Electricity + Control February 2019

SENSORS, SWITCHES + TRANSDUCERS

Some versions of the IO-Link master modules of- fer ports that are designed as B ports and supply aux- iliary energy for the connection of IO-Link actuators. The product range includes interfaces to Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, or AS-Interface. The master with AS-Interface has quick-mounting technology with a slide that locks the upper and lower parts. The module offers dual M12 Ethernet/IP com- munication ports which can be daisy-chained or connected through a network switch. Hence, if ad- ditional multiple modules are needed in a specific area of the plant for additional IO, these that can be easily accommodated with ifm’s quick-connect- ing IO link technology. Each port can be configured as either a digital in- put (2X), digital output or IO link. If an IO-Link instru- ment is connected to an IO-Link configured port then the instrument becomes configurable from various remote locations using ifm’s Y path with LR device software on a laptop, or from the PLC. Instrument configuration can also be managed from the SCADA or the distributed control system of the plant. The IO-Link system solution provides plant engi- neering and management personnel with compre- hensive instrumentation diagnostic information. In the event of an instrument failure, the instrument can be replaced easily, without the need to re- program the parameters. If the replacement is an exact match, the instrument can be automatically re-parameterised. Thus the plant becomes a plug- and-play environment and no specialised tools are needed to deal with breakdowns and maintenance. The AL1930 (Figure 5) IO-Link master for con- trol cabinet installation features an integrated web server for configuration and diagnosis. It transmits machine data, process parameters and diagnostic data via Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT or Mod- bus TCP/IP to the controller. To ensure that the data can be processed by IT and used at sever- al different factory locations or even worldwide, the device has a second port with an integrated switch. This second port allows direct networking of all connected IO-Link devices with a local server using a parallel communication path – the Y path. ifm’s Y path integrates IT and machine automation technology and enables full use of process data from sensors and actuators. The integrated inter- face software LineRecorder Agent enables com- munication with the server. Data analysis and process optimisation ifm electronic specified a range of pressure, flow, temperature and inductive sensors for the

different operational zones of the plant. The ifm SmartObserver package enables communication with these intelligent sensors for data analysis. It provides for condition monitoring and energy-ef- ficient operations. For the mini pilot hydropower plant, specific provisions are as outlined below. Condition monitoring • Continuous condition monitoring • Deposit limits • Visualisation and analysis with trend displays for - Vibration - Alarm management - Maintenance management Energy Monitoring • Visualisation and analysis with trend displays for - Pressure - Flow - Temperature - Current - Number of revolutions • Deposit limits • Alarm management • Maintenance management The key benefits of the SmartObserver package for the customer include: • Process optimisation • Transparency in production • Energy-efficient production • Quality assurance • Preventive maintenance scheduling and man- agement • Reduced energy costs • Reduced manufacturing costs • Increased uptime • Remote maintenance and notification Conclusion By applying this equipment and software as de- tailed, ifm is able to provide an automation solu- tion that is fit for purpose and ready for full data management in line with Industry 4.0 demands. The solution also provides a platform for future developments so that plant automation and data management can be scaled according to opera- tional needs. The system offers simplicity in installation and fewer points of failure, in turn providing for re- duced installation time and costs alongside the full benefits of automation.

Figure 4: AL1122 IO-Link master.

Figure 5: AL1930 IO-Link master.

Vishal Bachoo, sales engi- neer Sub-Saharan Africa, ifm electronic (SA), has a National Diploma, Instru- mentation, from the Durban University of Technology. He enjoys solving Real World Engineering and appli- cation problems to help customers improve their manufacturing processes.

Electricity + Control

FEBRUARY 2019

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