Burkert Fluid Control Systems

Every day, new types of machines and equipment are being designed and developed that push forward the boundaries of medical science. In this continuing offensive, specialist MicroFluidic products for medical, biomedical and analytical applications are playing a key role, delivering, through automation and miniaturisation, greater efficiency in existing processes (faster sequences, higher throughput, smaller sample and solvent volumes and lower costs), and enabling newer processes in areas such as genetic research, chromatography and pharmaceuticals.

Burkert has launched its new hardback fluid control systems catalogue for 2009/2010. The catalogue features Burkert’s wide range of control and sensing solutions for use across a broad base of applications; including the new Element modular system.

Bürkert Fluid Control Systems has worked with Green Fuels, a leading bio-diesel equipment manufacturer, to develop a distributed skid system for the commercial production of bio-diesel. As well as supplying a number of high-end fluid control devices, Bürkert provided system support and service throughout each phase of the development of the bio-diesel processor.

Working with volatile liquids and gases is an everyday occurrence in pharmaceutical and chemical industries, often involving hazardous: i.e. explosive, atmospheres (ATEX rated 1/21). Historically, this has meant that control cabinets combining electrical and pneumatic devices could not be used in these areas. This was due to the risk of corrosion of electrical parts, which could subsequently cause an explosion. Today, a new solution permits the combination of electrical and pneumatic devices with Fieldbus communications, even in zone 1/21 environments. Developed by Burkert, this combines the company’s AirLINE Ex 8650 system with modules from the intrinsically safe SIMATIC ET 200iSP system from Siemens. It provides users with a complete ATEX certified unit for use in zone 1/21, achieving cost savings by delivering substantial reductions in cabinet space, wiring, documentation and validation.

Burkert servo- assisted solenoid valves are providing the top-up facility on rainwater collection systems provided by Rainharvesting Systems, a UK specialist in the technology. Used in both commercial and domestic premises, the collection systems are helping to offset the ever- growing demand for drinking water, providing an alternative water source for facilities such as toilets, washing machines, garden irrigation systems and swimming pools. In addition, the large amounts of water they collect also helps to reduce the risk of flooding.

The cost-down pressures inherent in all process industries mean that plant operators are consistently required to improve efficiency, at the same time as ensuring repeatable product quality. Moreover, these objectives have to be achieved within the required environment of high hygiene standards, where reliable assurance of clean and cleanable pipework and equipment is paramount.

Burkert is satisfying process industry demands for small and large systems that reduce costs and improve time to market, with a new extended design and build service for high-tech, pre-assembled MicroFluidic systems and custom- designed process control cabinets. Meeting the needs of markets such as food, beverage, process, chemical, pharmaceutical, medical/biomedical, water and oil and gas, the new extended service exploits Burkert’s unique ability to combine process and laboratory automation, valve elements, sensors, flowmeters, water treatment systems and networked communications into single source customised systems that deliver higher process efficiency and also higher yields with reduced wastage.

Burkert Fluid Control Systems has launched a new publication highlighting the company’s expertise in Brewery Process Control. Burkert offers a unique synergy of process automation, valve elements, sensors, flowmeters, water treatment systems and networked communications, all of which are integrated to deliver single source customised systems that provide breweries with higher process efficiency and also higher yeids.

Burkert has extended its 8070/8071 range of positive displacement flow meters for the measurement of high viscosity fluids, such as glue, honey and oil. The range now extends from 1/8(inches) to 4(inches), providing metering with high levels of accuracy (Equal to or less than 0.5(percent F.S.) for difficult- to- measure fluids with viscosities up to 1-m centipoise.

Burkert’s new ELEMENT system provides a complete systems approach, linking clean line valves, sensors, positioners and valve actuators in a simple architecture to solve total control loop processes. With unlimited modularity, ELEMENT saves processing time by offering total control solutions for media from slurries to steam, and from de-ionized water to hydrochloric acid.

Providing the highest fluid control performance in the smallest possible space, Burkert’s new Type 6650 sets a new standard for miniature solenoid valves employed in clinical, life science, analytical and fluid handling equipment. Suitable for use on vacuum up to 7-bar, and providing medium isolation for aggressive fluids, the direct-acting Type 6650 is just 4.5mm wide yet outperforms comparable 10mm and 16mm designs.

Bürkert’s new Power I/O Box type 8643 is designed to connect binary signals to Foundation Fieldbus H1 or Profibus PA in process systems – easily, cost effectively and safely. ATEX approved for operation in Zones 1 and 21, the Type 8643 is currently one of the few products on the market which meets all explosion-protection requirements, as well as offering users maximum flexibility regarding intrinsically safe actuator and sensor technology.

Burkert’s new mxControl multi-parameter controller automates the precise control of process variables within a water treatment system (boiler, cooling or Reverse Osmosis system), by integrating all the control, monitoring, display, and data and event logging functions into one compact, easy- to- configure controller. The mxControl accepts analog inputs from flow, pH, temperature, level, analytical and conductivity sensors, and provides high level computations to optimize the water treatment process. In addition, the controller delivers savings on time, space and equipment costs: one controller hardware specification providing dozens of configuration possibilities, all of which can be quickly downloaded via SD card (supplied) or via USB or optional Ethernet interface

Burkert’s new type 6240 valve is an extremely compact, servo- assisted solenoid valve for universal use with neutral gases, liquids such as compressed air, water and hydraulic oil, and also steam. Believed to be the only valve of its type on the market, the servo assisted 2/2 offers the major benefits of switching up to 16-bar without differential pressure, plus extremely fast operation (20ms opening), small size and high performance.

Bürkert’s new Type 6027 modular range of general purpose solenoid valves is designed for use with vacuum, neutral gases, fluids (compressed air, water, hydraulic oil) and slightly aggressive media, at pressures up to 16bar. The range comprises three modules Mini, Small and Compact that can be combined to allow multiple variations of functions, temperature ranges, coil ratings, chemical resistance and approvals. This simplifies valve selection for the user, providing the benefits of standardisation and a virtually unlimited combination of valve options

The ‘fit-and-forget’ design of Burkert’s 8201 pH measuring system enables the sensor to stay in process, even during CIP purification. This feature saves users both time and cost, by removing the requirement for sensor removal, cleaning and recalibration. The non-breakable sensor also obviates the problems of fracture with glass sensors; while its enamelled stainless steel finish provides the highest levels of non-stick performance for maximised hygiene whilst pH values are measured.

Bürkert’s new 8710 Mass Flow Controller and 8700 Mass Flow Meter integrate the company’s innovative FlowCapillary sensor technology, which is ideal for use with aggressive gases due to its isolation from the gas flow path. Robustly designed, the Type 8710 Mass Flow Controller and the Type 8700 Mass Flow Meter meet the requirements of industrial applications with excellent repeatability and sensitivity comparable to that of instruments used with neutral gases.

In all process industries the objectives are to improve efficiency and maximise profitability, at the same time as ensuring repeatable product quality. Moreover, these all have to be achieved within the required environment of high hygiene standards, where reliable assurance of clean and cleanable pipework and equipment is paramount.

Burkert’s new FreeLINE 8645 is a completely decentralised process automation solution with a higher type of protection IP65/IP67, offering all the freedoms of distributed I/O systems without the cost and complexity of installation in control cabinets.