtherCAT Box has four pressure inputs with integrated 6 mm fittings. The pressure is measured as the difference to the fifth pressure connection, which is fed via a hose into a protective housing for IP67 conformity. The measured data is provided in the form of 16-bit values which are transmitted in an electrically isolated manner to the controller. The measuring range is 0 to 1 bar, with a resolution of 1 mbar per digit.

This all adds up to a compact standalone device for the direct measurement and monitoring of pressure in the field. On the one hand, long routes or hose connections from the process to the control cabinet are eliminated. On the other, the frequently stipulated isolation of electrical and pneumatic systems is incredibly simple to achieve. Further advantages of this system integrated solution are the short reaction times due to local measurement using only one A/D converter, as well as the EtherCAT connection and additional digital I/Os making integration into the control system particularly efficient.

Detect and avoid leaks while reducing energy costs

In addition to control or regulation, analysis and diagnostics are indispensable wherever pneumatic systems are used. For example, the operating pressure can be monitored using the EP3744 EtherCAT Box and an altogether better transparency of the machine is achieved. A further important function is the avoidance of leaks, which reduces the costs associated with the generation of compressed air. Decentralised and system-integrated pressure measurement is also the ideal solution for the prompt detection and localisation of leaks.

The EP3744 can similarly contribute to a smooth workflow: for example, the vacuum necessary for the gripping process in automatic pick-and-place machines can be monitored without great expense. To do this, the EtherCAT Box only needs to be integrated into the compressed air supply of the suction gripper via a simple junction T-piece.

For more information contact Kenneth McPherson, Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0)11 795 2898, [email protected], www.beckhoff.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Electronic manometer with LED display
ifm - South Africa Pressure Measurement & Control
The new generation of PG type manometers are equipped with IO-Link and modern display units. Illuminated LED markings provide a quick overview of the current measured value. In addition to the various setting options for the display unit, IO-Link offers other advantages such as easy commissioning, quick sensor replacement and remote access options.

Read more...
New modules for distributed integration of intrinsically safe signals
Beckhoff Automation IS & Ex
Beckhoff provides a compact acquisition solution for intrinsically safe signals up to zone 0/20 with the IP67-protected EtherCAT Box modules of the EPX series.

Read more...
Beckhoff’s XPlanar boosts productivity in medical device assembly
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The intelligent transport system, XPlanar from Beckhoff provided the basis for an innovative system concept allowing the specialists at Automation NTH to reduce the space requirement of an assembly machine for medical diagnostic devices by a factor of 10.

Read more...
PC-based control for a food capsule and pod packaging machine
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice
For TME, a machine builder specialising in the packaging of powdered foods, Beckhoff’s PC-based control technology offers unlimited opportunities when it comes to performance and innovative capacity in terms of flexibility, scalability and openness.

Read more...
Multi-touch panel generation in a smart design
Beckhoff Automation Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Following over 25 years of successful in-house panel production and 12 years of expertise in multi-touch design, Beckhoff is bringing out a new smart panel design, the Next multi-touch panel generation.

Read more...
Next-generation PLC technology with advanced chatbot functionality
Beckhoff Automation IT in Manufacturing
Beckhoff is taking automation technology to the next level with TwinCAT PLC++. Both engineering and runtime are noticeably faster, without compromising on TwinCAT’s signature strengths of seamless integration, compatibility and openness.

Read more...
German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe
Beckhoff Automation News
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.

Read more...
PC-based control for fertiliser
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
On a farm in the USA, valuable ammonia is extracted from slurry and processed into ammonium sulphate. NSI Byosis has transformed this complex process into a flexible modular system. This modular approach requires an automation solution with flexible scalability in both hardware and software, which this Dutch company has found in PC-based control from Beckhoff.

Read more...
PC-based automated production system for photo calendars
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Producing up to 1800 photo calendars per hour using more than 90 servo axes, Durrer Spezialmaschinen develops a wide variety of special-purpose machines from the design phase to commissioning. A new production system for photo calendars proves the importance of comprehensive motion control expertise, with AM8000 servomotors and AX5000 servo drives from Beckhoff used for over 90 dynamically controlled axes.

Read more...
Beckhoff’s TwinCAT Vision functionality extended
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 Vision software portfolio offers additional image processing functions and extra options for camera integration.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved