November/ December 2021

VALVE AND ACTUATOR FOCUS 32 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2021 www.hpmag.co.uk also operate with third-party process valves. The functionality is also scalable across all sizes of operation. The Type 8652 valve island integrates from 4 up to 48 valves and can provide time switching monitoring across 24 valves. For larger operations, multiple Type 8652 valve islands can be connected together to serve almost any size of process plant. The valve island and Switch Time Monitoring Function can be integrated directly into OEM machines or added by process end users. Commissioning simplicity It is possible for valve actuation monitoring to be programmed into a PLC, but this requires specific PLC programming expertise, whereas Switch Time Monitoring Function can be easily set through Bürkert’s user-friendly and free of charge Communicator software tool. This removes the need for a PLC specialist, saving time and money in commissioning. Setting up the Switch Time Monitoring Function can be quickly achieved with the wizard tool for auto-configuration, with manual settings options also available. For a quick guide to commissioning the functionality, Bürkert has created a concise video to quickly get users up and running. To control dosing and ensure product quality as well as removing the risk of unplanned downtime, valve actuation rates must be monitored. PLC programming can provide the result, but Burkert’s built-in functionality is not only faster and easier to commission and manage, it can also provide more dynamic and versatile monitoring and reporting. www.burkert.co.uk Ewellix has developed a smart electro-mechanical actuator with extended functionality, for use in demanding applications such as agricultural and construction machinery. Compared with earlier models, the smart actuator CAHB-2xS offers four new or enhanced features – in control, accurate position sensors, built-in monitoring/diagnostics and communication. It also offers a typical MTTF (mean time to failure) of 75 years. “The CAHB-2xS adds smart control functions, sensors and communication to equipment and machinery, says François Ducourant, business development manager at Ewellix. “It’s the first in a family of new products that are part of the Ewellix SmartX digital platform to help customers in their journey towards digitalisation.” Patented non-contact sensors provide a true absolute position of movement that never require calibration, while motion is constantly monitored with the option to synchronise multiple actuators to offer parallel motion, even at full speed. In addition, the CAHB-2xS monitors its own condition and can transmit an error code if it operates outside specifications. Together, these new features deliver several customer benefits, including lower costs, faster time to market and higher productivity. In terms of cost-saving, the actuator can be connected to a simple switch or a relatively inexpensive electronic control unit without the need for a high-current controller. When the equipment CAN bus is used, then the actuator wiring can also be simplified. In addition, multiple actuators with parallel motion can be controlled without the need for an extra electronic box or CAN bus on the equipment – further pushing down material and development costs. Machine developers can also design new products – or perform upgrades – more easily and quickly using the new actuator, with its plug-and-play functionality. For example, the firmware can be loaded to the actuator, allowing features such as the end stop to be adjusted from the equipment. Additionally, the CAN bus command allows users to specify an exact actuator position that is reached at a defined speed and with a maximum force, while the intelligent firmware eliminates the need for calibration or actuator testing. End-users find that the actuator’s smooth, powerful motion with soft stop/start – even when handling large loads – helps them work more productively. In addition, onboard diagnostics help identify any problems early, allowing them to be resolved before they become a serious concern. Minimising unscheduled shutdowns help reduce maintenance costs. Wide range of potential applications The actuators have a wide range of potential applications. These include agricultural equipment, construction machinery and materials handling equipment. They can also be used in work platforms and scissor lifts, and in electric vehicles such as utility task vehicles (UTV), road-sweepers and buses. One example is an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), which could use four actuators to lift heavy loads in a horizontal plane. Alternatively, a combine harvester might use dozens of actuators – connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) to ensure correct process control, information feedback, and onboard diagnostic function. www.ewellix.com Ewellix launches smart actuator with extended functionality CAHB 2xS wheel loader. ABOVE: The Type 8652 valve island integrates from 4 up to 48 valves and can provide time switching monitoring across 24 valves.