Innovative control for inflatable seats from EBRO ARMATUREN
EBRO ARMATUREN has launched INFLAS PRO with microcontroller-driven process flow. An innovative option for controlling inflatable seats.
The Hagen-based industrial valves specialist EBRO ARMATUREN has launched INFLAS PRO, an innovative method of controlling inflatable seats in the series of INFLAS valves. The control unit, equipped with a microcontroller, not only cycles the full range of operations for opening and closing the valve, it also monitors all the relevant parameters. Thus, it can proactively detect potential malfunctions in advance and report them back to the PLC via a volt-free contact.
INFLAS valves with inflatable seat
The INFLAS sealing system was developed for use of the valve with flows of highly abrasive or highly sensitive substances. In the closed valve position the sealing seat is pressed against the valve disc pneumatically. If there are any scores that have already been caused by abrasion, they are closed off by the pressure of the seat. The valve remains tight. Consequently, any abrasion wear can be compensated over a lengthy period. When the valve is opened, the sealing seat relaxes and first opens a narrow gap between the valve disc and the collar. This considerably reduces friction, as a result of which the valve disc can be opened with minimal torque. When the valve is closed, the integrated control unit checks plausibility in fractions of a second and controls flow on its own: the valve disc is moved to the ”Closed” position. At this point, the valve does not yet close completely. An annular gap between the disc and the valve body ensures that in the closing operation no abrasive substances are rubbed into the sealing seat and no sensitive products are crushed. Substance flow comes to a halt and the seat is gently pressed against the valve disc. The valve is completely closed. INFLAS valves are part of EBRO’s standard portfolio. Therefore, spare parts are available worldwide at short notice.
Innovative and anticipatory
INFLAS PRO controls the entire process flow with a microcontroller. In doing so, each individual program step is monitored and potential malfunctions are reported. This further enhances process reliability. All the relevant parameters can be customised in the control unit at any time. The use of Hall effect sensors ensures that the values recorded, e.g. for detecting the angular position of the valve disc, are extremely precise.
Look-ahead function
INFLAS is particularly recommended for use on pressure transmitting vessels because owing to pressure surges even minute scores in the sealing element can soon create channels that can become a serious issue. Signals reported by the control unit make it possible to draw conclusions about the current state of the valve. As a result, any leaks in the seat or signs of wear on the valve disc, for example, are detected accordingly. The so-called look-ahead function enables preventive maintenance by reporting potential malfunctions even before the malfunctions occur. In this way it is possible to plan maintenance procedures in advance and avoid spontaneous system outages.
INFLAS PRO operates autonomously in the field. No PLC customisations are usually required for the installation as a whole, not even for a retrofit. The control unit is actuated conventionally using 24V DC.
INFLAS valves are ideal wherever a product being conveyed through them must not be crushed or if the substance flowing is highly abrasive. Extending the service life leads to a significant reduction in maintenance effort. Virtually all EBRO valves lined internally with elastomers can be combined with INFLAS PRO.
