Automation for actuators as an essential part of automation . Depending on the control medium , the company is noticing different trends . “ With electrically driven actuators , the integration of control , monitoring and maintenance functions has been state of the art for some time – take predictive maintenance for example ,” reports Air Torque . And in addition to the increasing digitization and networking variance of valve actuators in pneumatic actuators , there is a development towards a modular attachment of logic and control elements .
Digitalisation as a game changer bar pneumatische Steuerungssysteme sees a trend towards greater automation in gas applications , triggered by conversions to LNG , hydrogen plus methanol for fuel production and CO 2 capture in high-emission industries . According to bar , industries such as shipbuilding , storage and gas removal , the transport and distribution sector are also open to automation . The chemical industry on the other hand sees its competence rather in its own production performance and expects ready-made automation solutions adapted to process technology . Digitalisation is considered a game changer in automation . As bar states , it provides important momentum . Depending on focus , the relevance of data can thus be used for production measurement or predictive maintenance . A sophisticated programmed automatic valve “ also increases protection against unauthorised interventions in the process sequences ”. System availability is improved by digitised actuators , controls and valves ; maintenance costs are reduced thanks to higher quality and productivity is increased . The controller , equipped with suitable communication , is part of the future Smart Factory : Proper data management allows for reduced emissions , improved recycling processes , and minimized production waste .
Sensor and actuator profiles
Digitalisation is taking automation to a new level : As such , the aim is to further optimize the IO-Link – as a communication system for linking intelligent sensors and actuators to an automation system . The goal is an even broader and more efficient use of IO-Link in automation . This has already been achieved through the development of the Smart Sensor Profile ( SSP ). This standard allows a 1:1 exchange of similar devices from different manufacturers with their basic functions – without the need to adapt any function
Thanks to a high degree of automation , AS-Schneider was able to render its manufacturing processes more productive . Simple and repetitive tasks during assembly could now be taken over by collaborative robots . Image courtesy of Armaturenfabrik Franz Schneider GmbH + Co . KG .
blocks . “ Thanks to digital transmission via IO-Link , conversion errors are a thing of the past ,” the IO-Link community explains . Now for the next step : “ We are currently working on creating a Smart Actuator profile , because users also wish to see uniform profiles in actuator technology ,” the IO-Link community advises .
Automation for projects
As evidenced by countless projects , automation is in higher demand than ever . Valmet for instance is providing automation for a UK energy-from-waste project in Sandwell and Dudley . Amongst others , this order includes a DNA automation system , integrated controllers , and an electrical control system . The start of full operations is planned for 2025 . Another order was received by Valmet from Kuwait , to retrofit the automation system of the Sabiya energy and water distillation station – the commissioning will be completed in autumn 2024 . Emerson provides automation solutions for safety and reliability of the first largescale photovoltaic ( PV ) solar power project in New Zealand . The order includes a decentralised process control system and controllers . The aim is to minimise the impact of fluctuations and interruptions in PV power generation .
Great savings potential
However , the industry is already eyeing the next development milestone : the use of artificial intelligence ( AI ). According to the Federal Association of German Industry ( BDI ), a 20 percent improvement in plant use is possible if AI maintenance work is carried out proactively . In addition , a systematic cooperation of robots and employees will make a 20 percent higher productivity of individual work steps feasible . “ AI can make quality monitoring 50 percent more productive – for example , through automatic visual error detection for products ,” says the BDI . In certain areas , a waste reduction of up to 30 percent is possible . The potential of digitalisation and artificial intelligence for automation is therefore enormous , while at the same time there is a great need to catch up . Openness towards technology could therefore become a recipe for success for companies trying to master current challenges .
Trends and highlights from the valve industry can be experienced at VALVE WORLD EXPO from 3 to 5 December 2024 in Düsseldorf . Current industry and product information can be found on the internet portal at www . valveworldexpo . com , https :// valve-world-conference . com /. www . valve-world . net Valve World March 2024
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