Posted to News on 5th Nov 2008, 11:26
Cased peristaltic pumps feature Profibus DP comms
Watson-Marlow Bredel is launching three new IP66-rated cased peristaltic pumps with certified Profibus DP networking capabilities: the 520Bp, 620Bp and 720Bp. The first model to be shipped, the Watson-Marlow Bredel 720Bp, is claimed to be the world's first cased peristaltic pump with Profibus DP.
In the past it has been necessary to use a Profibus gateway to control cased peristaltic pumps using this protocol, so 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, and offer 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 provides process flexibility, giving customers a competitive edge. Where a pump tube needs to be replaced, LoadSure elements enable 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.
Further features
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 per cent less energy, sealing to IP66 (including the LCD screen and membrane keypad) and an option for a second pump head to double the maximum flow rate to 4000l/hour on the 720Bp pump.
In contrast, the minimum flow rate (for the 520Bp) is 0.004ml/min. All flow rates are accurate and repeatable to within +/-0.5 per cent. The single-channel 520RE pump head has a large track diameter and twin sprung-roller design, resulting in tube life that is claimed to be two and a half times longer than that available from competitive pumps. All the new pumps come with a five-year warranty.
Watson-Marlow Bredel 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, 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, as well as other industries.
Watson-Marlow Bredel has field engineers who can provide advice on the optimum combination of pump and tubing for any given application, and can arrange free on-site trials for customers wishing to prove the pump and witness its benefits.
