Watson-Marlow Bredel is launching three IP66 rated cased peristaltic pumps with certified Profibus DP networking capabilities, namely the 520BP, 620BP and 720BP.
Compared with non-networked pumps, the Profibus-compatible units reduce engineering, hardware and installation costs, as well as offering 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: 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 quicker, meaning downtime is minimised.
Real-time diagnostic information also allows for process flexibility.
Where a pump tube needs to be replaced, Loadsure elements allow one-minute maintenance, and guaranteed element loading improves accuracy and tube life.
Loadsure tube elements incorporate either industrial Cam Groove connectors or sanitary Tri-clamp connectors at either end of an accurate length of peristaltic tubing.
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 pumphead to double the maximum flow rate to 4000 litres/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 pumphead has a large track diameter and twin sprung-roller design, resulting in tube life that is two and a half times longer than that available from competitive pumps.
All of the pumps come with a five-year warranty.
The 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, and all without contamination of the pump or fluid.
Peristaltic pumps are suitable for critical processes and 'difficult' fluids in the water treatment, food and drink production, pharmaceuticals and biotechnologies, print and packaging, and pulp and paper 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.
