Electricity and Control June 2021

MEASUREMENT + INSTRUMENTATION : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

New standards in flow measurement

The new SM flow sensor from ifm electronic sets new standards in flow measurement. It offers: - High accuracy for constant process reliability - A new measuring pipe design which reduces pressure losses - Optimised design which allows parallel installation in standard splitter boxes and the omission of inlet and outlet pipe lengths. The SM flow sensor is ideal for use in high temperature processes – up to 90°C. The inclusion of IO-Link reduces setup and hardware costs. Key features With its optimised measuring pipe, the new magnetic- inductive flowmeter of the SM series enables precise monitoring of processes: it covers measuring ranges of up to 150 l/min. Temperature and total quantity are also measured. The high temperature resistance of up 90°C allows operation in difficult applications, such as ovens, where the cooling water reaches very high temperatures. The TFT display shows several process values simultaneously; the two separate switch point LEDs and the optional colour change provide an ideal overview. In combination with intuitive operation using three buttons, the self-explanatory menu items reduce the setup time required for the sensor. Customer benefits In manufacturing processes, the overheating of tools, welding guns or ovens leads to increased wear and eventually to production downtime. Continuous monitoring of the cooling water ensures the process reliability of applications requiring intensive cooling. For this, the SM type flow meter features high accuracy and integrated temperature measurement. In

can be integrated into the controller and checked without the plant being in operation. To monitor individual cooling lines separately, several flow meters are used simultaneously. The slim design of theSMflowsensor is optimised for standardsplitter boxes. It features a connector position optimised for practical use, rendering complex piping and the displacement of sensors unnecessary. The flow sensor can be used in standard water distributors with an internal diameter of 50 mm. Another feature is that it eliminates the need for inlet and outlet pipe lengths upstream and downstream of the sensor. This enables maximum flexibility for the layout and installation of the plant. Application examples In injection moulding machines, the cooling water quan- tity and the temperature are key factors in determining the quality of the final product. Clogging must be detect- ed without delay – and the SM flow sensor ensures this. In hardening systems, the cooling curves of work pieces must be adhered to during hardening processes. This is done by applying a defined quantity of cooling water to the previously heated work piece. Here too, the SM flow sensor detects potential clogging, ensuring a continuously high product quality. For machine tools, a permanent cooling water supply ensures consistent quality and extends the lifetime of the tool. Swarf can clog cooling water pipes and the SM detects this in time to prevent overheating of the tools. In oven construction, a lack of cooling water can lead to dangerously high temperatures in the oven. In such applications, the SM monitors the cooling water quantity and temperature up to 90°C, preventing expensive downtime due to excessive temperatures. For more information contact ifm South Africa. Tel: +27 (0)12 450 0400 E-mail: info.za@ifm.com Visit: www.ifm.com The new SM flow sensor provides high accuracy for constant process reliability.

combination with the total quantity meter (totaliser function) it is also possible to implement reliable energy monitoring. The optimised design of the measuring pipe with an increased internal diameter reduces pressure drops. The advantage of this is that pump outputs can be reduced, which saves energy costs. Using IO-Link the different (flow, temperature, total quantity) can be evaluated in the controller via only one input. Measuring points, wiring and PLC input cards are reduced, and this too saves costs. The integrated simulation function simplifies the setup. The sensors measuring parameters

The SM flow sensor is design- optimised for practicality, flexibility and simple installation.

22 Electricity + Control JUNE 2021