The World's First Profibus-Enabled IP66 Peristaltic Pumps
20 November 2009
Watson-Marlow Pumps has launched three IP66-rated cased peristaltic pumps with certified Profibus DP networking capabilities, namely the 520Bp, 620Bp and 720Bp.
In the past it has been necessary to use a Profibus gateway to control cased peristaltic pumps using this protocol, but never before has diagnostic data been available remotely via Profibus. Compared with non-networked pumps, the Profibus-compatible units reduce engineering, hardware and installation costs, as well as offering remote diagnostics that help to minimise plant downtime and maintenance costs.
The 520Bp, 620Bp and 720Bp main control and running status functions cover: start/stop, speed, direction of rotation, running hours, tacho count and flow calibration. In the unlikely event of a failure the pump will transmit an initial alarm notification covering the following: general fault, leak detected, guard open (except 520Bp) and software version mismatch. The pump can then be interrogated over the Profibus network to give more detailed analysis of the failure and provide the following diagnostic errors: overcurrent, over/under voltage, over temperature, motor stalled and tacho fault.
Plant availability is particularly important for continuous processes, and one of the advantages of remote diagnostics is that faults can be rectified more quickly and downtime minimised. Real-time diagnostic information also allows for process flexibility, giving customers a competitive edge. Where a pump tube needs to be replaced LoadSure elements allow one-minute maintenance, and guaranteed element loading improves accuracy and tube life. Patented LoadSure tube elements incorporate either industrial cam and groove connectors or sanitary Tri-clamp connectors at either end of an accurate length of peristaltic tubing.
Other features of the Profibus-enabled pumps include a fail-safe system that stops the pump in the event of a network failure, maintenance-free brushless DC motors that consume 30% less energy, sealing to IP66 (including the LCD screen and membrane keypad), and an option for a second pumphead to double the maximum flow rate to 4,000l/hr on the 720Bp pump.
In contrast, the minimum flow rate (for the 520Bp) is 0.004ml/min, and note that all flow rates are accurate and repeatable to within +/-0.5%. The single channel 520RE pumphead has a large track diameter and twin sprung-roller design, resulting in tube life that is two and a half times longer than that available from competitive pumps. All the new pumps come with a five-year warranty.
Watson-Marlow Pumps developed the Profibus-enabled pumps in response to customer requests. The new pumps add the advantages of Profibus networking to the benefits of peristaltic technology, which include the ability to dose or transfer slurries, viscous, shear-sensitive and aggressive fluids, and all without contamination of the pump or fluid. Easy to install, simple to operate and requiring minimal maintenance, peristaltic pumps are excellent for critical processes and 'difficult' fluids in the water treatment, food and drink production, pharmaceuticals and biotechnologies, print and packaging, pulp and paper, and other industries.
