Actuation and control system

AirLine allows Rockwell's Point I/O modules, Siemens ET200S modules, Phoenix Inline I/O modules or Wago I/O System 750 modules to be combined with the Bürkert solenoid valve units mounted on a single DIN rail assembly.

The series 8644 remote process actuation and control system combines digital I/O, including a full complement of pneumatic outputs, analog I/O, including directory RTDs and T/Cs, and specialty signals (RS232, high-speed counters, etc) in a single node.

All components of the system are modular, allowing enclosures to be easily customised to specific requirements of size, flow and switching function.

The AirLine 11 and 16 mm-wide solenoid pilot valves are available in 3/2, 5/2, 5/3 standard and 5/2 latching functions. The system handles flow rates from 180 to 700 L/min with a pressure range of 2 to 10 bar. Bürkert's pilot coil rocker technology requires low power consumption and handles high cycle rates at no detriment to coil life.

Importantly, the rocker coil multi-port seat valves operate with a servo piston function with self-readjusting seats. Unlike spool valves, seat valves do not rely on friction to operate and therefore no sticking problems occur after hours of rest. Mechanical manual override function and integral metric push-in fitting connection comes standard.

The system was developed for use across the process control industry to optimise initial digital communication efforts.

The system enables pneumatic valves to be electrically connected directly to a remote I/O module, without any individual coil wiring, numbering or termination required. Each valve is simply a digital output addressed by the network.

The system is suited to systems and processes in water treatment, transportation and automotive, food and beverage manufacture including dairy and viticulture, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, semiconductor manufacturing, cosmetics, pulp and paper processing, chemicals, textile dyeing and drying equipment.