MU 2017 November December

60 MACHINERY UPDATE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 www.machineryupdate.co.uk
Components
Clever diaphragm pumps
deliver low energy usage
Aseries of intelligent
diaphragm
pumps has been
implemented into Tapflo’s
pump range portfolio.
It means TC Intelligent
pumps are now fitted
with clever low energy air
pump (LEAP) technology
developed by the company.
LEAP is a patented
technology used in airoperated
double diaphragm
(AODD) pumps to reduce
the operating air pressure.
This is achieved by
reducing internal losses
and friction found in
conventional AODD pumps.
The LEAP technology was
developed for an ultralow
flow, high-pressure
application utilising a double
diaphragm pump with an
electric power pack.
Tapflo says the technology
allows for sustainable energy
management by achieving
energy savings of up to 70%
in operation.
LEAP was first developed
by Tapflo’s British team and
consequently presented
B&R is introducing new
software components for
controlling hydraulics
applications. These
components provide easier
access to advanced closedloop
control functions and
assist developers in the
design, simulation, virtual
commissioning and diagnosis
of hydraulic systems.
B&R mapp Hydraulics
provides numerous new
functions, particularly for
variable-speed pump drives.
With the autotuning
LEAP technology offers efficiency
to Tapflo’s Group HQ in
Sweden and also to the
Polish manufacturing site.
After being fully tested
and approved to the group
product standard, it has
been implemented into the
TC range. This new range is
now available worldwide and
distributed across
six continents.
The launch of LEAP meets
the needs of users that
have been requesting eco
pumps in recent times that
are able to reduce costs and
provide a more sustainable
use of energy, says business
development manager at
Tapflo Walter Bryce.
In operation, the LEAP
technology has allowed
the pump to develop to
give smooth, effective
delivery at the lowest
energy consumption.
This technology shows
efficiency improvements
at all air pressures but the
gains are most marked at
low air pressures. Now,
instead of starting at more
than one bar with a possible
tendency to stall at such
pressures, a pump will start
at as little as just 0.2 bar.
The LEAP centre section
can be dropped into any
existing Tapflo pump offering
attractive payback rates.
T 023 8025 2325
W www.tapflopumps.co.uk
New software components for controlling
hydraulics applications make things easier
function, the new system
automatically optimises the
control loop parameters for the
hydraulic pressure controller.
This boosts both quality and
system performance.
Also, if autotuning is
used during operation,
the machine software can
automatically recalibrate the
controller following changes
to environmental conditions
or other factors such as load
forces or characteristics.
Another mapp Hydraulics
component automatically
B&R mapp Hydraulics brings benefit
calculates the maximum
acceleration and deceleration
values for an hydraulic drive.
T 01733 371320
W www.br-automation.com
Vacuum
ejector is a
small option
SMC has refreshed its ZH body
ported type vacuum ejector so that
it is more compact, lightweight
and easy to mount. It also has
an improved maximum suction
flow rate, improving its overall
effectiveness and functionality.
The pneumatics company has
updated its ZH Series vacuum
ejector so that it is more compact
in design, adaptable and can
be used for a wider number of
applications.
Offering an improved
maximum suction flow rate, the
enhanced ZH is smaller and up
to 74% lighter than the original
series, delivering space savings
and fewer inert moments when
mounted in mobile applications,
such as robot arms.
It also comes with four
mounting options – direct,
standard bracket, L-bracket
and DIN rail – giving customers
greater choice and flexibility.
These modifications make
the ZH suitable for a range of
applications such as packaging,
palletising, materials handling,
automatic assembly, automatic
transport or pick and place in
the semi-conductor, electrical,
automotive, food and medical
industries.
“We are always striving to
offer the very best solutions
for our customers and the ZH
is no exception,” said an SMC
spokesperson. “This latest
design gives customers working
in manufacturing and assembly
equipment several enhancements
including greater suction
capacity and adaptability for
different conditions, by offering
a combined one-touch and
screw-in connection.” Additional
features include optional silencer
and standard brackets.
T 0845 121 5122
W www.smcpneumatics.co.uk