Easy interfacing for digital proportional valve

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 14, 2003

The ability to maximise continuous automated production processes in all sectors of industry is provided by the new digital Sentronic D proportional valve.

The ability to maximise continuous automated production processes in all sectors of industry is provided by Asco Joucomatic's new digital Sentronic D proportional valves.

Simple to set up, and highly dynamic and transparent in operation, the Sentronic D valves enable PID control loops to be optimised quickly with extreme levels of sensitivity and with minimum levels of hysteresis.

The new digital valves are a further development of Asco Joucomatic's highly successful Sentronic range, which provides market leading solutions to proportional problems with air and gases in all industry sectors, including food, chemical, testing, medical, military, automotive, general industrial, simulation, bottling and many more.

The flexibility of a digital architecture enables the Sentronic D proportional valves to provide many advantages.

First, with its integrated display and keys Sentronic D can be installed without a PC.

Secondly, in more involved systems, the Sentronic D can be used with data acquisition software and a PC with RS232 interface to provide quick and easy adoption into PID control loops.

In this mode of operation system transients are logged by the Sentronic D scope function and can read out immediately via an integrated digital display.

In addition, once optimal parameters are determined, they can be stored in a project file for use in fault detection, routine maintenance or future serial production.

In common with analogue Sentronic versions, the Sentronic D operates on normal filtered air (50um), and offers users all the high response rate benefits of a direct operating poppet valve design.

This design benefits from internal balancing of all of its internal components.

As a result, the valve is not subject to internal forces and can control pressures across a wide range, up to 10bar.

In addition, it can also accommodate large orifice sizes, a feature that provides for excellent linear operating characteristics both when increasing and reducing pressure and/or flow.

The Sentronic D series is available in sizes DN 4mm with G1/8 and G1/4 thread connections as well as DN 8mm with G1/4 and G3/8.

In addition, a sub-base-mounted version will be available shortly to complete the range.

Four basic types are available: with display and two pushbuttons, offering pressure readout, manual pressure manipulation and LED diagnosis; a low-cost solution with no display or pushbuttons; nominal diameter 4mm with 470 litre/min airflow; and nominal diameter 8mm with 1300 litre/min airflow.

Asco Joucomatic has just published a new comprehensive 25-page booklet, which covers all aspects of proportional valve technology.

Illustrated with many industry specific examples, the booklet outlines proportional control methodology, provides explanation of symbols and terminology and lists the wide range of controllers available from Asco Joucomatic, each with industry-specific features.