machine building & automation - Industrial Technology Magazine

FLUID POWERValve innovation optimisespharmaceutical processesBurkert has developed a new valve design that removes dead legs,minimises hold-up volumes and reduces process timesValve selection is usually a crucial discussionpoint amongst design engineers, withtraditional solutions generally based arounddiaphragm valve technologies. These solutionsmake use of very closely welded cluster arrangements,with the shortest possible tangents and optimisedpositioning according to draining/cleaning requirements.However, even with optimised design, the requirementfor minimised hold-up volumes can often becompromised by complex valve clusters. This isbecause the more valves that are needed, the morewelds, pipe lengths and T-pieces that are required,and, ultimately, the more hold-up volume generated.In addition, valve clusters can also militate againstfast and accurate flow shift, which is essential forprocess efficiency, producing higher product yield andmore efficient batch control. If the accuracy of the flowshift is higher and more reliable, then the relationshipbetween concentrated product and the separation stepcan be controlled more closely. This will subsequentlyreduce product loss and have a positive impact on thereturn on investment of the installation.A further major challenge with the clusteringapproach is that, in larger systems the complexarrangement of valves, as well as their physicalindividual size, can result in large and heavy clustersthat have to be supported, and be easily accessible formaintenance. In addition, the larger the valvesrequired, the more overall space is required, and whenconsidering the need for fully drainable and cleanablesystems, this is not ideal.Such challenges have led to technology andmanufacturing advances, which have resulted in a newdesign based upon unique Robolux valves and custommanufactured stainless steel valve blocks. With thisdesign, hold-up volume is eliminated by reducing – byhalf, or more – the number of valves, diaphragms, pipefittings and welds required in a system.Based on diaphragm valve technology, the newgeneration of patented valves combines independentdual process switching functions or ‘2 seats’ in a singlebody with a single diaphragm and single actuator. Theactuator has independent pistons, one for each seat,offering a compactly-designed multi-port valve requiringabout 40 percent less space than traditional valvemanifolds using conventional diaphragm valves. Sinceless material is used in the valve bodies, they can beheated more quickly to the sterilisation temperaturerequired to destroy micro-organisms. A low internalvolume, and elimination of dead space, also supportsfaster cleaning and, of course, means better processefficiency and higher product yield from the process.Robolux valves are supplied with either manual orpneumatic actuators in sizes from ¼in to 2in. They aremanufactured with a choice of body types: 316-Lstainless steel, ultra-pure polypropylene, polypropyleneUSP V1 and PVDF (polyvinyl-difluoride).www.burkert.co.ukNew grippersboost reliabilityand qualityCamozzi Pneumatics has added a new rangeof pneumatic grippers to its portfolio ofautomation and motion control solutions.Series CGSN 180° angular grippers have beenlaunched as part of a wider initiative which willlead to the redevelopment of the entire gripperrange. Series CGSN is a high performancereplacement for Camozzi’s current CGS Series andis available in four bore sizes(16, 20, 25 and 32mm).These new grippers arecompletely interchangeable withSeries CGS and benefit from manynew features which have beenintroduced to maximise reliabilityand quality.The entire gripperredevelopment programme wasinitiated following the acquisition ofa specialist manufacturer of highprecision machined parts by the Camozzi Group.Each new gripper will therefore now incorporateinternal parts manufactured from within the groupso that high quality is guaranteed.www.camozzi.co.ukSafe fluid powerIMM Hydraulics will be exhibiting andpromoting the full IMM fluid conveying productrange at IFPEX, including its commercialbranded Hypress wire-braid, wire-spiral, and textilehydraulic hose, together with a range of hydraulicfittings and ferrules that have been designed,manufactured and exhaustively tested, ensuringguaranteed compatible products for a safe workingenvironment. The stand will also highlight the newHipac, Kaizen, Marathon, Pilot, 3SK and Longlifewire braid products, and the new Waterblast spiralhose and fittings.www.immhydraulics.co.uk48INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY • April 2012