Bringing Industrial Ethernet direct to the field device with single cable technology

Australian Food and beverage industries have been recently challenged with increased demand. Existing processes have felt the pressures of the added workloads, and many are looking for new and innovative ways to upgrade their businesses into the future, without the high price tag.

Many sites are running on much older fieldbus technologies such as Device Net, which is well superseded these days. The other issue is finding the level of support for Device Net set-ups, as suppliers within the industry are phasing out this level of support in a movement that almost is forcing businesses into new technology, whether they’re ready or not.

There’s no “one size, fits all”

Every manufacturer is unique in their needs and requirements, and considering new automation technology can sometimes feel overwhelming. Which fieldbus do you upgrade to, if at all, or how can you introduce smart devices without having to overhaul the entire network?

What is welcoming is that we’re saying goodbye to the days of traditional, bespoke system installations. The long drawn-out process of commissioning customised panels, taking 16 weeks to deliver are behind us.

Today’s age of fast connection and single-touch operation capabilities with standard networks and systems are designed to benefit food and beverage plants from day one:

• Open network connectivity
• Real-time diagnostics
• Expansion capabilities
• Flexible process control
• Automatic software updates
• Remote operating functions.

Within the food and beverage industry, the key to finding the best automation solution is a thorough analysis of each individual part of the plant or installation. By carrying out an in-depth analysis of the application, it can be determined if a centralised control system using non-intelligent nodes will deliver the required performance, or if the sheer size of the system means that the control has to be decentralised  — using a fieldbus system working with field controls, intelligent valves and actuators.

Hygienic equipment solutions for automation control

In the context of Industry 4.0, demand for automated processes is increasing. So too is the demand for systems with intelligent field devices that can continuously exchange large volumes of (digital) process, device and diagnostic data with the higher-level controller (PLC1).

The digitalisation of all production processes is leading to increased requirements with regard to digital data exchange between process valves and higher-level controllers/PLC.

In conjunction with Industry 4.0, Industrial Ethernet is also becoming increasingly popular. Reasons for this include the ability to access field devices directly from the controller level as well as hassle-free device installation supported by integrated Ethernet interfaces.

However, a field device with a fully integrated Industrial Ethernet interface is still a relatively costly option for most applications.

To allow users to exploit the advantages of Industrial Ethernet even without a fully fledged Ethernet device, Bürkert’s new combination of büS as a sub-bus system with the gateway Type ME43 for connecting control heads and fit-for-purpose devices to the PLC using Industrial Ethernet or fieldbus can represent a cost-effective solution.

Bürkert’s Type 8681 is equipped with a universal actuator adapter. This permits attachment to most hygienic process valves currently available on the market. In combination with the gateway Type ME43, hygienic process valves can also be easily integrated in automation systems via Industrial Ethernet. This control head is suitable for CIP applications.

Bürkert’s Type 8619 — multiCELL — multi-channel and multi-function transmitter/controller is suitable for measurement and control as well as dosing processes in applications of water treatment plants (like boiler, cooling tower or reverse osmosis systems) and food and pharma plants.

Bürkert’s Mass Flow Meters & Controllers range provides good accuracy and repeatability for gas dosing, fermentation and gas mixing processes. In Type 8745 the thermal inline sensor is located directly in the main gas stream and therefore reaches fast response times while causing a low pressure drop. A direct-acting proportional valve as regulating unit ensures sensitivity. An integrated PI controller ensures good control characteristics of the MFC.

Bürkert’s Type 8098 FLOWave Flowmeter is based on SAW (surface acoustic waves) technology and is mainly designed for applications with high hygienic demands. FLOWave has a range of integrated functions, including advantages such as flexibility, ease of cleaning, compact dimensions, lightweight design, easy installation and handling, and is compliant with numerous standards. Optimal measurement results can be achieved with homogeneous liquids, free of air and solid particles. Integrated viscosity compensation can be used for liquids with higher viscosity.

Top image caption: Brett Ferrier, Business Development Manager at Bürkert.