Festo develops a smart service unit that lowers compressed air energy cost and contributes to improved machine operation

Festo introduced a first-of-its-kind intelligent service unit that automatically puts compressed air on standby when a machine stands idle, thus reducing energy consumption. These units also alert plant personnel to wasted energy when air leaks from a machine’s pneumatic system. The new Festo MSE6-E2M, or E2M for short, can pay for itself in less than a year.

Automatically go into standby mode to save energy
Based on user defined parameters, the E2M module detects when a machine is idle and automatically shuts off compressed air thereby saving energy. When the unit receives a startup signal from an operator, the E2M resupplies compressed air. In the case of a particularly complex production process, automatic standby detection can be deactivated in favor of manual operation.

The E2M features a solenoid valve integrated with a pressure and a flow sensor in one compact package. A Profibus node provides communication between the E2M and a PLC. Festo plans to introduce Ethernet/IP and PROFINET communication options in 2016. The E2M flows up to 5,000 liters of compressed air per minute, programs easily, and offers fast connection to Festo MS series air preparation units.

Automatic leakage detection
The E2M unit detects pressure drops below a predefined value and sends an alert about the leak. Higher than anticipated air flow during production also indicates a leak and triggers a user defined alert. Eliminating leaks not only saves energy, it brings the compressed air system back to specification, which ensures quality operation of the machine, optimum throughput, and higher overall equipment effectiveness.

A wealth of data
The E2M actively monitors the condition of the pneumatic system in real time. This feature gives plant operators access to up-to-the-minute energy- and process-related data as well as comparative data over time. Values for flow rate, air consumption, and pressure are available. Data can help personnel determine historical trends on consumption, the amount of air consumed per product batch, and pressure and flow at the time of a malfunction or bad batch of product.

Not only is this module suitable for new machines, but it also, thanks to the simple connections, offers an easy retrofit on older machines. For more information on the E2M compressed air energy saving unit call 800-993-3786 and visit www.festo.com/us.

Festo
www.festo.com