Air Management System
The Air Management System automatically regulates and isolates the compressed air provided to a machine to improve efficiencies during periods of inactivity. The unit generates pressure, flow, and temperature data to characterize normal operating conditions and identify trends to both compare with similar machines and enable preventative action to maintain optimal system performance. The unit does not require reprogramming of the user's PLC to operate, making integration both simple and cost effective. The high-resolution data is accessed by the PLC via fieldbus and SCADA packages via OPC UA. Using OPC UA and wireless systems, the Air Management System can be added without connector to the PLC or changes to PLC programming.
Air Management System, Assembly
The Air Management System is available in two basic configurations that vary by the standby regulator used. The A type utilizes the electro-pneumatic regulator while the B type uses the manual type standby regulator. Both types include an isolation valve and can be configured as remotes (SA) or as fieldbus connected bases (EN, PN). The hubs have an extra IO link port for connection to additional devices that can communicate through the system.
- Simple combination of standby regulation, hub, and isolation valve
- OPC UA and fieldbus communication at base units
- EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET® protocols available (EtherCAT® in development)
- Electro-pneumatic or manual standby regulator types
- Modular connection to SMC FRL components
- Four sizes available in port sizes from 1/8" to 1"
Air Management Hub
The heart of the Air Management System is the hub. Based on the PF3A flow sensor, the hub generates flow, pressure and temperature data to quantify machine operation. The standalone or remote hubs can communicate wirelessly with the base units. The base units have fieldbus communication for connection to the PLC while process data is provided via OPC UA to the customer analytics system.
- Flow, pressure and temperature data
- Control of isolation and standby regulators
- EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET® protocols available (EtherCAT® in development)
- up to 100m wireless communication range
- M12 electrical connections (M8 for wireless adapter)
- Compatible with EXW1 compact wireless units
- High security using data encryption
Standby Electro-Pneumatic Regulator
The ITV-X399 standby electro-pneumatic regulator adds functionality to the standard ITV for use in the Air Management System. Like standard ITV, it allows the user to electronically control the pressure to the device. The capability of setting a standby pressure has been added, and the non-relieving design allows the system to decay to this pressure before the ITV maintains it at the set lower pressure. A pressure ramp feature is also added that permits a controlled pressurization at start-up and eliminates the need for a separate soft-start device.
- Regulates working and standby pressure
- Pressure ramp capability for controlled system start
- M12 electrical connections
- N.C. and N.O. configurations available
Standby Regulator
The AR*S series standby regulator provides a simple, mechanical method of introducing a reduced, standby pressure to the Air Management System. A non-relieving design, the AR*S allows the system to decay naturally to the standby pressure to minimize the air required to bring the system back to full pressure after a short idle period.
- Locking knob to set "eco" standby pressure
- M12 electrical connection
- Tapped IN/OUT ports, 1/8"~1" Rc, NPT, G
Residual Pressure Relief 3-Port Solenoid Valve
The VP*E-X660/X661 series isolation (residual pressure relief) valves facilitate the Air Management System putting the machine in isolation mode for a longer-term idle state. This eliminates constant losses due to leaks in the downstream equipment. The soft option is recommended when using the AR*S series standby regulator for controlled pressurization of the system.
- Provides long term system isolation
- Soft start option for controlled system initialization
- N.C. and N.O. configurations available
Accessories
Related accessories for the Air Management System.
- Spacer with bracket
- Wireless adapter
- Cable